Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
Quick Review: Topics of Revelation for Us
Topic: Sections
Prophet Joseph Smith: “Great opposition and much persecution followed the believers…but…truth had sprung out of the Earth and righteousness had looked down from heaven so we feared not our opponents knowing that we had both truth and righteousness on our side, that we had both the Father and the Son, because we had the doctrines of Christ and abided in them – therefore we continued to preach and give information to all who are willing to hear.” (History of the Church 1:84).
Prophet Joseph Smith: "Early in the month of August (1830) Newel Knight and his wife paid us a visit [in] Harmony, Pennsylvania; and as neither his wife nor mine had been … confirmed, it was proposed that we should confirm them, and partake together of the Sacrament before he and his wife should leave us. In order to prepare for this I set out to procure some wine for the occasion, but had gone only a short distance when I was met by a heavenly messenger, and received the following revelation, the first four paragraphs of which were written at this time, and the remainder in the September following." (History of the Church 1:106).
Elder Jeffery R. Holland: “With a crust of bread, always broken, blessed, and offered first, we remember his bruised body and broken heart, his physical suffering on the cross … With a small cup of water we remember the shed-ding of Christ’s blood and the depth of his spiritual suffering, anguish which began in the Garden of Gethsemane … [Sacrament meetings have] been called ‘the most sacred, the most holy, of all the meetings of the Church’ (see: Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, v.2:340). Perhaps we do not always attach that kind of meaning to our weekly sacramental service. How ‘sacred’ and how ‘holy’ is it?
“Do we see it as our passover, remembrance of our safety and deliverance and redemption? With so very much at stake, this ordinance commemorating our escape from the angel of darkness should be taken more seriously than it sometimes is. It should be a powerful, reverent, reflective moment ... As such it should not be rushed. It is not something to ‘get over’ so that the real purpose of a sacrament meeting can be pursued. This is the real purpose of the meeting. And everything that is said or sung or prayed in those services should be consistent with the grandeur of this sacred ordinance…
•We could remember the Savior’s premortal life and all that we know him to have done as the great Jehovah, creator of heaven and earth and all things that in them are…
•We could remember that even in the Grand Council of Heaven he loved us and was wonderfully strong, that we triumphed even there by the power of Christ and our faith in the blood of the Lamb...
•We could remember the simple grandeur of his mortal birth…
•We could remember Christ’s miracles and his teachings, his healings and his help. We could remember that he gave sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf and motion to the lame…maimed and the withered…
•We could remember that even with such a solemn mission given to him, the Savior found delight in living; he enjoyed people and told his disciples to be of good cheer…
•We could remember that Jesus found special joy and happiness in children and said that all of us should be more like them – guileless and pure…
•We could remember that Christ called his disciples friends, and that friends are those who stand by us in times of lonely-ness or potential despair. We could remember a friend we need to contact or, better yet, a friend we need to make…
•We could—and should—remember the wonderful things that have come to us in our lives and that ‘all things which are good cometh of Christ’ (Moro. 7:24).
•Those of us who are so blessed could remember the courage of those around us who face more difficulty than we, but who remain cheerful, who do the best they can, and trust that the Bright and Morning Star will rise again for them—as surely he will do.
•On some days we will have cause to remember the unkind treatment he received, the rejection he experienced, and the injustice—oh, the injustice—he endured. When we, too, then face some of that in life, we can remember that Christ was also troubled on every side, but not distressed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.
•When those difficult times come to us, before he could ascend above them, and that he suffered pains and afflictions and temptation we can remember that Jesus had to descend below all things of every kind that he might be filled with mercy and know how to succor his people in their infirmities…However dim our days may seem they’ve been darker for the Savior of the world. (“This Do in Remembrance of Me”, Ensign [CR], Nov. 1995).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "We now come to the least known and least understood thing connected with the Second Coming. It might well be termed the best-kept secret set forth in the revealed word. Before the Lord Jesus descends openly and publicly in the clouds of glory… before the great and dreadful day of the Lord…before he set his feet on Olivet…before all flesh shall see him together; before any of his appearances, which taken together comprise the second coming of the Son of God - …there is to be a secret appearance to selected members of his Church. He will come in private to his prophet and to the apostles then living. Those who have held keys and powers and authorities in all ages from Adam to the present. And further, all the faithful members of the Church …then living and all the faithful saints of all the ages past will be present. It will be the greatest congregation of faithful saints ever assembled on planet earth. It will be a sacrament meeting. It will be a day of judgment for the faithful of all ages.” (Millennial Messiah, p 578-579).
