The Lord invites us to express our joy through music. Moroni included singing on a list of worship activities. Unlike preaching, prayer, and supplication, hymn-singing allows the entire congregation to engage in a collective expression of praise and joy.
Speak Often One with Another
Jesus prophesied of the gathering of Israel and instructed church members to meet together often. Those two concepts are more closely connected than we might realize. When we accept the gospel, we become part of a community of saints who strengthen one another by talking often about our faith.
Recorded on Earth and in Heaven
The records we keep may be longer-lasting than we realize. Joseph Smith taught that some of "the books" by which we will be judged are the records we keep on the earth. Wilford Woodruff urged us to write our important experiences, promising that what we record on earth will be recorded in heaven.
Preaching the Gospel by the Spirit
The Lord calls church members to preach the gospel by the Spirit. Moroni said that church meetings should be conducted after the manner of the Spirit. This requires more than having the Spirit with us. It requires that we teach the way the Spirit teaches: providing individualized instruction and inviting others to act for themselves.
Spirit-Directed Meetings and Days
Moroni described church meetings as being Spirit-directed. Modern revelation reaffirms that church services should always be conducted according to the Spirit. What's good for a church meeting is also good for our lives. It's useful to have a plan, but we must always be receptive to guidance from the Holy Ghost about our daily activities.
Gathering → Unity
It's hard to be united without spending time together. That's why the Lord has instructed His church to "meet together oft." Weekly worship services strengthen unity within a congregation, and semiannual global general conferences strengthen the unity of the global Church community.
Grace and Agency in Doctrine and Covenants 20
Doctrine and Covenants 20 teaches us about the relationship between grace and agency. Jesus Christ suffered so that we could be saved. We can choose to accept that gift (justification) and retain it over time (sanctification). Baptism enables us to accept it. The sacrament helps us retain it.
Book of Mormon Elements in Doctrine and Covenants 20
The Articles and Covenants of the Church (D&C 20) outline core doctrines and priesthood duties, drawing heavily from the Book of Mormon. Some passages are quoted directly, while others synthesize multiple passages to affirm core doctrines. By relying on the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery grounded the restored Church on Christ’s gospel.
Christ’s New Testament Church
During His mortal ministry, Jesus selected twelve disciples, whom He called apostles, to lead His church. They ensured that His doctrine was taught accurately, and they administered ordinances like baptism. The Savior has reestablished that church today.
Meeting Together Oft
Jesus instructed church members to meet together oft. Moroni explained that church members followed that practice. They seemed less concerned about the logistics of those meetings and more about strengthening relationships through frequent interactions.