Historical Context
September 22-23, 1832
Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of __________
Missouri (verse 3)
Name the two priesthoods.
Aaronic (lesser)
Melchizedek (greater)
A lot of section 84 talks about missionary work. Why do you think a revelation about the priesthood focuses so much on preaching the gospel?
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught 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: Joseph Smith, 108; see also D&C 107:18–19).
The only way for men to escape the abomination of desolation to be poured out upon the wicked in the last days is for them to repent and live the gospel (D&C 84:117). The gospel is the message of peace and salvation for all men. And we have been commanded to proclaim its saving truths to all men everywhere.
Bruce R. McConkie, “The Lord God of the Restoration”, October 1980 General Conference
Name at least 3 signs that will follow missionaries.
65 And these signs shall follow them that believe—
66 In my name they shall do many wonderful works;
67 In my name they shall cast out devils;
68 In my name they shall heal the sick;
69 In my name they shall open the eyes of the blind, and unstop the ears of the deaf;
70 And the tongue of the dumb shall speak;
71 And if any man shall administer poison unto them it shall not hurt them;
72 And the poison of a serpent shall not have power to harm them.
Kirtland, Ohio
For the word of the Lord is ____, and whatsoever is _____ is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
Truth
This is the role of the lesser priesthood.
26 And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel; 27 Which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments,
Bishop Keith B. McMullin, who served in the Presiding Bishopric, explained how the Aaronic Priesthood prepares God’s children for the fulness of the Savior’s gospel:
“The lesser portion of the gospel encompasses vital, saving truths and rests on the cornerstones of obedience and sacrifice. These truths school men and women, boys and girls in the fundamentals of righteousness. They consist of repentance, baptism, and observance of the law of carnal commandments unto the remission of sins. Carnal commandments are those that enable us to overcome the lusts, passions, and desires of our natural, or mortal, bodies and minds. … This lesser portion of the gospel will nourish those who are new in the Church, lead back those who have strayed, help young people recognize and overcome the temptations and deceptions of the world. Without this preparation, the fulness of gospel blessings cannot be realized or enjoyed.
What does this mean to you: 33 For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.
President Thomas S. Monson: “What does it mean to magnify a calling? It means to build it up in dignity and importance, to make it honorable and commendable in the eyes of all men, to enlarge and strengthen it, to let the light of heaven shine through it to the view of other men. And how does one magnify a calling? Simply by performing the service that pertains to it.”
President Dallin H. Oaks taught:
We are not accustomed to speaking of women having the authority of the priesthood in their Church callings, but what other authority can it be? When a woman—young or old—is set apart to preach the gospel as a full-time missionary, she is given priesthood authority to perform a priesthood function. The same is true when a woman is set apart to function as an officer or teacher in a Church organization under the direction of one who holds the keys of the priesthood. Whoever functions in an office or calling received from one who holds priesthood keys exercises priesthood authority in performing her or his assigned duties. Whoever exercises priesthood authority should forget about their rights and concentrate on their responsibilities.
This verse is talking about this person:
For he was baptized while he was yet in his childhood, and was ordained by the angel of God at the time he was eight days old unto this power, to overthrow the kingdom of the Jews, and to make straight the way of the Lord before the face of his people, to prepare them for the coming of the Lord, in whose hand is given all power.
John the Baptist
These people were present when Joseph Smith made the inquiry that lead to receiving section 84.
Elders returning from missions in the eastern states.
And as I said unto mine apostles, even so I say unto you, for you are mine apostles, even God’s high priests; ye are they whom my Father hath given me; ye are my _____.
Friends
40 Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved.
Describe the oath and covenant.
We receive the holy priesthood by an “oath and covenant.” This means that Heavenly Father gives us His oath (guarantee) that we can have the power and blessings of the priesthood if we covenant (promise) with Him to do certain things.
Elder Carlos E. Asay (1926–1999) of the Presidency of the Seventy explained the sacred nature of the oath and covenant associated with the priesthood: “Of all the holy agreements pertaining to the gospel of Jesus Christ, few, if any, would transcend in importance the oath and covenant of the priesthood. It is certainly one of the most sacred agreements, for it involves the sharing of heavenly powers and man’s upward reaching toward eternal goals. None of us can afford to be ignorant of the terms of this contract. To do so might cause us to miss the mark in our performance of duty and result in the forfeiture of promised blessings” (“The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood,” Ensign, Nov. 1985, 43).
