Lesson 24-Be Not Deceived, but Continue in Steadfastness

Lesson 24-Be Not Deceived, but Continue in Steadfastness

Relevant Scriptures: D&C 26; 28; 43:1-7, 50; 52:14-19

Headlines:

-Satan's efforts and our personal pride are barriers to knowing the truth and to remaining faithful

-The Lord's pattern is that Prophets teach correct principles and individual members are responsible for prayerfully applying those principles to their lives

-That which is of God is always edifying

Overview Idea:

Satan is a real being whose "happiness" is a function of our misery, which drives him to oppose/derail Heavenly Father's plan. We come here to earth learn the difference between Good and Evil and then to choose good by covenant.  Satan's job is to sell the bad and we see that he does a pretty good job of it. See D&C 50:2-3, 2 Ne 2:18, 27

Satan's plan and motivations are beautifully dramatized in Milton's Paradise Lost. The following section has Satan and his minions, after finding themselves in hell after being cast out of heaven (the first lost war).   Beezelbub, Satans' military leader and 2nd in command raises up to suggest a plan to corrupt God's new creation (Man) rather than trying another frontal attack on heaven. He declaims:

Yet ever plotting how the Conqueror least
May reap his conquest, and may least rejoyce
In doing what we most in suffering feel? [ 340 ]
Nor will occasion want, nor shall we need
With dangerous expedition to invade
Heav'n, whose high walls fear no assault or Siege,
Or ambush from the Deep. What if we find
Some easier enterprize? There is a place [ 345 ]
(If ancient and prophetic fame in Heav'n
Err not) another World, the happy seat
Of some new Race call'd Man, about this time
To be created like to us, though less
In power and excellence, but favour'd more [ 350 ]
Of him who rules above; so was his will
Pronounc'd among the Gods, and by an Oath,
That shook Heav'ns whol circumference, confirm'd.
Thither let us bend all our thoughts, to learn
What creatures there inhabit, of what mould, [ 355 ]
Or substance, how endu'd, and what thir Power,
And where thir weakness, how attempted best,
By force or suttlety: Though Heav'n be shut,
And Heav'ns high Arbitrator sit secure
In his own strength, this place may lye expos'd [ 360 ]
The utmost border of his Kingdom, left
To their defence who hold it: here perhaps
Som advantagious act may be achiev'd
By sudden onset, either with Hell fire
To waste his whole Creation, or possess [ 365 ]
All as our own, and drive as we were driven,
The punie habitants, or if not drive,
Seduce them to our Party, that thir God
May prove thir foe, and with repenting hand
Abolish his own works. This would surpass [ 370 ]
Common revenge, and interrupt his joy
In our Confusion, and our Joy upraise
In his disturbance; when his darling Sons
Hurl'd headlong to partake with us, shall curse
Thir frail Original, and faded bliss, [ 375 ]
Faded so soon.

To make sure that his motives for continuing rebellion are clear, Satan rallies his troops with the following:

Here at least (in hell)
We shall be free; th' Almighty hath not built
Here for his envy, will not drive us hence: [ 260 ]
Here we may reign secure, and in my choyce
To reign is worth ambition though in Hell:
Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heav'n.

Historical Context for the revelations:

As we all know, the Church was restored in the midst of religious ferver with many looking for direct divine manifestations that their personal salvation is secure.  History knows these as "seekers" and many were attracted to the restoration because one of its primary messages is that the heavens are no longer sealed, that God has spoken to man in our day and that he will speak to each of us if we will seek him.

The opportunity for individual revelation, while a great comfort to individuals, created the possibility of confusion regarding who was to receive revelation to guide the general membership of the Church.

The first problem arose with Hiram Page, a brother in law to Oliver Cowdrey (both had married Whittmers) and one of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon.  Joseph Smith's diary records that Hiram was claiming to receive revelations through a stone "concerning the upbuilding of Zion the order of the Church and so forth, but which were entirely at variance with the order of God's House, as it is laid down in the scriptures and our own late revelations".  Newel Knight wrote that Hiram "had quite a roll of papers full of these revelations, and many in the Church were led astray by them".

Those led astray included Oliver Cowdery. Revelatory responsibility for the Church had already been an issue for Oliver.  Earlier, after Joseph rewrote the articles and covenants of the Church (D&C 20) Oliver commanded Joseph "in the name of Almighty God" to delete the words "and truly manifest by their works" from verse 37 which calls out the requirements of those who want to join the Church through Baptism.  Joseph refused saying that he couldn't delete what had been revealed and to his credit Oliver stood down.

Read D&C 28:2, 6-7

Seeking direction on this issue, the Lord revealed Section 28 which makes clear that Joseph is the sole revelator for the Church. Oliver is enjoined to pull Hiram aside, make clear that he has been deceived and that his revelations are false.  Note that Oliver is instructed to speak "between him and thee alone" that is to do this in private and with love.

To his credit, Hiram and Oliver supported this revelation.  As a sign of their commitment, Hiram Page's stone (7 X 4 inches roughly) was ground to dust and the "revelations" were burned.  As noted, Hiram went on to become one of the eight witnesses and was severely beaten for his faith by a mob in October 1833 in Jackson County. Although he left the Church after the martyrdom (following David Whittmer) he never denied his testimony of the Book of Mormon.

Section 43 deals with another member claiming revelation, a Ms. Hubble.  The revelation again confirms that Joseph is the sole revelator for the Church "there is none other appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations until he be taken, if he abide in me".

In summary, the issue who recieves revelation for the Church is an example where additional revelation clarified an issue and members accepted the direction (we have relatively few modern examples of people claiming revelation for the Church).

Question:  Even though false revelation is a limited problem today, are there other examples relevant to living in our secular world where the principles in these revelations apply?  Class answers centered around the fact that although few are claiming direct revelation for the Church, many seek to coach the brethren (social issues are an example).

Scripture readings and discussion:
Satan is real
D&C 50:2-3 & 2 Ne: 2:18, 27  Note that in v.18, Satan's lie was that Adam/Eve could have it both ways, that is that they could have knowledge and not die. Here, as usual, Satan mixes truth and falsehood.

The manual then discussed attitudes that can lead us to lose our faith, specifically: pride, being critical of leaders imperfections, being offended, rationalizing disobedience and accepting the false teachings of the world. Comments below on topics discussed in class:

Pride
From the Encyclopedia of Mormonism:
In an address drawing together Book of Mormon and other scriptural teachings regarding pride, President Ezra Taft Benson called it "the universal sin, the great vice". He characterized its central feature as "enmity-enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen" and defined "enmity" as "hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition." He observed that "pride is essentially competitive in nature," arising when individuals pit their will against God's or their intellects, opinions, works, wealth, and talents against those of other people. He warned that "pride is a damning sin in the true sense of that word," for "it limits or stops progression" and "adversely affects all our relationships".

We can also consider that Pride is a way of trying to locate the truth in us rather than God and that pride does indeed go before the fall (Proverbs 16:18-19). Pride is such a common path to our self destruction that the fall and rise of man is called the "pride cycle" in the Book of Mormon. The lesson manual shared a few examples from Church history where pride became a leaders undoing.

Question: How specifically does pride manifest itself in our lives in today's culture?  Answers shared (specific to our area) focused on wealth and education.

Being offended
Read D&C 64:8-11 and 82:11 These verses underscore the importance of forgiving all who offend us, emphasizing that failing to forgive is a sin worse than any transgression against us. After all, if the Savior, in his perfection can forgive how can we not forgive others?

The lesson closes out with a discussion of the resources the Lord has given us to remain valiant in our faith.  One of those resources is that we can have confidence in the leadership of the Church. Read D&C 43:4-7.

Question:  How we follow the prophets but still retain our agency? Answers included referring to Joseph Smith's teaching that he (and the Prophets) teach correct principles and the people govern themselves.  Elder Oaks has confirmed this teaching.  For an example see, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsty03geyyM . In my life, I have never regretted following the council of Church leaders, but I can think of many instances where I regretted not following them more closely.

Common consent in the church provides additional confidence in Church leadership and brings other benefits as well.  Read D&C 26:2 and 28:13.  We clarified in class that consent is not a vote but rather an opportunity to sustain our leaders and a reminder of our agency.  Consent safeguards our agency, reminding us that our membership is voluntary.  It creates accountability for both members and leaders (protecting against deception) and therefore guarding against secret combinations while reminding us of the covenants we have made.

