Foundations of the Restoration Lesson 21- The Prophetic Mission of Joseph Smith & Lesson 22 - The Prophetic Mission of Joseph Smith

Foundations of the Restoration Lesson 19 - The Doctrine of the Eternal Family & Lesson 20 Plural Marriage

"THE FAMILY is ordained of God." - The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Doctrine & Covenants 49:15-17

14 And whoso doeth this shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of the hands of the elders of the church.

15 And again, verily I say unto you, that whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God, for marriage is ordained of God unto man.

The earth's purpose for man to have a place to fulfill the purposes of God. The plan was given in the pre-mortal life.

Scriptures to Study

Doctrine & Covenants 101:32-33, 59:18, Moses 1:39, Abraham 3:25

Twain - implies seperation

Genesis 2:24

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."

We have a dependency on our parents and when we get married we should then depend on each other. Husband and Wife

Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 

“The subject of marriage is debated across the world, where various arrangements exist for conjugal living. My purpose in speaking out on this topic is to declare, as an Apostle of the Lord, that marriage between a man and a woman is sacred—it is ordained of God. I also assert the virtue of a temple marriage. It is the highest and most enduring type of marriage that our Creator can offer to His children.

“While salvation is an individual matter, exaltation is a family matter. …

“… To qualify for eternal life, we must make an eternal and everlasting covenant with our Heavenly Father [see D&C 132:19]. This means that a temple marriage is not only between husband and wife; it embraces a partnership with God [see Matthew 19:6]” (“Celestial Marriage,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 92–93).

Lesson 20 was on Plural Marriage and I learned more about what was happening in the history of the church during this time and while I do not profess I understand all things, I support and sustain the Lord's prophet with the thought that I can know for myself what I am asked to do is right and true. 

"Marriage between one man and one woman is the Lord’s law unless He commands otherwise (see Jacob 2:27–30). The Prophet Joseph Smith was commanded to restore the practice of plural marriage, which was practiced in the Church for over half a century until President Wilford Woodruff was inspired by the Lord to discontinue the practice. Plural marriage was a significant test of faith for Joseph Smith and most who practiced it. As students exercise faith, they can come to know that the practice of plural marriage in the latter days was part of the Restoration of all things."

Foundations of the Restoration Lesson 17 - Gospel Teachings in Nauvoo & Lesson 18 - The Relief Society & the Church

The main focus of our lesson was on the Relief Society and I am grateful to be a member of this inspired "relief" society. Once the priesthood was restored, the Lord organized the sisters.

“Relief Society prepares women for the blessings of eternal life by helping them increase their faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and help those in need” (“The Purpose of Relief Society,” lds.org/callings/relief-society/purposes). This lesson will help students better understand the establishment of the Relief Society and its purposes. Students will also see that women have great opportunities and responsibilities in building God’s kingdom that are unique to them.

A video on the Relief Society organization

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/relief-society?lang=eng

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985), and ask a student to read it aloud:

“Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world … will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 222–23).

• Do you know any women who exemplify happiness in righteous living?   
• How have they made a difference in the lives of those who know them?
• 
  
   I have been blessed to know many good women in and outside of the church. In all walks and stages of life I have been surrounded by righteous women. My mother was my first example who exemplified love, acceptance, kindness, and always believed people deserve many chances. She taught me the spirit of service. In the temple where I serve I am surrounded by my friends, my sisters who serve the Lord with love and each Sunday in whatever calling I have had I am able to serve and be served by sisters who struggle in life but are sustained through the strength and power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. My daughter each of them have qualities that exemplify the Savior. Caitlynn is a loyal friend, and always thinking of others, Hailey has a kind heart and loves to serve her friends and family always thinking of the other person instead of herself, and Amber is tender heart and has the diligence to overcome challenges. I admire all of their faith.