The Armor of God (27:15-18)
…that there is not one great and grand thing we can do to arm ourselves spiritually. True spiritual power lies in numerous smaller acts woven together in a fabric of spiritual fortification that protects and shields from all evil” (“Be Strong in the Lord,” Ensign, July 2004, 8).
The Importance of Verbs
August 1830
•Joseph Smith begins arranging and copying the revelations.
•Oliver Cowdrey moves to Fayette, New York.
•Nathaniel Lewis persecution/threats against Joseph Smith.
•Joseph visits Colesville as directed in section 26.
•Joseph travels to Fayette – 2nd conference of the Church.
Joseph Smith: “Towards the latter end of August I (in company with John and David Whitmer, and my brother Hyrum Smith) visited the church at Colesville, N.Y. Well knowing the determined <hostility> of our enemies in that quarter, and also knowing that it was our duty to visit the church, we had called upon our Heavenly Father in mighty prayer, that he would grant us an opportunity of meeting with them; that he would blind the eyes of our enemies, so that they would not know us, and that we might on this occasion return unmolested…
“Our prayers were not in vain, for, when within a little distance of Mr Knights place, we encountered a large company at work upon the public road, among <whom> were several of our most bitter enemies. They looked earnestly at us, but not knowing us, we passed on with out interruption. We that evening assembled the church, and confirmed them, partook of the sacrament, and held a happy meeting, having much reason to rejoice in the God of our salvation, and sing Hosannas to his holy name.” (https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1838-1856-volume-a-1-23-december-1805-30-august-1834/59)
In the summer of 1830, Oliver Cowdery wrote to Joseph Smith from the home of Peter Whitmer, where the Church had been organized earlier that year: “I command you in the name of God to erase those words, that no priestcraft be amongst us.” (Joseph Smith, “History, 1838–1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805–30 August 1834],” 51.)
In his response, Joseph asked “by what authority he [Oliver] took upon him to command me to alter, or erase, to add or diminish to or from a revelation or commandment from Almighty God.” (Joseph Smith, “History, 1838–1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805–30 August 1834],” 51.)
A note on Hyrum Paige: The question arose because Hiram Page had found a stone through which he claimed to be receiving revelation. Many of the early converts came from a Congregationalist background, that is, from churches in which anyone had the right to proclaim doctrine if the rest of the congregation concurred.
Newel Knight, who was an eyewitness to these events, recorded this account: “After arranging my affairs at home, I again set out for Fayette, to attend our second conference, which had been appointed to be held at Father Whitmer’s where Joseph then resided. On my arrival I found Brother Joseph in great distress of mind on account of Hyrum Page, who had managed to get up some dissension of feeling among the brethren by giving revelations concerning the government of the Church and other matters, which he claimed to have received through the medium of a stone he possessed. He had quite a roll of papers full of these revelations, and many in the Church were led astray by them. Even Oliver Cowdery and the Whitmer family had given heed to them, although they were in contradiction to the New Testament and the revelations of these last days. Here was a chance for Satan to work among the little flock, and he sought by this means to accomplish what persecution failed to do. Joseph was perplexed and scarcely knew how to meet this new exigency. That night I occupied the same room that he did and the greater part of the night was spent in prayer and supplication. After much labor with these brethren they were convinced of their error, and confessed the same, renouncing the revelations as not being of God, but acknowledged that Satan had conspired to overthrow their belief in the true plan of salvation. In consequence of these things Joseph enquired of the Lord before conference commenced and received the revelation published on page 140 of the Doctrine and Covenants [section 28], wherein God explicitly states His mind and will concerning the receiving of revelations.