The lesson enjoined us to study the scriptures prayerfully, reminding us that all things that come from God will edify us (the dictionary defines edify as to formally instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually). Read D&C 50:17-24.

In sum, I'm reminded again of President Mouritsen's teaching that a strong faith is based on 1) our reason 2) spiritual confirmation through study/prayer and 3) the blessings of right living and service. If we follow the Prophets and have a good balance in these three areas our faith will remain strong.

That said, doubt is an important part of the Lord's plan for learning. Doubt enables our agency and drives us to learn. We shouldn't be afraid of it.  Terryl Given's Letter to a Doubter is an excellent resource on this point which can be read at:

http://www.mormoninterpreter.com/letter-to-a-doubter/

Link to a pdf of my lesson notes from the manual

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B78D5btorZEeOFlEWnJIQ3BDRzQ

Lesson 23-Seek Learning, Even by Study and Also by Faith

Lesson 23-Seek Learning, Even by Study and Also by Faith

Headlines:

-Gaining knowledge is required for Salvation/We cannot be saved in Ignorance

-Knowledge and Relationships are the only things portable from this life to the next

-The Temple is the center of learning in this life for knowledge of eternal things

Context:

D&C 93:36-40 present a deep metaphysics (presentation of ultimate realities):

-The Glory of God is Intelligence.  Definitions of Glory include power or a state of happiness (either apply)

-Truth/Knowledge is something that is learned. We are progressing from a state of innocence (lack of knowledge) to higher states of progression, that is, we're gaining knowledge of all kinds

-Disobedience, encouraged by "the wicked one" is darkness that is, takes away the light (our knowledge)

-Light is the perfect metaphor for truth (when the lights come on we can see)

The lesson topic revolves around D&C 88: 118-141. 

Historical context of Section 88:

-Section 88 as a whole is called the Olive Leaf called this because it was the "Lord's message of peace to us" which may have referred to the fact that the prophecy re: the Civil War was given two days prior.

-Sec 88 combines two distinct segments given on Dec 27 1832 and Jan 3, 1833 respectively.  The second portion (v. 118 to 141) is the concern of this lesson, providing the direction to create the School of the Prophets and instructions on how it should be run.

The first paragraph from Revelations in Context "A House for our God" provides an overview of the purpose of the School of the Prophets:

On June 1, 1833, Joseph Smith received a revelation that contained a stern rebuke. “Ye have sinned against me a very grievous sin,” the Lord declared, “in that ye have not considered the great commandment in all things that I have given unto you concerning the building of mine house.” That “great commandment” had come five months earlier in a lengthy revelation Joseph called the “olive leaf” (now Doctrine and Covenants 88). It had directed the Saints to “organize [themselves]” and establish “an house of prayer, an house of fasting, an house of faith, an house of learning, an house of glory, an house of order, an house of God.”

Taken together with instructions to “teach one another” and “seek learning even by study and also by faith,” Joseph Smith and the elders in Kirtland understood this revelation to deliver a twofold mandate. They were to “build an house of God, & establish a school for the Prophets.” Joseph Smith and the Saints in Kirtland began acting on this instruction almost immediately, but, as the June 1 revelation indicated, they still had only a dim understanding of what it would ultimately mean or of the enormous sacrifices it would require.

Notes:

-School of the Prophets was a term used at the time to refer to any school of divinity which intended to prepare men for their calling to the ministry. Yale and Harvard both referred to their divinity schools as "Schools of the Prophets".

-Although the location changed over time, initial meetings were held in the upper room in N.K. Whitney's store in Kirtland. 

-Topics studied included all forms of religious and secular learning including language grammar (not just English)

-Joseph, aided primarily by Sidney Rigdon led the teaching of the spiritual training.  Evidence of the high quality of this training is that the Lectures on Faith, (the Doctrine in Doctrine and Covenants) was prepared for this school. Others took the lead in preparing and teaching other topics.

-The Lord's vision for the school was that the Brethren would be shaped into a brotherhood and made clean as preparation for their missions (v.138 "clean from the blood of this generation").  They were greeted by the teacher as Brothers (v.133) and ritual washings were performed (v. 122-125) including Joseph's washing the feet of all new members. One could also think of it as a Temple Prep class for these early brethren. They were enjoined to improve their characters and to "cease to be idle", to "clothe themselves in Charity".  Its appropriate that the Word of Wisdom was received in this setting.

-The multiple references to the House of Good e.g. v. 119 refer to the command to build a temple in Kirtland, which after much travail was dedicated in March of 1836. 

Question: Knowledge/learning is also presented in the scriptures as a bad thing (3Ne 9:29 & 2 Tim 3:1-7).  How can this be? Answers can include that facts alone don't represent knowledge.  Our learning must be built on the foundation of our faith in God ex. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God.  St. Anselm said "I believe so I can understand", meaning that his learning only yielded truth when done in the context of his belief in God.  Consider the analogy that climbing a ladder only gets to the right destination if its leaning against the right wall.

Summary points of these scriptures:

D&C 6:7, 11:21-22, 19:23, 88:76-80, 118, 90:15, 93:36-37, 53, 130:18-20, 131:6, 136:32-33

-All Truth is Good

-Man needs to seek God first, truth of eternal things can only be understood/realized in the context of Faith in God

-Salvation requires knowledge, in a sense it is learned.

-Holy Spirit communicates all truth to the human soul

-The Temple is the Key location to learn of eternal things.  The drawn plat of Zion (Missouri) had the Temple at the exact center of the city.

President Mouritsen teaches that just as a stool with three legs is the most stable type of furniture, a firm faith must be based on the three legs of 1) our reason (it must feel reasonable), 2) a spiritual witness received through study and prayer and 3) right living and service.

These three forms of building faith reinforce that knowledge comes in many forms and through many ways, from study to providing service.

Link to revelations in context "A House for our God"

https://history.lds.org/article/a-house-for-our-god?lang=eng

Link to pdf of Lesson Manual w/ my messy notes

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B78D5btorZEeOFlEWnJIQ3BDRzQ

Lesson 22-The Word of Wisdom: A Principle with Promise

Lesson 22 The Word of Wisdom: A Principle with Promise

Headlines:

-An example of the Lord’s love for us, that he gives us commandments that will make us live better/happier

-Dietary laws help separate us from the World, create missionary opportunities

-We are what we eat, physical corollary to “you are what you eat”.

Historical Context:

Clip from Stephen Harpers “Making Sense of the Doctrine & Covenants

Joseph Smith's mother said he preferred his father's embrace over liquor to numb the pain of a leg operation when he was seven years old, but neither Joseph or his family were strangers to alcohol, which was common in the 1820s and 1830s.

Distillers in the Smiths' region of upstate New York made corn whiskey and sent 65,277 gallons of it and sixty-nine tons of beer to market on the Erie Canal the year after Joseph's first vision. Newspapers in the towns near Joseph's home advertised cheap alcohol, printed recipes for making beer, and sold the ingredients. One scholar described Joseph's America as "the alcoholic republic. Joseph's father confessed in 1834 that he had, in the past, been "out of the way through wine," but "Joseph Sr.'s drinking was not excessive for that time and place."

Regardless of social class, nearly all men drank alcohol, and many women and children did too. There were only a few outspoken opponents of alcohol consumption, and their warnings fell largely on deaf ears as consumption rates rose between 1790 and 1830. In the 1830s, America pulsed with evils and reformers determined to combat them. By the time Joseph Smith moved to Kirtland, Ohio, in 1831, more Americans were becoming concerned with social vices generally and alcohol abuse especially. "The thing has arrived to such a height," one widely quoted temperance advocate noted, "that we are actually threatened with becoming a nation of drunkards."

America's desire for alcohol and the rise of temperance, the moderate use of alcohol, generated diverse opinions that led Joseph Smith to ask questions. Some activists advocated temperate use, but between 1831 and 1836, the cry for abstinence gained momentum. In 1833, in the middle of this controversy, the Lord clarified in the Word of Wisdom where the Saints should stand relative to this controversy.

Christopher Columbus introduced tobacco to Europe after Native Americans introduced it to him. In Europe, tobacco gained a reputation as a miracle drug, and by the 1500s it was prescribed as a cure for cancer, gout, asthma, ulcers, arrow wounds, flatulence, toothaches, bad breath, warts, deafness, constipation, tonsillitis, nose bleeds, epilepsy, and a host of other afflictions.