Foundations of the Restoration Lesson 15 - Strength amid Opposition & Lesson 16 - Redemption of the Dead

I was away for this lesson. However, early in the week I felt impressed to visit Amber and Hailey in Rexburg. I knew that Amber was struggling and as I prayed I felt strongly that I needed to go and visit and let her know that I love her. More importantly that the Lord loves her. I was able to talk with her, hug her and let her know that no matter what I love her. I don't know exactly what I accomplished, but I felt at peace. Hailey was so kind to allow me to stay at her apartment and have her bed while she stayed on a air mattress on the floor. I am thankful for her kindness. Caitlynn, Hailey and Amber have taught me so much in my life. It is because of them that I learn more about who I am as a person, and to improve in ways I would not have if I was not their mother. Each of their unique circumstances brings me to my knees to petition my Father in Heaven for guidance. After all, they are His children and has given me this opportunity to be their Mom. Oh how I love the Plan of Salvation that allows us to experience this earth life. To my daughters, I love you and I am so grateful for each of you. Thank-you for the joy you have brought to my life.

I have complete the readings for this lesson and wanted to include some of my favorite quotes from this week's study.

If we are humble, the Lord will lead us and give us answers to our prayers. The Lord requires that we sustain those leaders who hold the keys to preside over the Church.

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 

“By definition, trials will be trying. There may be anguish, confusion, sleepless nights, and pillows wet with tears. But our trials need not be spiritually fatal. They need not take us from our covenants or from the household of God. …

“Like the intense fire that transforms iron into steel, as we remain faithful during the fiery trial of our faith, we are spiritually refined and strengthened” (“Trial of Your Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 41–42).

Lesson 16 Redemption of the Dead

What is the provision in God’s plan for those people who died (or die) without the opportunity to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ or the ordinance of baptism? 

All people who die without a knowledge of the gospel, who would have received this knowledge if they had heard it, will inherit the celestial kingdom.

When have you been comforted by this doctrine? 

When my father passed away, I felt an urgency to get his work completed in the temple, and I know that my father has accepted the gospel. A witness has been given to me too sacred to write in a blog, nevertheless, I have received a witness, and I am grateful to the Lord for providing a way for everyone to accept the gospel.

Read Doctrine & Covenants 127, 128 and 138

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

“As members of Christ’s restored Church, we have the covenant responsibility to search out our ancestors and provide for them the saving ordinances of the gospel. ‘They without us should not be made perfect’ (Hebrews 11:40; see also Teachings: Joseph Smith, 475). And ‘neither can we without our dead be made perfect’ (D&C 128:15)” (“The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 25).

Foundations of the Restoration Lesson 13 - The Vision & Lesson 14 - The Kirtland Temple and the Priesthood Keys

“Sacrifice is an amazing principle. As we willingly give our time and talents and all that we possess, it becomes one of our truest forms of worship. It can develop within us a profound love for each other and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Through sacrifice our hearts can be changed; we live closer to the Spirit and have less of an appetite for things of the world” (“Sacrifice: An Eternal Investment,” Ensign, May 2001, 64) Sister Carol B. Thomas

Study Doctrine & Covenants

Outline of the First Vision

The Glory of the Father and the Son verses 19-24

The order of the Vision reminds me of when the Lord appeared to Moses preparing them to hear about the truths

Fall of Lucifer

vs. 25-27

The Degrees of Glory

Celestial - vs. 50-70, 92-96

Terrestrial - vs. 71-80,87,91,97

Telestial - vs. 81-86,88-90,98-112

The scriptures say, "are not" present tense not "were not" past tense (judging)

Study and look for things you find interesting/inspiring, things that teach you about God's character, things that clarify the truth 

Doctrine & Covenants 109

Honourably hold a name and standing - Elder Bednar

What does it mean to you to make an acceptable offering of temple worship?

How could you use the protection available through temple covenants?

Just being in the temple gives me strength. Each time I attend the temple I learn more about my Savior, the Plan of Salvation, and about my covenants. The covenants I have made with God strengthen me, and provide me a moral standard to live by, and as I keep my covenants, I know the Lord will keep His promises.