“Conference having assembled, the first thing done was to consider the subject of the stone in connection with Hyrum Page, and after considerable investigation and discussion, Brother Page and all the members of the Church present renounced the stone, and the revelations connected with it, much to our joy and satisfaction.” (Journal History, 26 Sept. 1830.)
Problem #1 – Oliver does not understand the role of a prophet in receiving revelation.
The Lord’s Solution – 28:1-7
Always beware of those who want to correct, edit, or change the revelations from the Lord’s servants.
Problem #2 Hyrum Paige does not understand the role of a prophet in receiving revelation.
The Lord’s Solution – 28:2, 11-14, 9
Always beware of those who claim to have received revelations for the Church.
1913 declaration from the First Presidency (Pres. Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, and Charles W. Penrose) addressed simply, A Warning Voice, and reread again in the October 1972 Gen. Conference of the Church: “From the days of Hiram Page (D&C 28), at different periods there have been manifestations from delusive spirits to members of the Church. Sometimes these have come to the men and women who because of transgression became easy prey to the Arch-Deceiver. At other times people who pride themselves on their strict observance of the rules and ordinances and ceremonies of the Church are led astray by false spirits, who exercise an influence so imitative of that which proceeds from a Divine source that even these persons, who think they are ‘the very elect,’ find it difficult to discern the essential difference. Satan himself has transformed himself to be apparently ‘an angel of light.’ When visions, dreams, tongues, prophecy, impressions or any extraordinary gift or inspiration, convey some-thing out of harmony with the accepted revelations of the Church or contrary to the decisions of its constituted authorities, Latter-day Saints may know that it is not of God, no matter how plausible it may appear. Also, they should understand that directions for the guidance of the Church will come, by revelation, through the head. All faithful members are entitled to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit for themselves, their families, and for those over whom they are appointed and ordained to preside. But anything at discord with that which comes from God through the head of the Church is not to be received as authoritative or reliable. In secular as well as spiritual affairs, Saints may receive Divine guidance and revelation affecting themselves, but this does not convey authority to direct others, and is not to be accepted when contrary to Church covenants, doctrine or discipline, or to known facts, demonstrated truths, or good common sense…Be not led by any spirit or influence that discredits estab-lished authority and contradicts true scientific principles and discoveries, or leads away from the direct revelations of God for the government of the Church. The Holy Ghost does not contradict its own revealings. Truth is always harmonious with itself. Piety is often the cloak of error. The counsels of the Lord through the channel he has appointed will be followed with safety, therefore, O! ye Latter-day Saints, profit by these words of warning.” (Improvement Era, Sept. 1913, p.1148; repeated by Pres. Harold B. Lee, Improvement Era, June 1970, p.63-64; again in CR. Oct. 1972, p.125-126.)
Elder Boyd K. Packer: “We are entitled to personal revelation. However, unless we are set apart to some presiding office, we will not receive revelations concerning what others should do. …
“An unusual spiritual experience should not be regarded as a personal call to direct others. It is my conviction that experiences of a special, sacred nature are individual and should be kept to oneself.” ((“Revelation in a Changing World,” Ensign, Nov. 1989, 14–15).
Elder Ian S. Ardern: On Hiram’s being corrected, an account says the stone was taken and ground into powder so it would never again be a distraction. I invite us to identify the time-wasting distractions in our lives that may need to be figuratively ground into dust. (A Time to Prepare, Oct 2011).
Teaching Thoughts:
Topic: Sections
- Counsel for our callings: 4, 11, 23
- Help in receiving revelation: 6-9
- Comfort with discouragement: 11, 24
- Reminders about the Atonement: 18-19
- The Lord’s respect and love for women: 25
- Our safety in following the Prophet: 1, 21, 28
- Help/council in overcoming the adversary: 3, 10
Prophet Joseph Smith: “Great opposition and much persecution followed the believers…but…truth had sprung out of the Earth and righteousness had looked down from heaven so we feared not our opponents knowing that we had both truth and righteousness on our side, that we had both the Father and the Son, because we had the doctrines of Christ and abided in them – therefore we continued to preach and give information to all who are willing to hear.” (History of the Church 1:84).
