Lesson Highlights

• The revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants address the needs of our day.
• The Lord authored the preface to the Doctrine and Covenants.
• This course will discuss major events of the dispensation of the fulness of times.
• We can each help to move forward this great latter-day work.

A study of this lesson will introduce us to this year’s study of the Doctrine and Covenants and Church history and help us understand our place in the dispensation of the fulness of times.

Scripture references for study:  Doctrine and Covenants 1
    Note: Underlined scripture references have been hyperlinked to the LDS Scriptures at LDS.org and will open in a new window.

Lesson 1 Handout (PDF format)

Introduction

1. Some personal thoughts:
• Two years ago we concluded a study of the New Testament. New Testament history ends with the lives of the Apostles and church leaders ending in a brutal fashion. Priesthood authority was lost. The light of the everlasting gospel faded and the eastern hemisphere entered a night of spiritual darkness.
• Over the past few weeks we have studied and discussed the end of Nephite civilization. Mormon and his son Moroni were the last of their people. These two righteous men spent much of their remaining days preparing a history of their people. Moroni concluded the record, buried it in the hill Cumorah, and then, like a single candle that has burned to the end of its wick, Moroni passed on and the world was engulfed in spiritual darkness, a darkness that would remain for over a millennium.
• Many centuries later, a spiritual awakening began. Martin Luther, followed by many others, began a search for truth. Though they studied the scriptures and did their best to adhere to the word of the Lord, only God himself could shine spiritual light on the world and restore the priesthood authority held by the ancient apostles. Roger Williams, pastor of the oldest Baptist Church in America, said that there was "no regularly-constituted church on earth, nor any person authorized to administer any Church ordinance: nor could there be until, new apostles are sent by the great Head of the Church, for whose coming, he is seeking" (quoted by LeGrand Richards in A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, p27-28).
• We are about to embark on a study of the greatest event since the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the restoration of ancient authority and the building of the kingdom of God on earth in anticipation of the return of our Eternal King, Jesus Christ. As I contemplate the events of the Restoration, I am moved. This is a great story and it cannot be given sufficient fanfare. Elder LeGrand Richards said, "The establishment of his kingdom by the God of heaven was to be the greatest event in the latter days. Though small and insignificant as its beginning would be, its ultimate destiny is to fill the whole earth, with Christ our Lord at its head. The kingdom was to be given to the saints of the Most High that they might possess it forever" (Ibid., p36).
• As I consider the upcoming year, I sometimes visualize Church history as the unfolding of a great drama. In modern times, great dramas have best been portrayed in the movies. I think of two epoch stories that have been produced for the silver screen, The Ten Commandments and Ben Hur. Great movies portrayed in an incredible fashion. In my mind, I can see the Restoration portrayed in such a manner. The Ten Commandments begins with the humble birth of Moses and moves to the epoch exodus of Israel from Egypt. The story of the Restoration begins with a teenage frontier boy. The story moves from a quiet, yet dramatic beginning in a sacred grove of trees, to the translation of an ancient work, to the beginnings of a gathering, to the persecution and removal of thousands of Saints from their homes. We see wagon trains struggling across the American wilderness and the building of a temple in the desert. The years roll on and we see armies of elders moving across the earth preaching the gospel and building the kingdom of God. What a story!
• In 1997, Brother Brett Raymond produced a recording entitled, First Light- Scenes From the Restoration.  I would like to share one of his compositions as an introduction and fanfare to this great drama that we are about to view over the next twelve months. As an introduction to this composition, Brother Raymond wrote:  "I picture a small group, maybe the same group that had gathered in Peter Whitmer's cabin on April 6, 1830. A hymn is being sung. As they sing, our view is expanded. The view is now from above the cabin and pulling back, broadening our view of the world.

    "As we ascend, angel's voices are heard, joining the hymn, swelling the sound of the small group, now far below us, one mighty heavenly chorus, singing without restraint and supplicating the King: 'Come, come to earth again!' What a glorious scene that will be!"
• Lyrics from All That Was Giv'n:

          All that was giv'n,
          From the last to the first,
          To all the sons of man--
          Visions and knowledge
          And truth's grand rebirth
          Comes to the earth again.