Smoking quickly caught on among European elites, though by the seventeenth century, they were adopting a French practice of sniffing powdered tobacco—snuff—while the practice of smoking tobacco spread to working class people. A new method for delivering the powerfully addictive nicotine found in tobacco—the cigarette—was just about to spread across the globe when Joseph Smith received the Word of Wisdom in 1833. Outspoken temperance crusaders added tobacco to their list of noxious substances in the 1830s. Opponents of tobacco use regarded it as akin to liquor. One called tobacco poison. Was tobacco a powerful medicine capable of curing all kinds of afflictions or a noxious weed loathsome to the lungs? Was using tobacco a filthy habit or a socially acceptable pastime?

Uncertainty about these questions may have contributed to Joseph Smith's reception of the Word of Wisdom. He organized classes for men of the Church in an upstairs room of Newel K. Whitney's store in Kirtland, Ohio. When the brethren gathered for class, according to Brigham Young, "the first thing they did was to light their pipes, and, while smoking, talk about the great things of the kingdom, and spit all over the room, and as soon as the pipe was out of their mouths a large chew of tobacco would then be taken. Often when the Prophet entered the room to give the school instructions he would find himself in a cloud of tobacco smoke. This, and the complaints of his wife at having to clean so filthy a floor, made the Prophet think upon the matter, and he inquired of the Lord relating to the conduct of the Elders in using tobacco, and the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom was the result."

There was no consensus of medical opinion in the nineteenth century. The prevailing medical theory held that diseases or disorders were caused by an imbalance in a person's inner energy source. Overstimulation, it was thought, resulted in fevers or infections. Treatments were aimed at releasing the excess energy through bleeding or purging or changing one's diet. Coffee and tea were often used as stimulants by those struggling with a lack of energy. Some herbs, spices, and fruits served the same purpose. Though medical professionals disagreed about how much of these substances could be safely consumed, all authorities agreed that excessive use of any stimulant, in which they included herbs, meats, coffee, and tea, could lead to overstimulation and therefore disease.

The world into which the Lord revealed the Word of Wisdom was quite different from our own. Advances in medical science have provided more certainty about the dangers of consuming many of the substances that were thought by many in Joseph Smith's world to have medicinal value. Moreover, his contemporaries were in the process of reconsidering their certainty about the value of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, meats, fruits, and some herbs. There was no prevailing view to which everyone subscribed, even among Church members. There were more questions than answers.

Nearly two dozen men gathered for school in a second-story room of Newel and Ann Whitney's Kirtland, Ohio, store on February 27, 1833. With one of them acting as his scribe and perhaps one or two others present, Joseph Smith, in a nearby room, received the revelation known as the Word of Wisdom. Besides answering the immediate question of whether the brethren should smoke or chew tobacco, or "the filthy weed and their disgusting slobbering and spitting," as one colorful account put it, the revelation clarified several other issues that were being debated by Joseph's contemporaries.

See also “Word of Wisdom” in Revelations in Context on lds.org. Link below:

https://history.lds.org/article/doctrine-and-covenants-word-of-wisdom?lang=eng

Doctrinal Context:

The Lord has given health guidelines in previous dispensations.  See Leviticus 10: 9-11 and Leviticus 11.  Also note Paul's injunctions in 1 Cor 3:16-17 and 6:19-20.

Question: Why does the Lord give his children health laws?  Answers may include 1) health laws are another example of the Lord's love, that all commandments are given to help us live healther, happier lives; 2) as Paul notes, the body is a temple and the spirit will not dwell in unholy temples.  Note that the scriptures noted have a striking lack of focus on health, the primary purpose for the health laws are to make us holy; 3) to separate the Lord's people out from the world.  This is clearly the case for both the Jew's (ancient and modern) and the Latter Day Saints. Lastly, Sec 89 is another proof point of the Prophet Joseph's divine mission.  He was way ahead of his time.

Question: How should we treat those that don't live this law and those who suffer addiction.  Answer's include to avoid being judgmental particularly with those with addictions (there but for the Grace of God go I). In any case, we strongly encourage those not living this law to attend meetings.  Our Worship Services are a hospital where all attendees need attention.  As Neil Maxwell said, the Church is the only hospital where the patients are the doctors.  Recall that President Riches, a mentor of mine said that he had instructed his Bishop's that when sitting on the stand, if they couldn't smell tobacco from the front row they weren't doing their job.

Marginalia from my scriptures:
v1-3-As noted in the heading to the section, these verses were added as an introduction by the Prophet.  I had a note that this came from a suggestion from Brigham Young

v. 3 "adapted to the capacity of the weak and weakest of all saint" can be read as meaning that what is given is the minimum, that all Saints can live up to implying that there is much more we can do to live a healthy life.

v 4. "conspiring men" obviously refers to tobacco, liquor and drug companies that market addictive substances aggressively.  The best ads on TV are the liquor ads and that's only because the tobacco companies can't advertise there anymore.  Then there is the OxyContin fiasco which is still working its way through the courts.

v. 9 hot drinks was a common term that included coffee and tea

v.11 wholesome herbs refers to vegetables and plants

v.10-14 In time that this revelation was given, meat was considered the staff of life.  v.10-14 changes that to plants

v.21 J Reuben Clark said of this verse that if we are faithful, our lives will not be cut short re: God's plan for us.  President Kimball said that the W of Wisdom would save us from spiritual death.

Link to pdf of my messy lesson notes:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B78D5btorZEeNjBkd0VRNF81RXc

Lesson 21-Looking Forth for the Great Day of the Lord to Come

Lesson 21-Looking Forth for the Great Day of the Lord to Come

Headlines:
-The Lord has a great purpose which will be fulfilled (the good guys will win)
-Our mortal probation is short, we need to repent now
-We should strive for "Early Onset Postmortality" (Adam Miller) by working to make our Calling and Election Sure and to build a Zion Society

Historical context:
Many Saints in the New Testament were Adventists, that is they were expecting/planning for the end of the world, not its conversion (See Mark 9:1).  Latter Day Saints, particularly until the Nauvoo period would be considered Adventists. Although still awaiting the 2nd coming, this position has softened as it became clear that Zion wouldn't be redeemed immediately.  The focus shifted to Temple and Missionary work, which, along with the end of polygamy transformed the Church into its modern form and focus.

Context for Sections 97,98 and 101-See Revelations in Context on lds.org-"Waiting for the Word of the Lord" and Stephen C. Harper's "Making Sense of the Doctrine and Covenants:

First mob action in Zion (Missouri) was in July 1833.  Concern over large influx of Saints combined with a W.W. Phelps article (Evening and Morning Star) re: free negros coming into the area lit the fuse. Brother Phelps published a clarification, but to no avail. Mob violence forced the Saints to agree to leave by the next Spring.

W.W. Phelps sent Joseph a letter asking for direction, indicating that "we will wait on the Word of the Lord" which letter was received by Joseph on August 9th.  As noted in the heading to Sec 98, both Sections 97-98 we're received as revelations prior to Aug 9th and that both of those revelations directly addressed the problems in Zion, Joseph could have only known of the problems by revelation.

Additional direction was provided by the Prophet in Sec 101 on December 16th of 1833.  Much like the ancient Israelites, the Lord made clear that their problems were fundamentally a function of broken covenants.  The revelation also contains significant detail around signs of the 2nd coming of the Savior to get them re-focused on their covenants and provide hope knowing that the Savior would return and that his promises would be fulfilled.

Key Questions to consider:
If our lives should be focused on living in the moment, why the focus on the 2nd Coming?  Answers included that studying the 2nd Coming gives us hope that the Lord's purposes will be fulfilled and should also spur us to repent as we're reminded on what is lost through our sinfulness.

If the Saviors coming isn't imminent (many signs not yet completely fulfilled), why does some revelation infer that the Savior will be here very soon (see Sec 33:18-I come quickly)? Amongst the possibilities, one reading would focus on the shortness of our lives (real and perceived) and that before we know it we will be standing in front of the judgement bar. 

