Prophets

Prophets
Hikenbotham

Michael Hickenbotham · 3h In the October 2018 General Conference, the Lord revealed through the Prophet President Nelson that He wants the Church to transition to a family-centered Church-supported approach to learning. Elder Quentin L. Cook was assigned the task of explaining the purpose of this change. See:

Deep and Lasting Conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

It was stated that this change was meant to:

• Deepening conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthening faith in Them.

• Strengthening individuals and families through home-centered, Church-supported curriculum that contributes to joyful gospel living.

• Honoring the Sabbath day, with a focus on the ordinance of the sacrament.

• Helping all of Heavenly Father’s children on both sides of the veil through missionary work and receiving ordinances and covenants and blessings of the temple.

Family and individual gospel study at home will be significantly enhanced by a harmonized curriculum and a new Come, Follow Me resource for individuals and families that is coordinated with what is being taught in Sunday School and Primary.

The new emphasis on a home-centered, Church-supported approach includes an increased focus on personal revelation.

• "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives" (April 2018) - President Nelson urged members to stretch beyond their current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation, emphasizing that the Lord has promised revelation upon revelation to those who seek it.

• "Hear Him" (April 2020) - President Nelson renewed his plea for members to increase their spiritual capacity to receive personal revelation, emphasizing its importance in navigating life's challenges and avoiding the adversary's deceptions.

• "Let God Prevail" (October 2020) - President Nelson spoke about the need for persistent spiritual work to seek and respond to personal revelation, especially during perilous times.

• "Pure Truth, Pure Doctrine, and Pure Revelation" (October 2021) - President Nelson invited members to listen for pure truth, pure doctrine, and pure revelation during General Conference, highlighting the importance of personal revelation in resolving conflicts and guiding individual lives.

I guess you didn’t notice that most all of this preceded and prepared us for the Coronavirus Pandemic and the current social (LGBTQ+ confusion) and radical political upheaval.

Also, the General Church Handbook of Instructions was modified to help leaders and members. See:

0. Introductory Overview

The Introduction to the General Handbook for leaders in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says the following:

The Lord taught, “Let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence” (Doctrine and Covenants 107:99). As a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you should seek personal revelation to help you learn and fulfill the duties of your calling.

Studying the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets will help you understand and fulfill your duties. As you study the words of God, you will be more receptive to the influence of the Spirit (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:85).

You also learn your duties by studying the instructions in this handbook. These instructions can invite revelation if they are used to provide an understanding of principles, policies, and procedures to apply while seeking the guidance of the Spirit.

General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides guidance for general and local Church leaders. It is divided into sections:

• Doctrinal Foundation: These chapters present doctrine and principles fundamental to serving in the Church. They explain:

o God’s plan of happiness, His work of salvation and exaltation, and the purpose of the Church.

o The role of the family in God’s plan, His work of salvation and exaltation in the home, and the relationship between the home and the Church.

o Priesthood principles.

o Principles for leading in the Savior’s Church.

• Church Organization: These chapters provide instructions for stake presidencies and bishoprics, priesthood quorum leaders, stake and ward organization leaders, and others who serve in the Church.

• God’s Work of Salvation and Exaltation: These chapters instruct on the core work of the Church:

o Living the gospel of Jesus Christ

o Caring for those in need

o Inviting all to receive the gospel

o Uniting families for eternity

• Church Administration: These chapters present additional guidelines for administering the Church. Subjects include meetings, callings, records, finances, and policies.

The Doctrinal Foundation section at:

1. God’s Plan and Your Role in His Work of Salvation and Exaltation contains the following instructions:

1.3.3

Prophetic Direction

Through His chosen prophets, God reveals truth and provides inspired guidance and warnings (see Amos 3:7; Doctrine and Covenants 1:4). This guidance helps us enter and remain on the path leading to eternal life.

1.3.4

Scriptures

Under the direction of the Lord’s prophets and apostles, the Church provides and preserves the word of God as found in the holy scriptures. The scriptures testify of Christ, teach His gospel, and help us exercise faith in Him (see Jacob 7:10–11; Helaman 15:7).

