Priesthood: “The Power of Godliness”
Joseph Smith stated that the priesthood is “the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation and every important matter is revealed from heaven.” Further, the priesthood “is the channel through which the Almighty commenced revealing his glory at the beginning of this earth, through which He has continued to reveal Himself to the children of men to the present time, and through which he will make known His purposes to the end of time.”(History of the Church 4:207; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 166-67)
The Lord makes known through this revelation that it is by means of the authorized ordinances of the priesthood that the “power of godliness” is manifest unto men on earth. It is the power of godliness—the power of righteousness—which enables mortal man to enter into the realm of divine experience. “For without this“—the power of godliness—”no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live” (D&C 84:22)
“In and through the holy priesthood,” Elder Bruce R. McConkie has written, “including all the laws and rites that go with it, the power of godliness, or in other words the power of righteousness, is brought to pass in the lives of men. Without these priesthood laws and powers, God’s power and glory would not be revealed to man on earth. Without them they would not see the face of God, for if they did, his glory would destroy them. Sinful men cannot see the face of God and live (JST, Exod. 33:20).” (The Promised Messiah (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1978), p. 589.)
OVERVIEW:
- Order in the restoration of the priesthood and its offices.
- The oath and covenant of the priesthood.
- Principles for using the priesthood.
Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: D&C-Church History Lesson 25.
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“Be Not Deceived, but Continue in Steadfastness”
Who has not heard and felt the enticing of the devil? His voice often sounds so reasonable and his message so easy to justify. It is an appealing, intriguing voice with dulcet tones. It is neither hard nor discordant. No one would listen to Satan’s voice if it sounded harsh or mean. If the devil’s voice were unpleasant, it would not persuade people to listen to it.
I think we will witness increasing evidence of Satan’s power as the kingdom of God grows stronger. I believe Satan’s ever-expanding efforts are some proof of the truthfulness of this work. In the future the opposition will be both more subtle and more open. It will be masked in greater sophistication and cunning, but it will also be more blatant. We will need greater spirituality to perceive all of the forms of evil and greater strength to resist it. But the disappointments and setbacks to the work of God will be temporary, for the work will go forward. (James E. Faust, “The Forces That Will Save Us,” Ensign, Jan 2007, 4-9)
This lesson discusses individual apostasy and how to avoid it. How can we identify Satan’s sophistries and enticings and avoid them? What must we do to remain valiant in our testimonies and avoid deception?
Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: D&C-Church History Lesson 24.
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“Seek Learning, Even by Study and Also by Faith”
Each of us can be learning every day of our life. Time goes so fast that it makes fast learners of all of us—if we are seeking diligently. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord counseled the Saints: “Seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” (D&C 88:118.) If we can hold on to the thirst for knowledge during our whole life, every day will be more zestful, and the speed with which we learn will not be nearly so important as what we learn. – Ardith Green Kapp (I Walk By Faith, Deseret Book, 1987)
Joseph Smith was keenly interested in providing members with educational opportunities, and many Latter-day Saints were genuinely interested in various branches of learning. He actively supported a variety of educational programs in the 1830s in Kirtland, Ohio. The first school established under his direction was called the School of the Prophets. It was organized in Kirtland, Ohio, in January 1833 for priesthood leaders. Students met in the Newel K. Whitney store. One portion of the store was used for merchandising and post office needs. Another portion had been remodeled and had become the temporary home of Joseph Smith and his family. A small upstairs room in the northeast corner of the building served as a schoolroom. It was adjacent to the southeast room which was, in reality, the headquarters of the Church and sometimes called the revelation or translating room. In that southeast room, the Prophet worked on the translation of the Bible, dictated many revelations, and presided over conferences or meetings of Latter-day Saints.
OVERVIEW:
- The School of the Prophets provides a pattern for us to follow in our learning.
- We should learn “by study and also by faith.”
- We should continue to learn throughout our lives.
- In the temple we gain an education for eternity.
Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: D&C-Church History Lesson 23.
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The Word of Wisdom: “A Principle with Promise”
Words from a portion of President Boyd Packer’s Patriarchal Blessing have meaning for each of us here in mortality:
You had the opportunity before coming here to voice your desire to have this privilege of Earth Life in the council of the spirit world. You were valiant in the defense of truth and right. You made a free and willing decision to abide by the laws of Eternal Progress as outlined by our elder brother, the Lord Jesus Christ. You kept faithfully your first estate and have been added upon by being born into this world and given a physical body with which you might experience Earth Life. You have been given a body of such physical proportions and fitness as to enable your spirit to function through it unhampered by physical impediments. You should cherish this as a great heritage. Guard and protect it–take nothing into it that shall harm the organs thereof because it is sacred. It is the instrument of your mind and the foundation of your character. [Patriarchal blessing of Boyd K. Packer, 15 January 1944, 1]
Heavenly Father has provided our bodies for a divine purpose. They are a necessary part of His plan for our eternal progression. Because of their importance, Heavenly Father has given us a stewardship to care for them. In our dispensation, as in ancient times, He has revealed principles of good health to help us keep our bodies clean and pure. Our obedience to these principles is an indication of our love for Him and an expression of our gratitude.
During the winter of 1833, Joseph Smith inquired of the the Lord about his concerns regarding members’ use of tobacco products and their health effects on the body. He received the revelation that is known as “The Word of Wisdom” (Doctrine & Covenants 89). This lesson discusses its counsel and great promises.
Overview:
- Why was the Word of Wisdom revealed?
- The Lord’s counsel about what is not good for the body.
- The Lord’s counsel about what is good for the body.
- Promised blessings for obedience to the Word of Wisdom.
Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: D&C-Church History Lesson 22.
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