A related idea is to remember that we can pull the 2nd Coming in by making our Calling and Election Sure. This is an individual perspective and as a Church we can make this happen by building a Zion society as did those in the City of Enoch. This is the kind of thing Adam Miller talked about in his essay "Early Onset Postmortality" in his recent collection of Essays which can be found at: 

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=future+mormon

Links:
PDF of Lesson from the manual with my notes:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B78D5btorZEeOFlEWnJIQ3BDRzQ

Good Sunstone article showing the arc of the Church transitioning from an aggressive Adventist stance to a focus on Temple and Missionary work:

https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/pdf/037-8-48-58.pdf

President Hinckley on fitting study of the 2nd Coming into our lives:
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/gordon-b-hinckley_need-not-fear-coming/

Fun letter from Joseph Fielding Smith to his son serving in WW2
https://history.lds.org/chdaily/list-view?lang=eng&query=likening+the+scriptures

Lastly, Wilford Woodruff was asked how he lived knowing the Savior would soon come (and I paraphrase), I live my life as if I will be answering to the Savior tomorrow, but I still plan Cherry trees.

Lesson 19-The Plan of Salvation

Lesson 19-The Plan of Salvation

Headlines/Takeaways:

-We are all members of a divine family, literally

-Our divine parents set a plan of happiness in motion in motion for their children based on free agency and personal progress.

-Critical portions of this plan were lost over the centuries and restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith

Context-Plans on offer:

Mainstream Christian:

1) God is of a completely different substance (as the Greeks would say) or species (as biologists would say) than man, he is without form (whatever that means...)

2) given 1, God is the creator and we are his creatures, we are only in his likeness to the extent that we love and use our reason correctly

3) the Savior's atonement was Plan B, Adam/Eve were intended to stay in the Garden (there are differing views here)

The Protestant Minister Jonathon Edwards is famous for his sermon titled "Sinners in the hands of an angry God".  This is fire and brimstone preaching at its best.  He was a kind man and likely firing for effect, but the idea of Creator/Creature and fear of God being literal fear rather than respect comes through clearly.  The sermon can be found at:

http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1053&context=etas

A little taste of the sermon is below:

There is no Fortress that is any Defence from the Power of God. Tho’ Hand join in Hand, and vast Multitudes of God’s Enemies combine and associate themselves, they are easily broken in Pieces: They are as great Heaps of light Chaff before the Whirlwind; or large Quantities of dry Stubble before devouring Flames. We find it easy to tread on and crush a Worm that we see crawling on the Earth; so ‘tis easy for us to cut or singe a slender Thread that any Thing hangs by; thus easy is it for God when he pleases to cast his Enemies down to Hell.

Atheism:

1) All reality is physical/material (latter day saints wouldn't disagree here) and completely random/chaotic

2) given 1, we cannot have free agency (no more than any other billiard ball)

3) also given 1, the concept of a self is very problematic.  For example, how does dumb matter think? This is the most active area in philosophy/neurobiology today.  Theories range from the concept of the self is a complete illusion (Dennet) to not having the conceptual tools to provide an answer or even to understand the question (what is a thought?)

4) there is no ground for ethics, i.e. if we had evolved a society organized around rape as the reproductive model that would be as valid as monogamy (Richard Dawkins admitted this). In short, to be a thoughtful atheist, one has to leave a lot of common sense experience at the door.

Boiling all of this out, the motive power of the universe in a Christian context is Love and is Chaos in the atheistic worldview.

LDS View:

1) We are members of a divine family with divine parents. The model in heaven is the same as on earth

2) Man is of the same substance, or is the same kind of thing as God. We're literally his spirit children.

3) Our Heavenly Parents designed a plan from the beginning which would allow us to progress towards living the kind of life they live.  This was based on gaining experience/knowledge. Coming to earth is key part of that plan.  The Saviour's atonement is the critical piece of this plan and was in place and effective from the beginning. We opted into this plan, free agency is the bedrock principle of the Gospel.

Two excellent talks on this topic are at the links below:

Bruce R. McConkie: The Three Pillars of Eternity

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/bruce-r-mcconkie_three-pillars-eternity/

Dallin Oaks: The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/the-godhead-and-the-plan-of-salvation?lang=eng

Heavenly Fathers plan is referenced in many ways, as the Plan of Salvation, Restoration, Mercy, Redemption and Happiness.

Why is the plan referenced under different names? 

Many critical pieces of the Plan of Salvation have been lost over time and were restored in modern scripture.  For reference, the term Plan of Salvation (or Redemption, etc.) is referenced 32 times in the scriptures. Specifically never in the Bible or D&C, twice in the Pearl of Great Price and 30 times in the Book of Mormon, evidence that the Book of Mormon does contain the fullness of the Gospel.

Much of what was lost referred to the pre-existence, the nature of God and the nature of the Plan itself (known from the foundation).  An analogy would be seeing a three act play, but only arriving in the second act.  The play would be impossible to follow because the 1st act sets up the context, introduces the characters and explains the plot, setting it in motion. There would be no trajectory or way to understand what the action met.

Scriptures read:

Abraham 3:22-26, D&C 93:29, Alma 12:25-34, D&C 138:55-57

The class called out the following characteristics of the plan:

-We can know/comprehend Heavenly Father through revelation because we are literally his children

-the plan was known before the foundation of the world. Repentance was preached from the beginning

-Free agency is the foundation of the plan. The law of opposition is the spring that drives our ability (along with our agency) to progress

-The Fall was a necessary and positive part of the plan. A fall forward.

-The Savior's atonement was a part of the initial plan (the hub of the wheel) and has been in effect from the beginning

-the resurrection is real and a restoration/union of our physical and spiritual bodies

-death is an important part of the plan (not a tragedy) as it allows for judgement and further progression

-God will save all of his Children that want to be saved.  By saved I mean that all who elected to come to earth will progress significantly from where they were in the pre-existence and will receive a level of glory associated with that progress.

 Notes from my scriptures:
Abraham 3
v. 12 & 21-Note reference to creation "by his hands" rather than his word
v. 15 Egyptians big on astronomy.  Was Abraham sharing the Gospel in their terms?
v. 13 Shinehah-Egyptian word for "eternal round" or the Sun.  Kokob is Hebrew for "star", Kokaubeam is plural
v. 16-19-As some planets are greater, some spirits have become greater all the way to God
v.20-veris was inserted between verses showing order & regularity to the universe and that God does intervene
v. 22-23 Intelligences in v.22 same as "spirits" in v.23? What is chosen? a mutual covenant?
v.25-Go'd foreknowledge does not impinge on our agency
v.27-"lie unto" because he had not yet become the Savior?

D&C93
v.12-13-Savior received grace "for" grace (as he gave grace) and then grew grace "to" grace
v. 7-17-verses from record of John the Baptist. John used in his Gospel
v. 11- note that the word dwelt is used, that is lived rather than just visit
v.13-can this be read that the Father had a fullness from the beginning (didn't progress)?
v. 15 Joseph Smith said the Holy Ghost appeared "in the sign" of a dove, not a literal dove
v. 22-Church of the Firstborn is the name of the Church in the Celestial Kingdom
v.36-7-Light/Truth empowers us to forsake evil
v.38-we could/did sin in the pre-existence
v. 51 our prayers do bless others

Alma 12
v.6-9 Alma blames Satan, not Zeezrom, making it easier for him to save face?
v.9 mysteries are just what is hidden-specifi reference is to the spirit/body
v.10 we can't "know in full" until after the resurrection
v.14 our workds/thoughts advertise our character
v.17 we either do the will of the Father or Satan
v.26 If we lived forever we would be miserable
v.23 experiencing death is essential to the plan of salvation
v.17-18 Dee D&C 19-dying in sin is everlasting punishment
v.31 Adam and Eve "fell forward"
v.32 taught the gospel then given commandments

D&C 138
This section was given at a time of death in general (WW1 and the world wide flu epidemic) and specifically for JF Smith. He had lost his wife and 11 children and Father was martyred.
v.22-22 spirit prison-called a prision because sin and ignorance make a prison
v. 56 was probably us
v.57 JF Smith said that sisters will preach to sisters in the spirit world

Alma 12

As a summary, the class was asked to conceive a plan that would be more hopeful than the Plan of Salvation that operates within the constraints of earthly life, that learning is hard. I certainly can't think of one.