Foundations of the Restoration Lesson 11 - The Lord's Voice in the Doctrine & Covenants & Lesson 12 Additional Scriptures in Our Day

In the early days of the church, what would it have been like to hear truths revealed..Revelations revealed in a short amount of time?

The saints were tried and struggled during this time and needed time to understand. Some had come from different religions and were learning God's plan.

Doctrine & Covenants 76:19

"And while we meditated upon these things, the Lord touched the eyes of our understandings and they were opened, and the glory of the Lord shone round about."

• The Lord will reveal to us as we are prepared to receive
• He lives, He speaks, He testifies, He is our Creator, He is our Father, He is worthy and worshipped. He was the only one who could be our Savior 

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994). 

“The Book of Mormon brings men to Christ. The Doctrine and Covenants brings men to Christ’s kingdom, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ‘the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth’ [D&C 1:30]. I know that.

“The Book of Mormon is the ‘keystone’ of our religion, and the Doctrine and Covenants is the capstone, with continuing latter-day revelation. The Lord has placed His stamp of approval on both the keystone and the capstone” (“The Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants,” Ensign, Jan. 2005, 26).

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

“Most Christians believe that God closed the scriptural canon—the authoritative collection of sacred books used as scriptures—shortly after the death of Christ and that there have been no comparable revelations since that time. Joseph Smith taught and demonstrated that the scriptural canon is open [see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 195]

“… Joseph Smith taught that God will guide His children by giving new additions to the canon of scriptures. The Book of Mormon is such an addition. So are the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Fundamental to Our Faith,” Ensign, Jan. 2011, 29).

• What does the phrase “scriptural canon” mean? (It is “a recognized, authoritative collection of sacred books. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the canonical books are called the standard works” [Guide to the Scriptures, “Canon,”scriptures.lds.org].)

Foundations of the Restoration Lesson 9 Follow the Living Prophet & Lesson 10 - Seek Truth

Lesson 9 Follow the Living Prophet & 10 by Echo Sikstrom on Scribd

Foundations of the Restoration Lesson 7 - Proclaiming the Everlasting Gospel & Lesson 8 The Gathering of the Latter-day Israel

Lesson 7 & 8 - Proclaiming the Everlasting Gospel & Gathering of the Latter-day Israel

Sharing excerpts from the lesson.....

The Lord gathers His people to protect them and to strengthen them spiritually. 

In the scriptures, the doctrine of gathering is often connected with protection. “A connection is a relationship or link between ideas, people, things, or events, and the scriptures are full of connections” (David A. Bednar, “A Reservoir of Living Water” (Brigham Young University fireside, Feb. 4, 2007), 4, speeches.byu.edu).

• How does gathering with those who share your beliefs and standards help protect you from the power of Satan?

Each week I look forward to gathering with my ward family. I am strengthen by physically being there and knowing they are there because they choose to be. I know they have testimonies of Christ, and His gospel and I serve along side of them. I partake of the sacrament each week, and covenant with all those present to follow Jesus Christ. This gives me the power to endure life's challenges throughout the week until we meet again the next Sunday. 

Principles of Missionary Work

Obedience to remember the "why" during challenges and trust in the Lord's plan. We become more like the Savior as we do His work. We may feel weak but He will strengthen us.

Church History

The Lord guides us and we may think we are going one way but the Lord has purpose and we are to become like Him. There is much learning that happens along this journey.

Doctrine & Covenants 29:4-7

"Verily, I say unto you that ye are chosen out of the world to declare my gospel with the sound of rejoicing, as with the voice of a trump.(v.4)

Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father; and it is his good will to give you the kingdom."(v.5)

And, as it is written—Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive. (v.6)

And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts;" (v.7)

"Lift up your hearts"

We have much to be grateful for and when we are positive and feel joy we can lift others around us. We can be a "light" to the world lifting others around us.

Here is a link to one of my favorite videos that show how we can serve and lift others around us.

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2015-05-003-lift?lang=eng

In what ways has being a member of the church provided you with refuge and peace in Zion? Or In what ways do you feel you could improve at making the church more of a refuge for others?

