Doctrine & Covenants 1
Joseph Smith said that the
church was not yet two years
old and there was great anxiety
to obtain the word of the Lord
upon every subject that in any
way concerned our salvation.
(History of the Church, 1:207).
This was not the first revelation given in this
dispensation.
They wanted to print 10,000 “Books of Commandments.”
Unfortunately after the press was destroyed only a few
copies (6) were saved. Some historians say as many as
twenty might have been saved.
Doctrine & Covenants 1:1
Thirty-six sections begin with the word “hearken.”
Hearken means to “listen and obey.”
Doctrine & Covenants 1:4
A voice of warning unto all people!
Doctrine & Covenants 1:6
The Doctrine & Covenants is the only book in existence
which bears the honor of a preface given by the Lord
himself.
Doctrine & Covenants 1:12
The word “prepare” appears 90 times in the Doctrine &
Covenants.
It is one of the major themes in the Doctrine & Covenants.
Doctrine & Covenants 1:15-16
For they have strayed from mine ordinances and covenants,
and have broken mine everlasting covenant.
Babylon
Why do some of our youth risk engaging in ritual prodigalism,
intending to spend a season rebelling and acting out in Babylon
and succumbing to that devilishly democratic “everybody does
it”? Crowds cannot make right what God has declared to be
wrong. Though planning to return later, many such stragglers
find that alcohol, drugs, and pornography will not let go easily.
Babylon does not give exit permits gladly. It is an ironic
implementation of that ancient boast: One soul shall not be
lost” (Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, November 1988, 33).
Even if we decide to leave Babylon, some of us endeavor to
keep a second residence there, or we commute on weekends
(Neal A. Maxwell, A Wonderful Flood Of Light, 47).
Existing Conditions in the World Anger the
Lord!
Elder Spencer W. Kimball dispelled the notion that idolatry is a
sin of the past that must involve some kind of image or figure.
“Idolatry is among the most serious sins.” Modern idols or
false gods can take such forms as clothes, homes, businesses,
machines, automobiles, pleasure boats, and numerous other
material deflectors from the path of Godhood.
Brigham Young said: “I would as soon see a man worshipping
a little god made of brass or of wood as to see him
worshipping his property.”
“Intangible things make just as ready gods.
Degrees and letters and titles can become
idols. Many young men decide to attend
college when they should be on a mission first.
The degree, and the wealth and the security
which come through it, appear so desirable
that the mission takes second place. Some
neglect Church service through their college
years, failing to give preference to the secular
learning and ignoring the spiritual covenants
they have made.”
“Many people build and furnish a
home and buy the automobile first –
and then find they ‘cannot afford’ to
pay tithing. Whom do they worship?
Certainly not the Lord of heaven and
earth, for we serve whom we love and
give our first consideration to the
object of our affection and desires.
Young married couples who postpone
parenthood until their degrees are attained
might be shocked if their expressed preference
were labeled idolatry” (Miracle of Forgiveness, 4041).
Doctrine & Covenants 1:21-23
3 Reasons For The Doctrine & Covenants:
1. v. 21
That faith might increase on
the earth.
2. v. 22
The everlasting covenant
might be established.
3. v. 23
The gospel might be
proclaimed to the world.
Doctrine & Covenants 1:30
The only true and living church upon the face of the
whole earth!
Might gave power to lay the foundation of this church, and to
bring it out of obscurity and out of darkness!
Both President Faust and President Packer are on record as
having taught that this has been fulfilled in the calling and
ministry of President Gordon B. Hinckley.
The Correct Answer
Doctrine and Covenants 1:33
If we’re not reading the scriptures daily, our
testimonies are growing thinner, our spirituality
isn’t increasing in depth. – Harold B. Lee
(Regional representatives’ seminar, 12 Dec.
1970, Historical Department Archives, The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10.)
The Pattern: (Amos 3:7)
Doctrine and Covenants 1:37-38
Revelation comes through God to his prophets.
Prophets than reveal God’s words to the
people.
Then the people must seek revelation from
God in order to accomplish His will!