Come Follow Me 47: Doctrine and Covenants 133-134

 

Come, Follow Me Lesson 47: Doctrine and Covenants 133-134

Introduction:

What answers are you seeking? Do you have faith to ask a humble question?

How important are the truths found in the Doctrine and Covenants? (In the early church, the first publications were scattered and destroyed and the printing press attacked.)

How has the Doctrine and Covenants helped you understand the Lord’s Latter-day work?

See vs 37 and then vs 3. (Gospel preached to all; Lord will make bear His arm.)

Section 133 was the last section at the time and it circles back to section one. Again, the Lord tells us to hearken (See sec 1:1 and 133:1)

Hearken means to hear and obey (see Guide to the scriptures).

The Lord gives us invitations to hearken in D&C 133:1-19. What are they? Which will you choose to concentrate on?

1. Hearken and hear the word of the Lord.

2. Prepare by attending the temple yourself.
2. Remember the Lord. Focus on the Savior.
3. Is vs. 3 a concern to you or a valued promise?

4. Prepare ye? How do we prepare? Sanctify yourself? How do we do that? Dedicate yourself; make yourself holy. Gather together to our own stake of Zion.

5. How can we leave behind the things of this world, or leave Babylon when it’s all around us?

5. Why is it so important that those who are the vessels of the Lord keep themselves clean? How can we do that?

6. What are some of the solemn assemblies that we participate in on a regular basis?

6. When do we meet together and counsel together?

6. Why is it so important for every member to call upon the name of the Lord? (Unity)

7. Lord’s voice says to leave Babylon and go to Zion.

8. Send forth missionaries into all the world. Invite all to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.

9. Assist in the gathering; invite all to come to Zion.

10. Help prepare yourself and the world for the Lord’s Second Coming.

11 How are you watching? Are we on the Lords’ watch?

12. How can we help others to flee to Zion and find safety?

13. How can we help them prepare to go to the temple?

14. How can we leave behind us spiritual Babylon?

15. How can we plan carefully and effectively our departure from Babylon and commit ourselves fully to the Lord’s service and errand?

16. Hearken, hear, listen. Whose voice should we be listening for?
16. Whom is the Lord calling? What is He commanding us to do?

17. Does the Lord continue to send His angels to prepare the way?

18. Are we prepared for the day when the Lord will meet with His 144,000 High Priests?
19. Are we prepared for when the Bridegroom comes again?

What is the danger of thinking that we have more time ahead to prepare instead of now (see Matt 25:1-13)?

How do you look forward to the Savior’s Second Coming? (vs 19-32)

19. How can we go out to meet Him right now?

There are many things that are happen, that we can anticipate happening, and that will take place in connection with the Lord’s return. It seems like one of the most important things that I can do right now in preparation is to learn to hear His voice.

Where are the lost tribes? Some think that they are all just scattered among the Europeans or the Gentiles around the world. This section makes me think that there is a large body of them hidden from the rest of the world at this time.

Do you feel the Savior’s love for you? Do you feel joy and wonder in connection with His return (vs 32-52)?

32. Are you choosing to be a blessing to Israel now? Are you inviting others to gather to Zion?

33. Do others feel to sing the song of redeeming love because of your love and efforts on their behalf? Do you experience being filled with songs of everlasting joy yourself?
34. Missionary work is important.
35. Judah will also be gathered back into the Lord’s favor and presence.
36-39. The angel brought back the gospel and committed it to men, and we are commissioned to take it to all the earth.
40. Are we petitioning the Lord to return? We should be asking for this day and night.

41-44. The Lord will protect His people from their adversaries.
45. He has prepared great things for those who wait for Him (and are valiant).

46-49. Vivid descriptions of the Lord and His return.

50. And His voice shall be heard! No one can any longer choose not to listen.

51. He will avenge His saints. He will make things right.

52. His redemption will be fully come for those who love and obey Him. (read it)
53. Even now, He is with us and protects us. He will have pity on us and carry us.
54-56. If we are righteous we will be in the presence of the Lord with all the prophets who’ve gone before us and all the saints that will be raised from the dead. We will sing the song of the Lamb, day and night forever and ever.

57. He wants all to have the chance to be partakers of His glory.

58-59. The meek and humble, the weak things of the earth, shall spread His gospel in great glory.
62. Repent and sanctify yourself before the Lord—you’ll be given eternal life.

65. What answer do you want from the Lord? What questions are you asking Him?

D&C 134: The Church’s stand on governments?

1. Principles about governments

2. Responsibilities of citizens

Articles of Faith 11 and 12 state that we believe in freedom of religion and that we believe in upholding the laws of the land.

3. How are we blessed by having rules and laws?

Sometime, it would be good to go back and take notes on this section. But and I read and discussed it together for our home Sunday school lesson. It’s an excellent section.