Opening of Doctrine & Covenants 59 as it appeared in the Book of Commandments, published in 1833 Agency doesn't mean doing what you want. It means being proactive in doing good: making decisions, taking initiative, and acting for ourselves instead of being acted upon. Lehi taught this principle to his sons soon after arriving in... Continue Reading →

Detail from "Bishop Partridge Receives Consecration" by Jolene Davis This week, we will study seven revelations on various topics received between May and July, 1831. For each revelation, here is a brief synopsis with key principles taught and relevant blog posts. Section 51 - The Bishop's Storehouse The Lord instructs Edward Partridge, the bishop, to... Continue Reading →

Campfire at Dawn, by Richard G. Scott. See Elder Gerritt W. Gong's discussion of this painting in "Our Campfire of Faith," General Conference, October 2018 God wants us to receive light. He wants to help us recognize truth and overcome false beliefs. In May, 1831, the Lord said to Leman Copley, a recent convert to... Continue Reading →

Illustration from the article "Difference and Dignity" on newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org Gifts of the Spirit On March 8, 1831, the Lord revealed an important principle to Joseph Smith: All are welcome in the meetings of His church. "Ye are commanded never to cast any one out from your public meetings," He said (Doctrine and Covenants 46:3), echoing the guidance He... Continue Reading →

Detail from "Parable of the Ten Virgins," by Dan Burr How can we prepare for the Savior's return to the earth? During His mortal ministry, Jesus provided some guidance to His disciples. As recorded in Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, and Luke 21, He foretold wars and rumors of wars, false prophets, and natural disasters preceding His... Continue Reading →

The beginning of Doctrine and Covenants 42, "The Laws of the Church of Christ," as recorded in Manuscript Revelations, Book 1 "I am the law and the light," the Savior said to an ancient group of people on the American continent. "Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live" (3 Nephi... Continue Reading →

Detail from "Joseph and Sidney," by Annie Henrie Before the church was organized, Joseph Smith was engaged in work which could be performed in small groups: translating the Book of Mormon, receiving revelation on behalf of specific individuals, and obtaining authority under the hand of heavenly beings. But as the church grew, he needed to... Continue Reading →

Detail from "Go into the Wilderness" by Robert T. Barrett A successful businessman who built bridges and dams, a laborer in a type foundry (which produced typefaces for printing presses), a self-employed hatmaker, and a popular preacher—these were among the people who were called to serve in the newly organized church between October and December... Continue Reading →

"Christ Praying in the Garden of Gethsemane," by Hermann Clementz This week, as we commemorate the final week of the Savior's mortal life, I am going to structure my scripture study around the events of the week. Here are some thoughts and relevant blog posts about each day: Palm Sunday I will remember the people... Continue Reading →

Detail from "The Second Coming," by Harry Anderson In September 1830, a few days before the second conference of the church, a group of nine church members met with Joseph Smith to ask some doctrinal questions which had arisen from their study of the Book of Mormon. They wondered when and how Zion, or the... Continue Reading →