          All that was giv'n
          From the Ancient of Days,
          From holy spheres to man
          Newly restored
          In its fulness and pow'r
          Comes to the earth again.

          When all that shall live
          In that long-promised day
          When peace and love will reign--
          Fulness of joy
          When the Lord, King of kings,
          Comes to the earth again.

          Comes to the earth again.
   

  • Note: If you wish to use Brother Raymond's music, it is available for download at: http://www.ldsaudio.com/shop/music.aspx?type=album&id=485. Download All That Was Giv'n and Main Theme/Epilogue.
• WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS YEAR'S STUDY OF THE DOCTRINE & COVENANTS AND CHURCH HISTORY?
2. About This Year's Course - Explanatory Information from this year's Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual.
• "This course uses a thematic approach in studying the Doctrine and Covenants and Church
history. The lessons are intended to help class members learn and apply what the Doctrine and Covenants and Church history teach about specific gospel themes. As a result of this year's study, class members should have a greater desire to seek the blessings of the gospel."
• "Because this year's lessons are thematic, some sections of the Doctrine and Covenants are not included in the reading assignments.  Nevertheless, class members should plan to read the entire Doctrine and Covenants during the year."
3. Provide copies of the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Class Member Study Guide.
4. Provide copies of Our Heritage, and distribute copies as needed so there will be at least one copy in each home.

The Revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants Address The Needs of Our Day

1. READ the third paragraph in the Explanatory Introduction, found at the beginning of the Doctrine and Covenants, beginning, "The book of Doctrine and Covenants..."
• HOW IS THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER BOOKS OF SCRIPTURE?
• It is not a translation of an ancient record.
• It is revelation given to chosen prophets for this dispensation.
• It is the Lord's operating handbook for his church in this day.
2. READ the sixth paragraph in the Explanatory Introduction beginning, "These sacred revelations..."
• WHAT DOES THIS PARAGRAPH TEACH ABOUT HOW THE REVELATIONS IN THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS WERE RECEIVED?
• "These sacred revelations were received in answer to prayer, in times of need, and came out of real-life situations, involving real people."
3. READ the eighth paragraph in the Explanatory Introduction beginning "In the revelations..."
• WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DOCTRINES OF THE GOSPEL THAT ARE EXPLAINED IN THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS?
• WHAT DOCTRINES HAVE TOUCHED YOU OR THAT YOU SEE AS MEETING THE NEEDS OF OUR DAY?
• There are so many doctrines of value, these are just three:
  • The Word of Wisdom (D&C 89).
  • Eternal Marriage (D&C 132). 
  • Obtaining answers to prayer (D&C 9).

The Lord Authored The Preface To The Doctrine And Covenants - Section 1

1. Historical Background:
• Prior to Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer leaving for Jackson County, Missouri, the Prophet called a conference of elders to consider matters of importance. The first day of the conference was November 1, 1831.
• The main item on the agenda was the publication of the revelations given to Joseph Smith. It was the on the first day of the conference that the Lord gave his approval to the compilation through revelation. Section 1 became known as the Lord's preface to the Book of Commandments.
• It was decided by the elders that 10,000 copies of the sixty-five revelations should be printed under the title Book of Commandments.
• 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.
• Following the conference Joseph arranged the revelations. Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer carried them to Independence for printing by William W. Phelps.
2. An Introduction to Section 1.
• A Modern Parable.
• George A. Horton, Jr: "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, shrieking, and cursing; finally over the falls they went to a watery grave." (Studies In Scripture, 1:39)
• READ D&C 1:17-24.
• The Lord knows our time. He sees the "calamity" ahead. It is his servants who stand on the shore waving for us to come to shore and make our way to safety.
• Consider the call from shore:
• "Hearken ye people from afar, and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together." (v1)
• "And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days." (v4)
• "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." (v11-14)
• The Doctrine and Covenants contains the call to shore, a place where we will find safety.
3. READ D&C 1:1-6.
• The Lord calls this revelation his preface to the Book of Commandments (v6).
• HOW WILL THE VOICE OF WARNING BE GIVEN TO ALL PEOPLE?
• "...by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days" (v4).
• HOW IS THAT BEING DONE TODAY?
• 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, Jan 1993)
4. "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" (v30).
• The Lord is clear, 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.
5. READ D&C 1:37-39. Search these commandments.
• This is our charge. The Church has designated this year in particular to search the commandments, as contained in the Doctrine and Covenants.
• It is interesting to note that the Lord did not say to read the commandments, but to "search" them.
• 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, and in every nook and cranny. Might we take the back off our TV? Would we leave a single space unturned?
• The Lord said "search." We are looking for treasures far more valuable and much longer lasting than a $10,000 gold piece.