There have been wonderful examples in my life of leaders and friends who have lifted me. Jo-anne van Bruggen was my Beehive, Mia Maid, Laurel advisor and later my Young Women President. Through-out my youth she loved me through rebellion, and struggle. My parents were going through a divorce and she and others provided a Christlike example to me. The members of my ward and their testimonies allowed me to feel the spirit, and we I later sought to feel the Holy Ghost I knew where search. I think when we are serving others and sustaining others without murmuring, and judging others. When we remember that the Savior, Jesus Christ, invites all to come to Him we need to love others and serve them. Serving our family with kindness, and unconditional love provides a refuge at home knowing that family, friends and all are welcome.

Foundations of the Restoration Lesson 5 - The Restoration of the Priesthood & Lesson 6 The Organization of the Church

Why Keep A Scripture Journal?

Writing down what we learn and think and feel as we study the scriptures is another form of pondering and a powerful invitation to the Holy Ghost for continuing instruction. 

- Elder David A. Bednar

Lessons 5 & 6

Doctrine & Covenants 89:19

"And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God."

Through the priesthood we come to know God and become like Him

President James E. Faust (1920–2007) of the First Presidency:

“What is the key of the knowledge of God, and can anyone obtain it? Without the priesthood there can be no fulness of the knowledge of God. The Prophet Joseph Smith said that the ‘Melchizedek Priesthood … is the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation, and every important matter is revealed from heaven’ [Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 108]” (“The Key of the Knowledge of God,” Ensign, Nov. 2004, 52).

What has helped you grow in your testimony that this is the Only True and Living Church on the Earth?

For me it is believing the Lord, He testifies of this in Doctrine & Covenants 1:30 "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."

The Lord himself testifies of the truthfulness of the gospel. He through the prophet Joseph Smith, restored in its completeness the gospel of Jesus Christ. As I have followed the Lord, Jesus, Christ's teachings, I have come to know and feel truth. I have changed and felt the blessings of peace the Lord promises that comes from living the gospel. By partaking in the ordinances of the priesthood, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ and know that there is only one true church lead by a prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson. A true and living church lead by revelation through a prophet chosen by God. The Holy Ghost testifies to me this is true.

Foundations of the Restoration Lesson 3 The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon & Lesson 4 The Book of Mormon - The Keystone to Our Religion

Lessons 3 & 4 by Echo Sikstrom on Scribd

The Book of Mormon is the foundation of my testimony, and I seek strength from it's  pages. There was a time when I was struggling and found myself lost. I don't remember how these words came to me but later I found them in the Book of Mormon and that was if I wanted to get closer to God then I should read the Book of Mormon. I definitely needed help. I felt lost spiritually, and so I started my sincere study of the Book of Mormon. As I did, I found the quote that I read from President Hinckley and it was in the Introduction of the Book of Mormon:

"Concerning this record the Prophet Joseph Smith said: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”

"We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3–5.)"

I have learn more about the purpose to this life, and who God is and who the Savior is by reading the Book of Mormon. True doctrine is found in its pages abridged my Mormon and translated by the gift and power of God. I have a testimony that the Book of Mormon is true, and have felt this witness throughout my life as I continue to study, ponder and apply its teachings.

Foundations of the Restoration: Lesson 1- A Marvelous Work and a Wonder & Lesson 2- The First Vision

This semester I chose to go to an Institute class for an elective, and I am journaling each lesson week with some of my personal insights, scriptures that impressed me, and impressions of others. It has been a wonderful course that has strengthened my testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith, and the Restore Gospel of Jesus Christ. Church History is an area I am excited to learn more about. The lesson material is from the institute manual "Foundations of the Restoration"

Lesson 1- A Marvelous Work and a Wonder & Lesson 2 - The First Vision

"Throughout history, Heavenly Father has ended periods of apostasy by calling prophets who receive divine authority to restore the fulness of the gospel and establish the Church of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith was this prophet in our dispensation. Understanding how God leads His people and establishes His Church through prophets will help students develop a deeper appreciation of the need for a Restoration and a greater ability to teach others about the Restoration." - Foundations of the Restoration

To learn more about Joseph Smith First Vision please use the link below.