Link to PDF of my lesson notes:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B78D5btorZEealJjMkNvLXJpb3M

Lesson 17-The Law of Tithing& the Law of the Fast

Lesson 17-The Law of Tithing and Law of the Fast

Headlines:
-Taking care of the poor/needy is a primary measure of how well we are living the Gospel
-The right level of giving is between the individual and the Lord
-When preceded with attention to a purpose, preparation and prayer, Fasting can bring us closer to the Lord

Scriptures: C&C 59:13-14, 21 D&C 119 and 120

Historical Overview-Summarized from Revelations in Context-The Tithing of my People
-The Law of Consecration was announced in 1831 in Kirtland. Members donated all of their resources and were deeded back "according to the needs and abilities".  At the end of the year and surplus to their needs were to be donated back to the Church. Many members struggled to live the law for a number of reasons (local economic difficulties, persecution, greed, etc.)
-By 1838 there were two centers of the Church.  Headquarters in Far West or Zion (Bishop Partridge) and the Stake in Kirtland (Bishop Whitney). At the time, any donation was considered Tithing (no guidelines). During 1837, Bishop Whitney pressed members to tithe citing Malachi 3. A month later Bishop Partridge suggested 2% of annual net worth after debts were paid.
-The Prophet Joseph arrived in Far West in early 1838.  The Church was in a very precarious financial position based on the debts incurred to build the Kirtland Temple and the economic dislocation in the country at that time. Finding a solution to the Church's financial problems was at the top of his concerns. He gathered several Church leaders together on Sunday morning July 8th and rec'd Sec 119 and 120.  In his journal he recorded his prayer requesting the Lord's direction in how to solve the Church's financial problems.  After the prayer the word "Answer" is inserted in his journal followed by the text of Sections 119 and 120.
-The nut of Sec 119 and 120 is that members are to consecrate any excess property then pay 10% of their increase each year. This is to be a "standing law forever", not a short term fix.  It is important to make clear that only the United Firm (or Order) was dismantled which was the committee that oversaw the execution of the Law of Consecration.  The Law of Consecration is still in effect (as President Hinckley reminded us) and as such Tithing is a subset of the Law of Consecration.
-Note that tithing was a fundamental part of the law of Moses (the root of tithe means "tenth"), so the Saints were reinstating a law given earlier.

The law of consecration (and its subset of Tithing) is a reminder that all is the Lord's.  We are reminded of this in Moses 4:25 where the cycle of man being created from dust, being dust and returning to dust is reviewed (see King Benjamin).  To the extent that we fail to see that we invert the actual order of things, that is we see ourselves as the center of our world where things are ours.

Not only are we not the center of the world, we are connected to everyone else (literally in some ways as I have my Mothers eye's) and when we work together and support each other we all have more.  This is the classic "network effect" where the net value of a network grows with its participants.  This is an old idea as reflected in the words below from one of John Donnes meditations in 1624:

 

No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.

Notes from my Scriptures:
-D&C 59:12 Oblations=offerings ex. time, talents, etc.
-D&C 119:4 "and after that" refers to living the law of tithing after the end of the United Order (institution that administered the law of consecration)
-D&C 120 created the council that directs the financial affairs of the Church comprised of the First Presidency, 12 Apostles and Presiding Bishopric.  Note that the Savior says "by mine own voice unto them" confirming that he is the direct voice in how Church funds are spent.

Key questions to deal with:

-What is the relationship between the Law of Tithing and the Law of Consecration?

-Why should we pay tithing?  President Grant promised (during the depression) that payment of tithes would be protective shield from economic distress.  So, should we consider the law of tithing to be like a spiritual ATM machine, punch in the right donations and higher returns should be expected?  Recall that President Snow promised that if the Saints in St. George paid their tithing the "windows of heaven" would be opened (their drought was ended). What other reasons are there for paying tithing?

Follow the link below to my scribbles on the Lesson Manual:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B78D5btorZEebmp3MDJOUlZaNUU

Lesson 11- The Field is White Already to Harvest
D&C 4,11,12,14,15,16,18,31,33 & 75

Headlines/Takeaways:
-Sharing the Gospel is a key requirement of the Lord's plan to save all of his Children
-The Lord will leverage our efforts, he does great things "with the weak things of the earth"

-Missionary work brings cleanses our souls (D&C 4:2 & 4, James 5:20)

Overview:
Missionary work is the key work in Heavenly Father's plan to save all his children as realized through the Abrahamic Covenant (all his children living together in peace under the Gospel). Israel plays a key role. The apostasy of Israel left a scattered remnant that was small but strong.  As Isaiah prophesied, this remnant would be brought back to Zion on the shoulders of the Gentiles and in the process of being saved by the Gentiles, Israel would save the Gentiles by bringing them the Gospel.  That is the gathering and missionary work is that process, writ large.

Lesson 11 discusses missionary work writ small, with the Lord's direction to specific individuals which of course has direct applicability to each of us in our efforts to build the kingdom.

Historical Background on the specific revelations:
D&C 4
-The first revelation of the restoration given by JS to an individual (his Father)

-JS Sr experience many dreams which he viewed as spiritual portents.  In one, an angel showed him a beautiful garden but he awoke with no closure.  In another he was judged, in another he is locked out of building.  Most of these dreams left him feeling fear and hopelessness. Over time he came to believe that the answers to what was missing in these dreams would come from his son Joseph.For JS Sr, Section 4 filled in those blanks, giving him direction.  Clearly the Lord had prepared JS Sr and other members of the family to support Joseph when he shared the First Vision and his experiences with Moroni.

D&C 23
Soon after the organization of the Church, Oliver, Hyrum, Samuel Smith and Joseph Knight Sr visited Joseph wanting revelations.  They were each given one separately and these were combined into Section 25 in the 1835 edition of the D&C.  Note that Hyrum had been instructed not to preach in an earlier revelation (11:21) but now his "tongue is loosed" (23:3)

D&C 14 (David Whitmer),15(Peter Whitmer),16 (John Whitmer)
Antagonism in Harmony drove Oliver to request the Whitmers to allow them to relocate there to continue to work of translation (in Fayette, NY). Note that the direction and blessings in all of these revelations is quite consistent

1. Serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength
4:1-2  Heart, might, mind and strength points to serving with 100% of our capabilities

Lesson 13-This Generation Shall Have My Word through you

Lesson 13-This Generation Shall Have My Word through you

Headlines/Takeaways:

-The Prophet Joseph restored significant doctrine that witnessed to the reality of the Savior

-Priesthood authority and church organization necessary to establish the Kingdom of God in this dispensation were restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith

-The Lord works through the weak things of the earth to accomplish his purposes

1. The Lord declared that the people in this dispensation would receive His word through Joseph Smith.

Comments on Section 5: Soon after translation was to recommence (after losing the 116 pages), Martin Harris approached Joseph saying that he needed more significant evidence, specifically he wanted to see the plates.  Section 5 shows the Lord lovingly coaching Joseph on how to deal with Martin.  In verses 23-4 the Lord explains that pride and a lack of humility is driving Martin's request and indicated that he will overcome this he will get to see the plates (which he did as one of the Three Witnesses).  In verses 7-10 the Lord makes it clear that this dispensation (our generation) would have his word through Joseph.

We had discussion in class around the truth that the Lords way of providing evidence is that we are to believe first, then we're provided the evidence.  It has always been the case that man has wanted it the other way around, that is, provide the evidence then I will believe. 

I shared the story of Bertrand Russell, famous philosopher and mathematician (and atheist) who was asked at the end of the life what he would do if he would say to Lord after his death if it turned out he was wrong.  He quipped, "I would ask him why he didn't give me better evidence". 

It has ever been thus.  In the parable of the Rich Man and Lazurus (Luke 16), the Rich Man asks Abraham to send Lazurus to his 5 brothers (five was a symbol for the mosaic law) to tell them to live better and avoid his fate.  Father Abraham tells him that if they wouldn't believe Moses and the Prophets, they wouldn't believe one even if they had come back from the dead.

I also shared with the class my view that our current secular world was even more prone to the need to see physical evidence than Jesus or Martin Harris' day, this being a prominent feature (maybe the most prominent) of our secular, science driven age. The Lord foresaw this so gave us evidence that couldn't be deconstructed, that required us to have faith.  For example, many want to see the plates, but they are given a blue paperback book instead.  There are no physical objects to deconstruct as there are with the Bible (we can't complain about not having original documents). 

Yet the evidence is overwhelming.  After a careful reading of the Book of Mormon alone I personally don't see how this great work can be ascribed to a semi literate young man in his 20's. The Lord does work through the weak things of the earth. Referring to "the weak things" inn no way sleights the accomplishments of the Prophet but rather points to the magnitude of what the Lord brought through him.

The class then discussed why the Lord would work in this fashion, that is, why wouldn't he just show us the plates and make it easy.  We teased out that just showing us the physical evidence wouldn't create willing hearts that could learn to love, but rather would compel us to believe which is much closer to Satan's plan.  We come toward what we love and that can only be done by a willing heart.