Prophet Joseph Smith: "Early in the month of August (1830) Newel Knight and his wife paid us a visit [in] Harmony, Pennsylvania; and as neither his wife nor mine had been … confirmed, it was proposed that we should confirm them, and partake together of the Sacrament before he and his wife should leave us. In order to prepare for this I set out to procure some wine for the occasion, but had gone only a short distance when I was met by a heavenly messenger, and received the following revelation, the first four paragraphs of which were written at this time, and the remainder in the September following." (History of the Church 1:106).
Elder Jeffery R. Holland: “With a crust of bread, always broken, blessed, and offered first, we remember his bruised body and broken heart, his physical suffering on the cross … With a small cup of water we remember the shed-ding of Christ’s blood and the depth of his spiritual suffering, anguish which began in the Garden of Gethsemane … [Sacrament meetings have] been called ‘the most sacred, the most holy, of all the meetings of the Church’ (see: Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, v.2:340). Perhaps we do not always attach that kind of meaning to our weekly sacramental service. How ‘sacred’ and how ‘holy’ is it?
“Do we see it as our passover, remembrance of our safety and deliverance and redemption? With so very much at stake, this ordinance commemorating our escape from the angel of darkness should be taken more seriously than it sometimes is. It should be a powerful, reverent, reflective moment ... As such it should not be rushed. It is not something to ‘get over’ so that the real purpose of a sacrament meeting can be pursued. This is the real purpose of the meeting. And everything that is said or sung or prayed in those services should be consistent with the grandeur of this sacred ordinance…
•We could remember the Savior’s premortal life and all that we know him to have done as the great Jehovah, creator of heaven and earth and all things that in them are…
•We could remember that even in the Grand Council of Heaven he loved us and was wonderfully strong, that we triumphed even there by the power of Christ and our faith in the blood of the Lamb...
•We could remember the simple grandeur of his mortal birth…
•We could remember Christ’s miracles and his teachings, his healings and his help. We could remember that he gave sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf and motion to the lame…maimed and the withered…
•We could remember that even with such a solemn mission given to him, the Savior found delight in living; he enjoyed people and told his disciples to be of good cheer…
•We could remember that Jesus found special joy and happiness in children and said that all of us should be more like them – guileless and pure…
•We could remember that Christ called his disciples friends, and that friends are those who stand by us in times of lonely-ness or potential despair. We could remember a friend we need to contact or, better yet, a friend we need to make…
•We could—and should—remember the wonderful things that have come to us in our lives and that ‘all things which are good cometh of Christ’ (Moro. 7:24).
•Those of us who are so blessed could remember the courage of those around us who face more difficulty than we, but who remain cheerful, who do the best they can, and trust that the Bright and Morning Star will rise again for them—as surely he will do.
•On some days we will have cause to remember the unkind treatment he received, the rejection he experienced, and the injustice—oh, the injustice—he endured. When we, too, then face some of that in life, we can remember that Christ was also troubled on every side, but not distressed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.
•When those difficult times come to us, before he could ascend above them, and that he suffered pains and afflictions and temptation we can remember that Jesus had to descend below all things of every kind that he might be filled with mercy and know how to succor his people in their infirmities…However dim our days may seem they’ve been darker for the Savior of the world. (“This Do in Remembrance of Me”, Ensign [CR], Nov. 1995).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "We now come to the least known and least understood thing connected with the Second Coming. It might well be termed the best-kept secret set forth in the revealed word. Before the Lord Jesus descends openly and publicly in the clouds of glory… before the great and dreadful day of the Lord…before he set his feet on Olivet…before all flesh shall see him together; before any of his appearances, which taken together comprise the second coming of the Son of God - …there is to be a secret appearance to selected members of his Church. He will come in private to his prophet and to the apostles then living. Those who have held keys and powers and authorities in all ages from Adam to the present. And further, all the faithful members of the Church …then living and all the faithful saints of all the ages past will be present. It will be the greatest congregation of faithful saints ever assembled on planet earth. It will be a sacrament meeting. It will be a day of judgment for the faithful of all ages.” (Millennial Messiah, p 578-579).