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-06-01-joseph-smiths-first-vision?lang=eng

To start learning about the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ it is important to understand the Apostasy. We learned about a famine that is described in the scriptures in the Old Testament in Amos 8:11-12

verse 11 " Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord:

verse 12 " And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it."

A quote that was shared shows some of the factors that lead up to the Apostasy when the fullness of the gospel was taken from the earth.

“After the death of Jesus Christ, wicked people persecuted the Apostles and Church members and killed many of them. With the death of the Apostles, priesthood keys and the presiding priesthood authority were taken from the earth. The Apostles had kept the doctrines of the gospel pure and maintained the order and standard of worthiness for Church members. Without the Apostles, over time the doctrines were corrupted, and unauthorized changes were made in Church organization and priesthood ordinances, such as baptism and conferring the gift of the Holy Ghost.

“Without revelation and priesthood authority, people relied on human wisdom to interpret the scriptures and the principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ. False ideas were taught as truth. Much of the knowledge of the true character and nature of God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost was lost. The doctrines of faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost became distorted or forgotten. The priesthood authority given to Christ’s Apostles was no longer present on the earth” (Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service [2004], 35)

• Knowing that there was a Great Apostasy can help us recognize the need for the Restoration of the gospel

This I thought was an important principle. Many people do not know that there was an Apostasy a great spiritual darkness.

“For centuries the heavens remained sealed. Good men and women, not a few—really great and wonderful people—tried to correct, strengthen, and improve their systems of worship and their body of doctrine. To them I pay honor and respect. How much better the world is because of their bold action. While I believe their work was inspired, it was not favored with the opening of the heavens, with the appearance of Deity” (“The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith,” Ensign, Nov. 2002, 80).

In 1820 the young boy Joseph Smith was searching for the true Church but could not find it. We were asked to read Joseph Smith—History 1:5–10 to look for phrases that describe challenges caused by the Great Apostasy.

Some of the phrases that impressed me described how Joseph Smith was feeling at the time he was searching for truth. Joseph says, "During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness." (v.8)

I feel that way when I have something on my mind and in the midst of a challenge. He describes this period of time as great excitement, lots of preaching and invitations to join in religion and yet Joseph was unsure. His questions were, What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?" (v.10)

I recall being taught by Elder Willardson and Elder Landon when I was just 14 years old. I finally received permission from my father to get baptized after nagging him on and off for years. What I remember is that they taught me about the Restoration of the Gospel and taught me about Joseph Smith. As I heard there words, and watch the film depicting the First Vision, I felt a peace and comforting feeling come over me. It was like I had heard this information before. It was logical to me that if there was an Apostasy that there had to be a Restoration. 

I know that our Heavenly Father's plan was to restore the gospel for us in this dispensation. That all the priesthood blessings may be restored to us all. The Lord invites all to come unto Him and learn of Him. How wonderful it is to learn how Joseph Smith found truth, and to learn how the Lord laid the foundation to restore all things through His prophet Joseph Smith.

A quote that stood out to me from this lesson was from Elder Tad R. Callister

“Joseph Smith was the Lord’s anointed to restore Christ’s Church to the earth. When he emerged from the grove of trees, he eventually learned four fundamental truths not then taught by the majority of the contemporary Christian world.

“First, he learned that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, are two separate, distinct beings. …

“The second great truth Joseph Smith discovered was that the Father and the Son have glorified bodies of flesh and bones. …

“The third truth that Joseph Smith learned was that God still speaks to man today—that the heavens are not closed. …

“The fourth truth that Joseph Smith learned was that the full and complete Church of Jesus Christ was not then upon the earth” (“Joseph Smith—Prophet of the Restoration,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 35–36)

God is our Father. We can pray to Him and He listens and answers our prayers.