Comments on the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible:

This great achievement is not adequately appreciated in the Church.  3410 verses were changed and the resulting manuscript, generated through an intense effort for the three years from last 1839 to the summer of 1833 yielded a manuscript of 477 pages.

Joseph believed this to be an important part of his calling and it was clear that the Lord was directing this effort as confirmed in Sec 45:60-61 where the Lord instructed the Prophet to leave the Old Testament on move on to the New, which Joseph's diary recorded that he did the very next day. More than half of the revelations in the D&C were given in the period that he was working on the Bible and several were crucial doctrinal revelations such as Section 76 (The Vision). 

Philo Dibbles description of what it was like to watch Joseph and Sidney receive The Vision can be found here:  http://www.sedgwickresearch.com/philo/testimony.html

It should also be noted that Joseph's translation of the Bible was, as noted by historian Mark Staker as a translation of ideas and not of words.

Scan of my messy notes on the Lesson from the manual can be found by clipping the following URL into your browser:  https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B78D5btorZEeMEQ0NVdKdGYtcWc

Lesson 9-The Only True and Living Church

Lesson 9-The Only True and Living Church

Scriptures referenced-Sec 20:1-36, 68-69, 75-79, Sec 21 and 27 and Sec 115:1-4

Headlines:
-The Church is given to us to navigate our way to our eternal home through a world generally hostile to Faith in God. Covenants and Ordinances are central.
-Our worship of the Savior is centered around the Sacrament
-The Lord continues to direct the Church (and us) through living prophets

1. The Church is organized in the latter days
At the time of the organization of the Church, the world was becoming increasingly hostile to Faith.  This was the general direction of "the enlightenment" (enlightenment is only partially correct, but the winners get to write history) but the rise of scientism (ability of science to explain the fundamentals of reality) combined with Darwin's theory of evolution was particularly toxic to faith. Nietzche was correct when his character Zarathustra said, "God is dead and we have killed him"!

On the positive side of the ledger, the U.S. Constitution and refugees seeking religious freedom were fertile ground for a new revelation.

In summary, as Nephi saw in vision, the Lord had a plan which we are executing now as we build the Kingdom of God.

Historical background for Section 20:
-Joseph and Oliver knew from earlier revelation (Sec 10:67-69) that they would be establishing a Church.
-In preparation, Oliver wrote up Articles and Covenants, substantially quoting and based on the Book of Mormon. These were not accepted by the Church and replaced by Section 20 which was received by revelation by Joseph and Oliver after the Church was organized.
-Section 20 was presented to the Church at the first conference following the organization of the Church on June 9, 1830 and were approved. The only revelation personally brought before the Church for approval by Joseph. It was soon published in the Evening and Morning Star (and the only revelation published twice).
-In the 1835 edition of the D&C, Section 20 came right after the preface (as the second revelation)
-Joseph made an addition to Sec 20:37, specifically "and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto a remission of their sins".
-Section 20 and 22 are often referred to as the Constitution of the Church

2. The Lord commands Church members to follow the prophet.
Sec 21:4-6-"in patience and faith" can refer to showing willingness for the Lord's purposes to be worked out in the future as well to show humility. It can also mean that we are to follow the Prophets even when you're own judgement may question the guidance (prayer can confirm these decisions). Note in v. 6 that Satan has no power over us.

21:9-Mighty Blessings come to those who serve the Lord. (my mission was a foundational experience for me and for others) These great blessings can be manifested in many ways.

3. The Lord encourages Church members to meet together often to partake of the sacrament
Sacrament is from the Latin "Sacramentum" referring to a sum deposited by two parties in a sacred place as committment for a binding agreement/oath. Note that the word sacrament is never used in the scriptures.
In the LDS faith the Sacrament points back to the sacrifice and atonement of Christ rather than as directly forgiving sins as in the Catholic faith.
Jesus used materials ready to hand such as bread and new wine emphasizing that it was the commitment and broken heart that we bring to the sacrament that makes it holy.
The timing of the Lord's Supper on the eve of the passover pointed to him as the last great sacrifice.

Sec 27 was given just prior to Emma and NK Whitney's wife being confirmed members of the Church

Notes on Scriptures reviewed:
Sec 20:
v.5-36 References to the coming for of the Book of Mormon, confirming its central position in the restoration of the Church.
v.17-19 LDS "creed" on the Godhead
v. 21-28- LDS "creed" on atonement, note that all of the verbs are action oriented
v. 30-34- LDS "creed" on plan of salvation
v. 37 After seeing that Joseph had edited in "that truly manifest....unto a remission of their sins", Oliver demanded "in the name of God" that Joseph remove this. Joseph declined and Oliver relented
v. 65-67 added by Joseph after the revelation was accepted by the Church.

Link to lesson notes scan:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B78D5btorZEeZTlqclFDSkd3M1k/view?usp=sharing

Lesson 7 The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel

Lesson organized around the theme rather than particular sections so specific sections weren't assigned for study

Headlines:
-First Principles/Ordinances are the gate and pathway to perfection (Matt 5:48)
-Define a journey or process that all of us should follow
-Fully encompass the Gospel

Introduction:
Life as a journey is reflected in much of the great world literature beyond scripture. Dante's Divine Comedy opens with "MIDWAY upon the journey of our life I found myself within a forest dark,
For the straightforward pathway had been lost." Dante was about halfway through life, about the same age and in a similar frame of mind as Lehi when he shared his vision of the tree of life saying that "it came to pass that as I followed him (the angel) I beheld myself that I was is in a dark and dreary waste" (1Ne 8:7). Joseph Smith shares a similar spiritual journey in J.S. 1:7-18.

We are all on a similar journey. The first principles and ordinances of the Gospel provide the framework for us to enter on this journey and return home to our Heavenly Father. Read 2Ne 31:17-18.

Note that the 4th Article of Faith that refers to the principles/ordinances comes directly after the Article of Faith confirming our believe in the Atonement of Christ.

1. Faith in the Lord Jesus Chris is the first principle of the gospel

The Greek word used in the New Testament is "pistus" which can refer to a belief in a proposition but also often refers to trusting in another person (that is if we trust we follow). Also, in both Greek and Hebrew the word for "faith" and "faithfulness" is the same word. How would these readings change the meaning of having faith in Christ?

Faith grows as we exercise it. Note Joseph's faith developing as he comes to know the Lord better. In J.S. 1:11 he is "laboring under extreme difficulties" and untimately he "retired to the grove to make the attempt" in v. 12. He surely had some faith, otherwise he wouldn't have gone to the grove but compare this with v.29 where he shared Moroni's visit by saying "I betook myself to prayer and supplication to Almighty God for forgiveness of all my sins and follies, and also for a manifestation to me, that I might know of my state and standing before him; for I had full confidence in obtaining a divine manifestation, as I previously had one.

We can learn from honest mistakes or lack of faith.  Hectoring the Lord to allow Martin Harris to take the 116 pages resulted in Joseph losing his gift of translation and fearing that he may have lost his soul.  Later referring to the lesson learned he said, "I made this my rule, when the Lord commands, I do it!".

As described in the Lectures on Faith, Faith becomes the "motive power of all action". This is particularly true when is developed for righteous purposes (the power of the Lord is leveraged.

2. Through sincere repentance, we can partake of the blessings of the Atonement
Hamartano, usually translated in the Greek as sin means "to miss the mark".  "Ra ah" usually translated as sin from the Hebrew means "contrary to God's nature", "bad/evil". Note that there are many words in Hebrew that can be translated as sin.

Link to lesson notes scan:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B78D5btorZEeQnZVUWVWdG1ycnc/view?usp=sharing

Lesson 5-This is the Spirit of Revelation

Studying Sections 6, 8 and 9

Headlines:
-LDS view of revelation is very unique, that is the Heavens are open to all that approach God is Spirit and Truth
-We require personal revelation to successfully navigate today's world
-Our merciful Father will reveal as much and as often as we are prepared to recieve

Introduction-LDS view of revelation very unique among Christian churches:
-Catholic church teaches that revelation intended for the Church concluded with the death of the last Apostle. The Word of God in total then, is included in the Bible. The Pope can receive inspiration for the Church related to how the Scriptures should be interpreted but not direct revelation. All revelation today is personal. Catholics do have a firm belief in the efficacy of prayer.