The Armor of God (27:15-18)
- What is the war?
- What is the armor of God?
- How is it made?
- How is it strengthened?
- How do I put it on?
- How will it protect me?
…that there is not one great and grand thing we can do to arm ourselves spiritually. True spiritual power lies in numerous smaller acts woven together in a fabric of spiritual fortification that protects and shields from all evil” (“Be Strong in the Lord,” Ensign, July 2004, 8).
The Importance of Verbs
- Why stand with your armor? (v. 16)
- How has your faith quenched the adversity’s ‘fiery darts?’ (v. 17)
- Drip vs. sprinkle vs. ‘pour’ out the Spirit (v. 18)
August 1830
•Joseph Smith begins arranging and copying the revelations.
•Oliver Cowdrey moves to Fayette, New York.
•Nathaniel Lewis persecution/threats against Joseph Smith.
•Joseph visits Colesville as directed in section 26.
•Joseph travels to Fayette – 2nd conference of the Church.
Joseph Smith: “Towards the latter end of August I (in company with John and David Whitmer, and my brother Hyrum Smith) visited the church at Colesville, N.Y. Well knowing the determined <hostility> of our enemies in that quarter, and also knowing that it was our duty to visit the church, we had called upon our Heavenly Father in mighty prayer, that he would grant us an opportunity of meeting with them; that he would blind the eyes of our enemies, so that they would not know us, and that we might on this occasion return unmolested…
“Our prayers were not in vain, for, when within a little distance of Mr Knights place, we encountered a large company at work upon the public road, among <whom> were several of our most bitter enemies. They looked earnestly at us, but not knowing us, we passed on with out interruption. We that evening assembled the church, and confirmed them, partook of the sacrament, and held a happy meeting, having much reason to rejoice in the God of our salvation, and sing Hosannas to his holy name.” (https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1838-1856-volume-a-1-23-december-1805-30-august-1834/59)
In the summer of 1830, Oliver Cowdery wrote to Joseph Smith from the home of Peter Whitmer, where the Church had been organized earlier that year: “I command you in the name of God to erase those words, that no priestcraft be amongst us.” (Joseph Smith, “History, 1838–1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805–30 August 1834],” 51.)
In his response, Joseph asked “by what authority he [Oliver] took upon him to command me to alter, or erase, to add or diminish to or from a revelation or commandment from Almighty God.” (Joseph Smith, “History, 1838–1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805–30 August 1834],” 51.)
A note on Hyrum Paige: The question arose because Hiram Page had found a stone through which he claimed to be receiving revelation. Many of the early converts came from a Congregationalist background, that is, from churches in which anyone had the right to proclaim doctrine if the rest of the congregation concurred.
Newel Knight, who was an eyewitness to these events, recorded this account: “After arranging my affairs at home, I again set out for Fayette, to attend our second conference, which had been appointed to be held at Father Whitmer’s where Joseph then resided. On my arrival I found Brother Joseph in great distress of mind on account of Hyrum Page, who had managed to get up some dissension of feeling among the brethren by giving revelations concerning the government of the Church and other matters, which he claimed to have received through the medium of a stone he possessed. He had quite a roll of papers full of these revelations, and many in the Church were led astray by them. Even Oliver Cowdery and the Whitmer family had given heed to them, although they were in contradiction to the New Testament and the revelations of these last days. Here was a chance for Satan to work among the little flock, and he sought by this means to accomplish what persecution failed to do. Joseph was perplexed and scarcely knew how to meet this new exigency. That night I occupied the same room that he did and the greater part of the night was spent in prayer and supplication. After much labor with these brethren they were convinced of their error, and confessed the same, renouncing the revelations as not being of God, but acknowledged that Satan had conspired to overthrow their belief in the true plan of salvation. In consequence of these things Joseph enquired of the Lord before conference commenced and received the revelation published on page 140 of the Doctrine and Covenants [section 28], wherein God explicitly states His mind and will concerning the receiving of revelations.