1.3.5

Gospel Learning and Teaching Support

The Church supports individuals and families in their responsibility to learn the truths of the gospel and teach these truths to family members and others (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:77–78, 118; see also 2.2.3 in this handbook).

1.3.6

Service and Leadership Opportunities

Through callings and assignments in the Church, God gives members opportunities to serve and lead. The Church provides structure to help care for members in need and to give humanitarian relief to others (see Mosiah 18:27–29).

1.3.7

A Community of Saints

As a community of Saints, Church members gather regularly to worship God and to remember the Savior by partaking of the sacrament (see Moroni 6:4–6; Doctrine and Covenants 20:77). Members also care for and minister to one another (see Ephesians 2:19).

1.4

Your Role in God’s Work

As a leader in the Church, you are called to teach and support those you serve as they assist God in His work of salvation and exaltation (see 1.2). Having a clear understanding of God’s work, of what He invites you to do, and of the purpose of His Church will help you focus your efforts in bringing souls to Christ.

Prayerfully seek to know how you can help bring about God’s purposes in the lives of those you serve. God will direct you through the promptings of the Holy Ghost (see 2 Nephi 32:5). Laboring with the Lord in His vineyard will bring you great joy (see Jacob 5:70–72).

1.3

The Purpose of the Church

Jesus Christ established His Church to enable individuals and families to assist God in fulfilling His work of salvation and exaltation (see Ephesians 4:11–13; see also 2.2 in this handbook). To help accomplish this divine purpose, the Church and its leaders provide:

• Priesthood authority and keys.

• Covenants and ordinances.

• Prophetic direction.

• Scriptures.

• Gospel learning and teaching support.

• Service and leadership opportunities.

• A community of Saints.

1.3.1

Priesthood Authority and Keys

Through the priesthood, God accomplishes His work of salvation and exaltation. The priesthood authority and keys needed to direct God’s work on earth were restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith (see Doctrine and Covenants 110:11–16; 112:30; see also 3.1 in this handbook). These keys are held by Church leaders today. These leaders call and authorize others to assist in God’s work (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:8, 65–67).

1.3.2

Covenants and Ordinances

In Heavenly Father’s plan, we make covenants as we receive the ordinances of salvation and exaltation, such as baptism (see John 3:5; see also chapter 18 in this handbook). These covenants and ordinances are essential for us to become more like God and return to dwell in His presence (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:19–22).

1.3.3

Prophetic Direction

1.3.4

Scriptures

1.3.5

Gospel Learning and Teaching Support

1.3.6

Service and Leadership Opportunities

1.3.7

A Community of Saints

1.4

Your Role in God’s Work

• 2.1. The Role of the Family in God’s Plan

Section 2. contains instructions on Supporting Individuals and Families in God’s Work of Salvation and Exaltation. In brief, it emphasizes the following:

2.1. The Role of the Family in God’s Plan

The family is ordained of God and is central to His plan. Each of us “is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents [with] a divine nature and destiny (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Homepage - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). We are part of their family. We lived with them before we were born on earth.

As part of His plan, Heavenly Father has established families on earth. He intends for families to bring us happiness. Families provide opportunities to learn, grow, serve, repent, and forgive. They can help us prepare for eternal life.

In this life, many people have limited opportunities for loving family relationships. No family is free from challenges, pain, and sorrow. Individuals and families exercise faith in the Lord and strive to live according to the truths He has revealed concerning the family. The Savior has promised that He will help bear the burdens of all who come unto Him (see Matthew 11:28–30).

Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness ensures that all His children will have the opportunity to accept His gospel and receive His greatest blessings (see Doctrine and Covenants 137:7–10). All who make and keep covenants with God can experience joy and “peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:23; see also Mosiah 2:41).

God’s promise of eternal life includes eternal marriage, children, and all other blessings of an eternal family. This promise applies to those who are not currently married or are without family in the Church (see 38.1.4). These blessings are assured to all who strive to live as disciples of Jesus Christ.

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2.1.2

Husband and Wife

Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God (see Doctrine and Covenants 49:15). A husband and wife are intended to progress together toward eternal life (see 1 Corinthians 11:11).

