DOCTRINE & COVENANTS - LESSON 1
SECTION 1

  1. Introductory Comments.
    1. Music prior to prayer.
      1. Pioneer Portrait - Overture/This People.
      2. Prayer.
  2. Introduction To Course of Study.
    1. Music - The Work & The Glory.
    2. This year's course of study is the Doctrine & Covenants mingled with Church History.
      1. WHAT IS THE DOCTRINE & COVENANTS.
        1. This book of scripture contains revelations from the Lord to his latter-day prophets, primarily the Prophet Joseph Smith.
        2. President Ezra Taft Benson: "The Book of Mormon brings men to Christ. The Doctrine & Covenants brings men to Christ's kingdom, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 'the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth' (D&C 1:30).... "The Book of Mormon is the 'keystone' of our religion, and the Doctrine and Covenants is the capstone, with continuing latter-day revelation. The Lord has placed His stamp of approval on both the keystone and the capstone" (Ensign, May 1987, p.83).
    3. Course Goals/Goals As The Instructor.
      1. To come to a greater understanding of the Doctrine & Covenants and its application to our eternal progression.
        1. The words contained in the Doctrine and Covenants are the "word" and "voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation." (D&C 68:4)
      2. To strengthen testimonies regarding the Prophet Joseph Smith & his divine calling.
        1. President Gordon B. Hinckley: "The life and ministry of the Prophet Joseph Smith are indeed the substance of great things and remarkable events. They have created a legacy that will continue to increase among mankind. He was the Lord's latter-day servant who was chosen to bear witness anew of the resurrected Christ." (Ensign, January 1997, p2)
      3. To strengthen testimonies regarding the Restoration.
        1. President Hinckley: "I have tried to picture in imagination that April 6 of 1830, the day the Church was organized. The few who believed in Joseph's mission gathered on that day.... One wonders whether any of that group, other than Joseph Smith, who saw the prophetic vision, had any idea of the greatness of the thing they were beginning."
        2. DO ANY OF US?
      4. To better understand the cause of Zion which Joseph strived towards in his life and to more fully comprehend the fact that we are part of an ongoing quest in the development of that Zion which the Prophet envisioned.
      5. To come to a greater understanding of ourselves as children of an Eternal Father endowed with the seeds of Godhood.
      6. To more fully appreciate the lives of the early Saints, discovering that they were not perfect, but striving to build the kingdom of God. An understanding of their struggles should give each of us strength and courage as we go forward in our lives and in building the kingdom.
        1. 1997 is the 150th anniversary of the pioneer trek from Winter Quarters to Salt Lake City. We will take time this year to reflect on the important events of the pioneer era.
        2. Statement from Supplement to Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual: "During 1997 Church members will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Latter-day Saint pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley on 24 July 1847. In 1997 Sunday School Gospel Doctrine classes will study the Doctrine and Covenants and Church history with more emphasis being given to Church history than in the past. "Although this course focuses on the Doctrine and Covenants, it should include latter events of Church history also. Teachers may combine some lessons during the year to allow time to study more recent events...."
        3. The January 1997 Ensign introduces the theme of the Church Pioneer Sesquicentennial Celebration.
          1. See article by Elder Robert L. Backman, pp6-15.
          2. The Theme: FAITH IN EVERY FOOTSTEP.
          3. I hope to make this a theme in our studies this year.
    4. Some suggestions for study:
      1. In addition to the primary text of the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price, the Supplement also recommends the following available through Church Distribution:
        1. Truth Restored.
        2. Our Heritage: A Brief History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
      2. Some personal recommendations:
        1. Doctrine & Covenants Commentary.
        2. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Joseph Fielding Smith, ed.
        3. Documentary History of the Church.
        4. History of Joseph Smith the Prophet, by Lucy Mack Smith.
        5. Joseph Smith & The Restoration, by Ivan Joseph. Barrett.
        6. Joseph Smith the Prophet, a series of 8 lectures on cassette or in book form by Truman G. Madsen.
        7. Brigham Young, by Leonard J. Arrington.
        8. Life of Heber C. Kimball, by Orson F. Whitney.
        9. Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt.
        10. Great Basin Kingdom, by Leonard J. Arrington.
        11. The Work & The Glory, 7 vols, by Gerald Lund.
  3. Section 1.
    1. Scriptural themes:
      1. The voice of warning is to all people.
      2. Apostasy & wickedness before the Second Coming.
      3. Joseph Smith called to restore to the earth Lord's truth & powers.
      4. Book of Mormon brought forth & true church established.
      5. Peace to be taken from the earth.
      6. Search these commandments.
    2. Background:
      1. Prior to Oliver Cowdery & John Whitmer leaving for Jackson County, MO, the Prophet called a conference of elders to consider matter of importance pertaining to their duties. The first day of the conference was Nov 1, 1931.
      2. The main item on the agenda was the publication of the revelations given to Joseph Smith thus far. It was the on the 1st day of the conference that the Lord gave his approval to the compilation by revealing the 1st section of the D&C, known as the Lord's preface to the Book of Commandments.
      3. It was decided by the elders that 10,000 copies of the 65 revelations should be printed under the title, "Book of Commandments."
      4. It was at this conference that William E. McLellin questioned some of the language in the revelations. He attempted to write a revelation and failed.