-Protestant-There is nuance among the different faiths, but the view is essentially the same as Catholicism and even more conservative. Sola Scriptora is a commonly referenced term indicating that the Bible is the only source of revelation and that it is infallable, that there are no mistakes in it of any kind (it is perfect).  This leads to a rather fundamentalist view of the Bible in terms of rejecting any historical criticism pointing to obvious errors in the text. Since the Holy Spirit would then only lead to one correct intrepation, the last 600 years has been one effort after another to determine correct interpretation. The over 1500 sect (and growing) attest to the difficulty of this task.  

-The LDS view is almost upside down from these views. The Heavens are open, with God speaking to Prophets today as in days of old. With the Heavens open, we are able to have a much more flexible view of scripture, not flinching when J.S. corrects/updates the Bible r when new revelation is received. Historical research/criticism into the sources and development of the Bible do not pose a threat to faith. Hence, when the scriptures speak of "the windows of Heaven" Latter Day Saints know that the Lord was patient with his Children who introduced into scripture the false idea that the sky was not porous (hence the firmament) and that rain came through windows opened in the firm heaven.

Even though the heavens are open to all, order is maintained as we all receive revelation for our stewardship. Hence, the Lord was clear that J.S. was the only one designated to receive revelation for the Church, but when N.K. Whitney expressed concern over his ability to be Bishop for the Church he was told by J.S. to ask the Lord directly he should do. As evidence for how different the LDS belief was relative to prevailing views, note that during the Kirtland days a primary reason for persecution was because the Saints claimed to have a Prophet receiving direct revelation. This is why the Saints did not broadcast the receipt of "The Vision" (Sec 76) to the local community. When  word of the revelation spread and it was one of the key things that prompted the tar and feathering of Joseph and Sidney (who had received the revelation).

2. Understanding what we should do to receive revelation
We should remember that almost all revelation comes in response to a question (the D&C is a perfect example of this) and that questions come as a result of a situation. For example, the revelation flatly stating that revelation for the General Church (D&C 28:2) would come through J.S. came from his question on the same which was driven by the fact that multiple members in the Kirtland/Hiram area were claiming to receive revelation for the Church.  Is this relevant to our personal situations?

Historical notes and notes in my Scriptures:
Sec 6:
Oliver was teaching school in the area where the Smith's lived.  While staying with the Smith's he heard the Stories of the Book of Mormon from the family. Prayed regarding the BofM and received an answer to his prayers (see 6:23-24 and note the intimate tone). As a result of this experience Oliver had a burning desire to go to Joseph and help with the translation. At the same time, Joseph was praying for help as he had made little progress with the translation after losing the 116 pages when combined with the fact that Emma was required to help around the Hale home. The situation was tense with the Hales, as Joseph feared that Isaac would "turn them out of doors".  Oliver's arrival was an answer to prayer and sorely needed to move the translation forward. Oliver indicated that Joseph expressed no surprise when Oliver arrived.
Some scholars believe that they were at Alma 37 in the translation (re: 24 plates) which prompted Olivers desire to also translate.
Commentary on verses in Section 6:
V. 3 Missionary work saves the Missionary
V. 14 confirms that Oliver had responded to Joseph's prayer (unknowingly).
V. 14-Satan can't know our thoughts (only God can).  
V. 18-19 provides good advice on how to support the Brethren and how to express true friendship.
Re: Section 6, Oliver said to David Whitmer "he (J.S.) told him (Oliver) secrets of his life that he knew could not be known to any person but himself in any other way than by revelation from the Almighty".
V. 29 An allusion to the "opportunity" Oliver had to be martyred with the Prophet which he lost when he left the Church.  The position of 2nd Elder was given to Hyrum who died at Carthage w/ the Prophet.
V. 37 It isn't generally believed that this verse referenced a direct visitation by the Savior

Sec 7:
This section clarifies John's status and that keys are needed for salvation. We don't know if J.S. had the parchment or if he saw this in vision. Likely part of his Gospel.
V. 5 "greater" means "more" not "better" than Peter's request

Sec 8:
V. 2 The Holy Ghost communicates to our mind and heart. Elder Richard Scott said, "our heart deals with our general feelings, our mind refers to specific thoughts". An impression in the heart leads to a more specific thought in our minds? (See Enos 1:3)
V. 7 Original text of the revelation referred to the "rod of Aaron". No evidence that this was a reference to a divining rod as has been commonly thought (Oliver had no history finding things with this kind of rod). More likely referencing Aaron's rod in Numbers 17:6-10 which budded noting Aaron's authority.
V. 11 Does this verse reference records beyond the Book of Mormon?

Sec 9:
V. 8 The Lord only works with what is already in our minds (See J.S. 1:11)
In Sec 8:2-4 the Lord explains that translation is revelation. Sec 9:6-11 explains why Oliver wasn't able to translate. Note that Oliver was told that he had the gift of revelation in 8:4, however we learn that he didn't understand how yet to use the gift.
One upside to Oliver's failure to translate was that he gained additional respect for the Prophets prophetic gifts.

A scan of the Lesson Manual w/ my scribblings can be found at:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B78D5btorZEeTUxSUmNiM0ZPYlk

Lesson 3-I Had Seen A Vision

Take away: The Heavens are not Sealed

Study J.S. 1:1-26

Additional notes on lesson sections:

1. After the Apostasy, God prepared the way for the Restoration
-about the time of Renaissance there was a rebirth of learning & art which has the earmarks of the Holy Ghost which generates all light and truth. The Renaissance was a looking back to classical times, particularly Greek and Roman classicism as opposed to the Enlightenment, which jettisoned the past as ballast and looked forward to a new beginning based on reason (a belief in God was part of this ballast). The foundations of the Enlightenment were based on induction (experimentation) rather than deduction (pure math, particularly geometry) and was articulated in Francis Bacon's New Organon. An apt title for the Enlightenment given Aristotle's physics were from his book "The Organon" which had been the foundation of science for about 2000 years.

-As light was breaking in these times prior to the Restoration through Joseph Smith, the Lord was still working through other inspired men and women. He alludes to this in D&C 49:8 where the Lord says that he is working through "men ye know not of". The following quote from John Tyndale from Vilvorde prison where he was imprisoned until he was martyred shows a faith in Christ greater than very few:
I entreat your lordship and that by the Lord Jesus, that if I am to remain here [in Vilvorde] during the winter, you will request the Procureur to be kind enough to send me from my goods which he has in his possession, a warmer cap, for I suffer extremely from cold in the head, being afflicted with a perpetual catarrh, which is considerably increased in this cell. A warmer coat also, for that which I have is very thin: also a piece of cloth to patch my leggings: my overcoat is worn out; my shirts are also worn out. He has a woollen shirt of mine, if he will be kind enough to send it. I have also with him leggings of thicker cloth for putting on above; he also has warmer caps for wearing at night. I wish also his permission to have a lamp in the evening, for it is wearisome to sit alone in the dark. But above all, I entreat and beseech your clemency to be urgent with the Procureur that he may kindly permit me to have my Hebrew Bible, Hebrew Grammar, and Hebrew Dictionary, that I may spend my time with that study.

2. God prepared Joseph Smith to be the prophet of the Restoration
- Joseph Smith Sr. was known by his family to be a visionary man as well, which is one reason why it is believed that he was so accepting of Joseph's visions. Specifically Joseph Sr. essentially saw Lehi's dream of his family and the tree of life (though I didn't write down the reference for this).

-The Smith family was impacted by the religous fervor of the day both in terms of their concern for their own salvation and as part of their efforts to provide for their family. As a family they were known to sell cakes and ale at the outskirts of some of the revivals in their areas (referenced in Mark Staker's history of Kirtland).

3. the First Vision ushered in the restoration of the gospel
Summary of First Vision Accounts (from Gospel Essays):
-2 published versions in J.S. lifetime (the version published in J.S. History is the best known)
-2 unpublished, one from his short autobiography and another from a later journal entry.  Both of these were generally forgotten until the 1960's
-5 by contemporaries
A few specifics:
-Th brief 1832 version is in his hand. The focus is on the fact that the Lord appears and he is forgiven of his sins.
-1835 version-J.S. retells the story to Robert Matthews which is recorded by Warren Parish. Joseph mentions the appearance of angels.
-1838 version-published in the Times and Seasons. The focus is on Joseph's search for which Church to join and the subsequent rise of the Church in our day.
-1842 version-Part of the Wentworth letter

The First Vision was a key missionary tool in the very early Church. Great concern over whether one could know if they were saved. Specifically, this feeling known as  "protestant angst" arose because each person needed to feel that they were saved, but how could they know that they knew? The message that the heaven were unsealed, that God had again spoken to Man and more importantly, that he would speak to you too had significant resonance for many. The BofM was a proof point for this revelation.