This Course Will Discuss Major Events Of The Dispensation Of The Fulness Of Times

1. The lessons this year will cover many of the major events of our dispensation—the dispensation of the fulness of times.
2. Joseph Smith:  "Prophets, priests and kings … have looked forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live; and fired with heavenly and joyful anticipations they have sung and written and prophesied of this our day; but they died without the sight; we are the favored people that God has made choice of to bring about the Latter-day glory; it is left for us to see, participate in and help to roll forward the Latter-day glory, 'the dispensation of the fulness of times'." (TPJS, p231)
• We are blessed to live at a time when we can now study the "heavenly and joyful anticipations" and take part in the further unrolling of this great dispensation.
3. We will be studying the six periods of this dispensation:
    

New York Period	1820-1830
Ohio-Missouri Period	1831-1838
Nauvoo Period	1839-1846
Pioneering the West	1846-1898
Expansion of the Church	1899-1950
The Worldwide Church	1951-present

• Many of the important events in these six historical periods are summarized on pages 27-28 in the Class Member Study Guide.
• WHICH EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH HAVE PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE TO YOU?

We Can Each Help To Move Forward This Great Latter-Day Work

1. We are blessed to live in a wonderful time. The Church has been established. Many have sacrificed much in order that we might have these great blessings. But this is not a time to sit back and relax. The work remains the same, to carry the everlasting gospel to every nation and people.
• President Ezra Taft Benson: "There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short period of time as there is of us." (quoted by Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Nov 1989, p36)
• President Gordon B. Hinckley: "This is a season of a thousand opportunities. It is ours to grasp and move forward. What a wonderful time it is for each of us to do his or her small part in moving the work of the Lord on to its magnificent destiny." (Ensign, Nov 1997, p67)
• WHAT CAN WE DO INDIVIDUALLY AND IN OUR FAMILIES TO HELP MOVE FORWARD THE LORD'S GREAT LATTER-DAY WORK?
2. We started out this lesson by comparing the Restoration to a epoch drama. The drama continues and we have a responsibility to participate. We can continue the great latter day work begun by our predecessors. We, like them, can be saviors on Mount Zion and be the catalyst to bring in generations of new Saints to the gospel. Dare we pass up such a opportunity and responsibility.

    One great example in this latter day work has been President Hinckley. At an age when most of his peers were deceased or quietly living our their remaining days, this giant of a man continued to work until the end of his life. Few could keep up with him. A few short years ago, as I had the privilege of watching the closed circuit dedication of the Palmyra Temple, I was moved when I saw President Hinckley and his absolute dedication and energy to the work. We need to follow his example. This is the work of eternity!
 

Gospel Doctrine Notebook

1. Record your thoughts regarding this year's study of the Doctrine and Covenants and Church history. What do you hope to learn? What can you do to assist this great work in moving forward?

Resources Used In This Lesson

• A Marvelous Work and a Wonder by LeGrand Richards.
• Ensign.
• Studies In Scripture, Volume 1, edited by Robert L. Millet and Kent P. Jackson.
• Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (TPJS).

Next Lesson

Lesson 2:  Review the Class Member Study Guide.