      5. Following the conference Joseph arranged the revelations, and
      6. Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer carried them to Independence for
      7. William W. Phelps to print.
    3. An Introduction to Section 1 & The Doctrine and Covenants.
      1. A Modern Parable.
        1. They were singing, shouting, laughing, and talking about their personal victories and adventures as the boat carried them peacefully down the slow-moving river. In their merriment they did not notice a quiet quickening of the current. Their preoccupation with each other kept them from paying much attention to one who appeared on the nearby shore waving excitedly for them to make their way to safety. A few waved back with curious smiles but continued on with their immediate interests. "Rapids! Rapids! Falls! Change your direction! Come to shore quickly!" was the man's urgent call repeated over and over; but they were unconcerned until they happened to observe the faster current and looked ahead to see a short stretch of white-capped waves dashing around and over jagged rocks. An increasing roar indicated that suddenly the river would drop from sight, spilling into a roaring chasm of churning, foamy water. With screams of horror they lunged for the oars and began to row frantically for shore. But it was too late-they had waited too long. The power of the current was too strong, and into the rapids they plunged-tossing, turning, shreiking, and cursing; finally over the falls they went to a watery grave. (In "Knowing The Calamity" by George A. Horton, Jr. Studies In Scripture, Vol. 1, p39)
        2.  READ D&C 1:17-24.
          1. The Lord knows our time. He sees the "calamity" ahead. It is his servants who stand on the shore waving to come to shore and make their way to safety.
          2. Consider the call from shore:
            1. V1: "Hearken ye people from afar, and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together."
            2. V4: "And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days."
            3. V11-14: "Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear: "Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh; "And the anger of the Lord is kindled, and his sword is bathed in heaven, and it shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth. "And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people;"
          3. The Doctrine & Covenants contains the call to shore, where we may find safety.
            1. As President Benson stated: "...The Doctrine & Covenants brings men to Christ's kingdom..."
            2. It is here that we find eternal safety from the dangers of the world. This is what the Doctrine and Covenants is for each of us.
    4. Introductory Statement.
      1.  READ D&C 1:1-6.
      2. In V6 the Lord calls this revelation his preface to the Book of Commandments.
      3. HOW WILL THE VOICE OF WARNING BE GIVEN TO ALL PEOPLE?
        1. V4: "...by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days."
        2. HOW IS THAT BEING DONE TODAY?
          1. President Ezra Taft Benson: "My purpose in sharing these words of the Lord regarding the condition of the world in the latter days is this: "Today we as a church are sounding the voice of warning through our missionaries to the nations of all the earth. We send our missionaries to proclaim the gospel to those who will receive our message.... "We have some difficult days ahead. The Lord has forcast calamities that will befall the nations of the world because of their disobedience to and disregard of His commandments and revelations. In His great love and mercy, He has raised up the Prophet Joseph Smith and other servants to proclaim His gospel in order that faith will increase and the Lord may establish His everlasting covenant among all mankind." (Ensign, January 1993)
          2.  READ D&C 1:19&23.
            1. WHY DOES THE LORD REFER TO HIS SERVANTS AS "THE WEAK THINGS OF THE WORLD"?
              1. Who else, but the Lord, would use an army of 19 year olds, young ladies, and older couples.
            2. WHY DOES HE USE THE "WEAK AND SIMPLE?"
              1. They are humble & submissive to the will of the Lord.
              2. It is they who will carry out the will of the Lord and not their own whims and desires.
    5. V30: "And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased, speaking unto the church collectively and not individually-"
      1. The Lord makes it clear that only in this Church does his power reside. This is His living church. It is the only true Church upon the face of the earth.
    6.  READ D&C 1:37-39. Search these commandments.
      1. This is our charge. The Church has designated this year in particular to search these commandments, as contained in the Doctrine and Covenants.
        1. The Lord didn't say read, but search.
        2. If we knew there was a $10,000 gold piece hidden in our house, would we casually walk around and look or would we search under every piece of furniture, behind every can of food. Might we take the back off our TV. Would we leave a single space unturned.
        3. The Lord said search. We are looking for treasures far more valuable and much longer lasting that $10,000.
  4. Faith In Every Footstep.
    1. An entry from the writings of Truman O. Angell, architect of the Salt Lake Temple.
      1. "The Church is compelled in consequence of persecution throughout the entire state of Illinois being so heavy, its army arrayed against us, the determination being to destroy, to flee to the mountains according to the command of the Lord; this being our only chance of safety. I was chosen to go {gathering} to the west in company with the pioneers, at which my heart greatly rejoiced. After the dedication of the [Nauvoo] Temple my exertions were made to gather up an outfit to leave for the west. The committee in charge was instructed to furnish me a rig, the best they could, which detained me until late in the summer; they not having the power to get it earlier. I was furnished two wagons which needed thorough repairing. After getting them ready, I put all my affairs into them and crossed the Mississippi River to the opposite bank, waiting at the camp for cattle and means to buy provisions. The cattle which were furnished me were young and unbroken. "I got some provisions and a rig and started for Winter Quarters. On my way I was taken with chills and fever, which was very severe. I got two Negroes to act as teamsters who took me through to the Missouri. The effects of this sickness lurked about me all winter, leaving me faint and feeble. This was the place of rendezvous for the Pioneers before starting for the Valley early in the spring following. "My hope and faith were in a future state. I was one of the Pioneers in coming to and making a home for the Saints in Utah in 1847, and returned to Winter Quarters. The following winter I made a fitout and took my family, in the spring, and started for our new home, arriving in Utah in the fall with an ox team, a distance of over 1000 miles, moving my sick wife on her back every rod of the way, having two children with us, having buried three in Winter Quarters. Soon after my arrival I was chosen architect for the Church--the former architect, William Weeks, having deserted and left for the east, thereby taking himself from the duties of the said office--which position I hold to this day. (1883)" (Writings of Early Latter-day Saints ChapTruman Angell Auto in Pioneer Heritage 1Pg 200-201)
  5. NEXT WEEK.
    1. Lesson 2: Joseph Smith-History 1:1-26.
    2. Lesson 3: Joseph Smith-History 1:27-54 & Doctrine and Covenants 2.