“Conference having assembled, the first thing done was to consider the subject of the stone in connection with Hyrum Page, and after considerable investigation and discussion, Brother Page and all the members of the Church present renounced the stone, and the revelations connected with it, much to our joy and satisfaction.” (Journal History, 26 Sept. 1830.)
Problem #1 – Oliver does not understand the role of a prophet in receiving revelation.
The Lord’s Solution – 28:1-7
- Teach what the Lord has given by the Comforter (v. 1).
- No one receives revelation for the church except the prophet (v. 2).
- “Thou shalt not command him who is at … the head of the church” (v. 6).
Always beware of those who want to correct, edit, or change the revelations from the Lord’s servants.
Problem #2 Hyrum Paige does not understand the role of a prophet in receiving revelation.
The Lord’s Solution – 28:2, 11-14, 9
- No one receives revelation for the church except the prophet (v. 2).
- “Take they brother … between him and thee alone and tell him… (v. 11).
- Teach him that “all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church, and by the prayer of faith” (v. 13).
- Most of these false revelations centered on Zion, where it will be built, etc. (v. 9).
Always beware of those who claim to have received revelations for the Church.
1913 declaration from the First Presidency (Pres. Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, and Charles W. Penrose) addressed simply, A Warning Voice, and reread again in the October 1972 Gen. Conference of the Church: “From the days of Hiram Page (D&C 28), at different periods there have been manifestations from delusive spirits to members of the Church. Sometimes these have come to the men and women who because of transgression became easy prey to the Arch-Deceiver. At other times people who pride themselves on their strict observance of the rules and ordinances and ceremonies of the Church are led astray by false spirits, who exercise an influence so imitative of that which proceeds from a Divine source that even these persons, who think they are ‘the very elect,’ find it difficult to discern the essential difference. Satan himself has transformed himself to be apparently ‘an angel of light.’ When visions, dreams, tongues, prophecy, impressions or any extraordinary gift or inspiration, convey some-thing out of harmony with the accepted revelations of the Church or contrary to the decisions of its constituted authorities, Latter-day Saints may know that it is not of God, no matter how plausible it may appear. Also, they should understand that directions for the guidance of the Church will come, by revelation, through the head. All faithful members are entitled to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit for themselves, their families, and for those over whom they are appointed and ordained to preside. But anything at discord with that which comes from God through the head of the Church is not to be received as authoritative or reliable. In secular as well as spiritual affairs, Saints may receive Divine guidance and revelation affecting themselves, but this does not convey authority to direct others, and is not to be accepted when contrary to Church covenants, doctrine or discipline, or to known facts, demonstrated truths, or good common sense…Be not led by any spirit or influence that discredits estab-lished authority and contradicts true scientific principles and discoveries, or leads away from the direct revelations of God for the government of the Church. The Holy Ghost does not contradict its own revealings. Truth is always harmonious with itself. Piety is often the cloak of error. The counsels of the Lord through the channel he has appointed will be followed with safety, therefore, O! ye Latter-day Saints, profit by these words of warning.” (Improvement Era, Sept. 1913, p.1148; repeated by Pres. Harold B. Lee, Improvement Era, June 1970, p.63-64; again in CR. Oct. 1972, p.125-126.)
Elder Boyd K. Packer: “We are entitled to personal revelation. However, unless we are set apart to some presiding office, we will not receive revelations concerning what others should do. …
“An unusual spiritual experience should not be regarded as a personal call to direct others. It is my conviction that experiences of a special, sacred nature are individual and should be kept to oneself.” ((“Revelation in a Changing World,” Ensign, Nov. 1989, 14–15).
Elder Ian S. Ardern: On Hiram’s being corrected, an account says the stone was taken and ground into powder so it would never again be a distraction. I invite us to identify the time-wasting distractions in our lives that may need to be figuratively ground into dust. (A Time to Prepare, Oct 2011).
Teaching Thoughts:
- Focus on what matters most (sacrament).
- What will you/your family/class ‘remember’ that will help them have a more meaningful sacrament experience?
- How will I strengthen the ‘armor of God’ that I have put on?
- Don’t let something distract you from the prophet’s role in receiving revelation for the world.