What is the setting for this section of the Doctrine and Covenants?
When Joseph Smith was martyred who possessed the keys of the kingdom?
How was the new president chosen?
What is important about how Presidents are chosen in the church?
Read President Hinckley and Kimball
What were the first thought�s of Brigham Young after hearing of Joseph's Death?
He wondered if the keys of the kingdom were still on the earth...and after reflecting a few moments he slapped his knee and exclaimed �the keys to the kingdom are right here on the earth�
Read D&C 26:2
What is the Law of common consent?
Prophet is called by God and is accountable to God
12 Apostles are accountable to prophet not the church or the people
Through the process of common consent we maintain our free-agency to choose to follow, obedience is voluntary
Read D&C 124:25-28
Even though Brigham Young knew that the saints would be leaving Nauvoo shortly he urged them to complete the temple...Why?
What were the challenges that faced Brigham young in moving some 10,000 saints on a 1,000 mile journey to the west?
136:1 The Will of the Lord
136:4 Just as he had done with ancient Israel the Lord established a covenant with the saints...
Two parts a of a covenant Saints part and the Lords part.
Read 136:10, 17
What were the saints part of the covenant?
Read 136:11, 18, 30, 37
What were the Lords part of the covenant?
136:8:
How were the poor, widows and fatherless to be taken care of?
136:19
What are the consequences of building ourselves up?
some wanted to go to Texas and they did and their follies were made known later on...
How do we do build ourselves up sometimes?
How can we more fully seek the lords honor and glory than our own?
136:22 I am he who led the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt
While the saints were making their exodus the Lord assured them that he had stretched out his arm to save them
136:23 Cease to contend one with another..
How do contentions and evil speaking hinder us as individuals?
How does it hinder us as a church?
How can we overcome our temptation to speak evil of others?
136:28 If thou art merry praise the Lord
Why did the lord encourage this type of activity?
Brigham Young said �that the atmosphere of the dance or social should be such that if any elder be called from the party to go to administer to a sick person, he could leave with the same spirit that he would go from his elder�s quorum meeting�
136:31 My people must be tried in all things
Why do we have to suffer?
What is learned by suffering?
Is suffering a chastisement for transgression?
Abel was slain for his righteousness
Abraham was laid upon the iron bedstead for slaughter, and then cast into the fire
Moses was driven from his country and kindred
Elijah had to flee his country
Daniel was cast into the den of lions
Micah was fed on the bread of affliction
Jeremiah was cast into a polluted hole under the temple
Brigham Young said �of Joseph Smith that the prophet became more perfect in 38 years because of severe tribulation than he could have become in a thousand years without it�
Read Matt 5:11-12
What would life be like without trials and suffering?
Sick would instantly be healed
We would never need to plead with the Lord for a blessing...always get it the first time Good or Bad?
If suffering were instantly followed by doing evil no one would error again...What would that do to free agency?
How would we ever progress?
What would we learn in the progression process?
Would you have allowed the Savior to die on the Cross, or Joseph Smith to be martyred?
What would that have done for our salvation?
Is there any correlation between saints or the church suffering as a group as well as individuals?
136:36-38 Which foundation he [Joseph Smith did lay, and was faithful
I took him to myself... his work was done...
136:39 it was needful that he should seal his testimony with his blood
Read D&C 135:5
What is a testator?
One who leaves a will or testament
Why is death required to put a testament in force?
While one is alive it has no legal power, However upon death it becomes full and binding.
How does that play with the death of the Prophet Joseph?
136:40
Have I not delivered you from your enemies?
Did you doubt my power?
Is this not my work?
136:42 Be diligent...lest...your faith fail you.
Be diligent in what?
Prayers, humble, worship, all covenants madeWhat does diligence and faith have to do with each other?