Jean B. Bingham, “Endowed with Power” (Brigham Young University Women’s Conference, May 2019):
“Often, we women don’t realize that the power through which we accomplish ‘much good’ in our callings and in our homes is an expression of priesthood power. As a matter of fact, all the good that is done in the world is done through God’s power. . . . Knowing that women have access to that priesthood power strengthens us to be able to do what is asked in whatever responsibilities or assignments are ours.”
Why would a revelation about the priesthood start with verses about building a temple?
Elder Paul B. Pieper taught: “... It is in the temple that men and women—together—obtain and receive the blessings and power of both the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods” (“Revealed Realities of Mortality,” Ensign, Jan. 2016, 21).
The Lord says the whole church is under condemnation and will be until the people remember this.
57 And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written
President Thomas S. Monson taught of the blessings members of the Church will receive as they regularly study the Book of Mormon: “My dear associates in the work of the Lord, I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives. I so testify with all my heart” (“The Power of the Book of Mormon,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 87).
Joseph felt this during at the time he made the inquiry that lead to receiving section 84.
Joy
Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but _____ up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.
Treasure
This is the role of the greater priesthood.
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.
20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest. 21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh; 22 For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught 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: Joseph Smith, 108; see also D&C 107:18–19). The Lord has revealed these truths in the latter days through His chosen and authorized prophets, beginning with the Prophet Joseph Smith and continuing to the President of the Church today. These truths are also made known to God’s children through the ordinances administered by the authority of the holy priesthood.
What do you think this verse means:
21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;
President Russell M. Nelson taught: “Every woman and every man who makes covenants with God and keeps those covenants, and who participates worthily in priesthood ordinances, has direct access to the power of God” (“Spiritual Treasures,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 77).
62 Therefore, go ye into all the world; and unto whatsoever place ye cannot go ye shall send, that the testimony may go from you into all the world unto every creature.
How can we send testimony to a place we cannot go?
Elder David A. Bednar:
“The Lord is hastening His work, and it is no coincidence that these powerful communication innovations and inventions are occurring in the dispensation of the fulness of times. Social media channels are global tools that can personally and positively impact large numbers of individuals and families. And I believe the time has come for us as disciples of Christ to use these inspired tools appropriately and more effectively to testify of God the Eternal Father, His plan of happiness for His children, and His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior of the world; to proclaim the reality of the Restoration of the gospel in the latter days; and to accomplish the Lord’s work. …
Joseph and Emma Smith were living here when the revelation was received.
Living quarters in the Newel K Whitney store
Glory, and honor, and power, and might ,Be ascribed to our God; for he is full of _____, Justice, grace and truth, and peace, Forever and ever, Amen.
mercy
Moses received the priesthood from him.
6 And the sons of Moses, according to the Holy Priesthood which he received under the hand of his father-in-law, Jethro;
What is meant by this analogy?
109… and let not the head say unto the feet it hath no need of the feet; for without the feet how shall the body be able to stand?
Each part of the body is needed for the entire body to function properly. Likewise, each Church member, no matter his or her calling or position, is valued and needed—each can strengthen the Church and help edify its members. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency taught: “You may feel that there are others who are more capable or more experienced who could fulfill your callings and assignments better than you can, but the Lord gave you your responsibilities for a reason. There may be people and hearts only you can reach and touch. Perhaps no one else could do it in quite the same way” (“Lift Where You Stand,” Ensignor Liahona, Nov. 2008, 56)
117 And verily I say unto you, the rest of my servants, go ye forth as your circumstances shall permit, in your several callings, unto the great and notable cities and villages, reproving the world in righteousness of all their unrighteous and ungodly deeds, setting forth clearly and understandingly the desolation of abomination in the last days.
Describe desolation of abomination.
“The desolation of abomination in the last days” (D&C 84:117) refers more generally to the judgments that will be poured out upon the wicked, both the living and the dead in the spirit world (see D&C 88:84–85). For this reason, the Lord sends His servants to warn the wicked and proclaim the everlasting gospel so that they will repent and escape the coming destruction and desolation.