4. Many truths were revealed in the First Vision

In closing I shared that one of the evidences of a true Prophet was that they never back away from their testimony (witness Paul and the early Apostles, BofM Prophets, etc.).

On this point, I shared stumbling over "The Book on Adler" during my study of Kierkegaard who was a Christian but very skeptical of institutional Churches specifically the Lutheran Church in Denmark. He strove to make Christianity "harder", requiring great sacrifice. Those that thought of themselves as Christian simply because they were born into the Church weren't really Christians and "verily, they had their reward".

With this backdrop, he wrote a short book on his view of Adolph Peter Adler, a somewhat renegade Pastor in the Lutheran Church who claimed to have been visited by Christ, which he called a "vision of light" who had told him to "burn all of his books on the faith and that he (Christ) would dictate a new book to him. He shared this vision with great energy in several sermons.

Adler was persecuted for his claim and was suspended/deposed in 1845. In time he downgraded his vision to "strong impressions" and later still to a work of his personal genius.

Kierkegaard believed that Adler that a true Prophet, one that had received a direct revelation would never back away from the claim, that being persecuted and labeled a crazy simply went with the territory in all ages of time. He said, "Adler's later attitude and from his later works it can be sufficiently made out that he himself essentially does not believe it..." P. 169

Regarding persecution of those who receive direct revelations, he notes that even Christ himself would not be believed in our day. "It is often said that in case Christ were now to come forward in Christendom (state Churches), if in a stricter sense than in time gone by "He came unto his own," He would again be crucified - and especially by the orthodox. That is quite true...". P. 168.

Contrast Adler with Joseph Smith's ringing testimony in JS 1:23-26 that he couldn't deny what he had seen.  At the end of a long interview with John Delin, Richard Bushman when asked to share his closing thoughts about Joseph Smith (after writing Rough Stone Rolling) said in essence, reasonable people could disagree about whether Joseph Smith had the First Vision and all that followed, but as a historian,he believed after all the years of study of Joseph's life, that he, Joseph, for certain, believed that he had had those experiences. (Fawn Brodie is an example of someone who believed Joseph believed his visions, but thought him mistaken.

Link to scan of lesson note:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B78D5btorZEedWxSMmxUNkV0Wkk

Lesson 1- Introduction to the Doctrine & Covenants and Church History

Lesson 1- Introduction to the Doctrine & Covenants and Church History

No specific Sections studied in this lesson.

Takeaways:

1. The Heavens are open in our day
2. The Lord directs his Church
3. Revelations come as answers to questions (and questions come as responses to the situation).

Notes on the lesson manual:

Suggestions for Lesson Development:

-A keystone is a wedge inserted at the top of an arch which holds the arch together.  Also defined as a principle on which all others depend.

-A capstone is a finishing stone, also defined as a crowning achievement, element or event

These definitions are in reference to President Benson's quote calling the D&C the capstone of our religion and the Book of Mormon as the Keystone of our religion.

1. The revelations in the D&C address the needs of our day:

-New doctrines in the D&C include the Word of Wisdom, Eternal Marriage, process of the Atonement, the officers of the Church and others.

-The word "doctrine" translated in the N.T. and O.T. as "instruction". In the 19th century doctrine meant "instruction and content". Covenant in the O.T. means to "form a compact". In the 19th century it meant "mutual agreement to act in agreed ways".

-Most revelations in the D&C were given to a scribe (from J.S.) and copied into one of two books called Revelation Book A and Revelation Book B.

-J.F. Smith-"in my judgement there is no book on earth yet come to man as important as the book known as the Doctrine and Covenants with all due respect to the Book of Mormon, the Bible and the Pearl of Great Price because it was revealed in our day". And, "and so I say it belongs to all the world not only to the Latter Day Saints, and they will be judged by it, and you will be judged by it".

-Neil Maxwell-"in the D&C we recieve the voice as well as the word of the Lord. We can almost hear him talking".

-Hugh Nibley-"The purpose of the D&C, you will find, is to implement the Law of Consecration. It is explained there not once but many times so there is no excuse for not understanding it."

-Boyd K. Packer referred to the D&C as "the book that would never be closed". conf report April 1990

Historical summary of how we got the D&C:

-Kirtland/Hiram Ohio an area of religious ferment. Cambellites had instituted reforms to create alignment with the N.T. Church but were still waiting for more, specifically for the heavens to open in some way.

-Immediately after Church was created, four missionaries were sent west to preach (with a focus on Lamanite peoples). Parley Pratt, Oliver Cowdrey started teaching religious seekers (mainly Cambellites) the restored Gospel. Many (including congregations) joined the Church. Services were unstructured, speaking in tongues was common. Joseph came west to bring order to this new, significant branch of the Church.

-NK Whitney (wealthy merchant) prayed that the Prophet would visit. When Joseph arrived he strode into his store, held out his hand, introduced himself and said, "I'm Joseph the Prophet, you prayed me hear, what would you have me do".

-New members who were viewed as men of integrity (inside the Church and out) such as NK Whitney and Sidney Rigdon believed J.S. was a Prophet. Not only a function of the BofM, but of events such as the healing of Elsa Johnson's withered arm (which Joseph never mentions) and answering William McClellan's five questions in revelation which he confirmed he had shared with no one (see Sec 66).

-Very clear that Joseph viewed Christ as the leader and source of the Church from the fact that he rarely spoke of miracles he performed and that all including himself) received direction and correction in the revelations

-As Joseph tried to bring order to the chaos (speaking in tongues, members receiving revelations) members continually asked him for a revelation (as well as for their personal status). These revelations were cherished by the Saints, hand copied and distributed creating the initial thrust for the D&C. There was such a thirst for the revelations that when the leadership met in John Johnson's house in Nov 1831 to consider how to publish the revelations they voted to print 10K copies, twice the number of the original printing of the Book of Mormon.

Editions of the D&C:

-Original Book of Commandments printed by WW Phelps in Missouri. Of the committed 10Ku run, most of whatever was printed lost in mob violence. Unlikely more than 100 copies survived. Only two known copies today (most valuable historical Church publication).

-1834-approved in Kirtland.  Started in 1835 (Aug) and approved by common consent

-1844-Delayed after the martyrdom (included Section 135)

-1876-Orson Pratt under Brigham Youngs direction-rearranged sections, included footnotes. Reprinted -28 times

-1921-Under Heber J Grants direction-deleted Lectures on Faith

-1981-Major rework-included maps, footnotes, new Sections

2. The Lord authored the preface to the Doctrine and Covenants

In class I shared the story from my Mission of E.T. Benson (President of Quorum of the Twelve) in a Stake Conference in Orange Park, Florida.  He started off with what appeared to be a few prepared points, then he started to speak unscripted, quoting almost exclusively from the D&C from memory and providing commentary as he moved from quote to quote.

A committee drafted a preface to the revelations but the brethren couldn't agree on the wording.  As usual, they turned to Joseph to receive a revelation.  After prayer, Joseph spoke slowly as Sidney dilated what became D&C 1, the Lord's Preface to his revelations. (Note: I believe this was at the same meeting referenced above in the Johnson home).

President Benson-"A preface prepares the reader for the message of the book. The Doctrine and Covenants is the only book on earth with a preface from Christ".

Notes from my scriptures:

1:2 "voice of the Lord" that is Christ gave all revelations and "none to escape" that is that all shall hear the Gospel

1:4 "voice of warning to all people"-quite a statement given there were less than 1000 members at the time.

1:10 much of how we will be judged will be from how we treat others

1:13-14 the wicked will be destroyed at the 2nd coming.  Arm of the Lord = strength of the Lord

1:19 the weak are chosen because they are humble and teachable

1:24-40 the Lord's testimony of the restoration

1:30 "bring it forth out of obscurity" fulfilled by the Church under President Hinckley

1:36 reference to Idumea. Idumea referred to an area populated by wicked people through which the trade route known as the King's Highway passed through (geographically in Egypt/Arabia).  Symbolic of traveling through sin.

Link to PDF of Lesson Manual w/ my written notes:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B78D5btorZEebHl4TDJLN2Nvd0E/view?usp=sharing