One of the requirements for obtaining eternal life is for a man and a woman to enter the covenant of celestial marriage (see Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4). A couple makes this covenant when they receive the marriage sealing ordinance in the temple. This covenant is the foundation of an eternal family. When faithfully kept, it allows their marriage to endure forever. Ultimately, they can become like God (see Doctrine and Covenants 132:19–20).

God has commanded husbands and wives to cleave to each other (see Genesis 2:24; Doctrine and Covenants 42:22). In this context, the word cleave means to be completely devoted and faithful to someone. Married couples cleave together by loving and serving each other.

Cleaving also includes total fidelity between husband and wife. Physical intimacy between husband and wife is intended to be beautiful and sacred. It is ordained of God for the creation of children and for the expression of love between husband and wife. Tenderness and respect—not selfishness—should guide their intimate relationship.

God has commanded that sexual intimacy is to be reserved for marriage between a man and a woman. Remaining sexually pure before marriage and faithful within marriage helps individuals be truly happy and avoid spiritual, emotional, and physical harm. Parents and Church leaders are encouraged to do all they can to reinforce this teaching. (See 38.6.5.)

A couple seeks to be unified in establishing their family (see Genesis 2:24). Being united in marriage requires a full partnership, sharing responsibilities. A husband and wife are equal in God’s eyes. One should not dominate the other. Their decisions should be made in unity and love, with full participation of both.

Adam and Eve set an example for husbands and wives. They worked, prayed, and worshipped together (see Moses 5:1, 4). They taught their children the gospel and mourned together over their trials (see Moses 5:12, 27). They were united with each other and with God.

2.1.3

Parents and Children

God’s first commandment to Adam and Eve as husband and wife was to have children (see Genesis 1:28). Latter-day prophets have taught that “God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”; see also Doctrine and Covenants 49:16–17).

It is a sacred privilege and responsibility for a husband and wife to care for the children they are able to bear or adopt. Adoptive parents have the same blessings and responsibilities as biological parents.

A loving husband and wife together provide the best setting for rearing and nurturing children. Individual circumstances may prevent parents from rearing their children together. However, the Lord will bless them as they seek His help and strive to keep their covenants with Him.

Parents have the vital responsibility to help their children prepare to receive the blessings of eternal life. They teach their children to love and serve God and others (see Matthew 22:36–40). They teach them to pray to Heavenly Father and study the word of God (see Alma 37:36–37, 44–46). They help their children understand the doctrine of faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost (see Doctrine and Covenants 68:25). They also help them prepare to make covenants as they receive the ordinances of salvation and exaltation.

“Fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”). When there is not a husband or father in the home, the mother presides over the family.

Presiding in the family is the responsibility to help lead family members back to dwell in God’s presence. This is done by serving and teaching with gentleness, meekness, and pure love, following the example of Jesus Christ (see Matthew 20:26–28). Presiding in the family includes leading family members in regular prayer, gospel study, and other aspects of worship. Parents work in unity to fulfill these responsibilities.

“Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”). To nurture means to nourish, teach, and support, following the example of the Savior (see 3 Nephi 10:4). In unity with her husband, a mother helps her family learn gospel truths and develop faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Together they foster an environment of love in the family.

“In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”). They prayerfully counsel together and with the Lord.

Parents are also tasked with preparing their children for baptism and receiving the priesthood and to teach their children about the temple (General Handbook 12.1.7, 18.7.1.2, 10.6) in addition to the above.

I have spent a few hours putting together the above to help you realize that you are personally responsible for the salvation of you and your family. Leaders are tasked with supporting you in your efforts, but salvation is a family obligation. We are saved individually and as families and you as a priesthood holder and parent ultimately hold that responsibility. You can blame current leaders, but the Lord will judge you individually, not your leaders if you fail to follow the teachings found in the scriptures, and the official declarations and the proclamations of the prophet and apostles. If you decide to ignore those teachings because you think they are incompatible with the scriptures you accept, then the Lord will decide your fate. Remember obedience is the first law of heaven.

President Gordon B. Hinckley once said, "I believe that if we will walk in obedience to the commandments of God, if we will follow the counsel of the priesthood, he will open a way even where there appears to be no way."