Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants Introduction

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants Introduction

"The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days. Although most of the sections are directed to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the messages, warnings, and exhortations are for the benefit of all mankind and contain an invitation to all people everywhere to hear the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking to them for their temporal well-being and their everlasting salvation."

"The book of Doctrine and Covenants is one of the standard works of the Church in company with the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Pearl of Great Price. However, the Doctrine and Covenants is unique because it is not a translation of an ancient document, but is of modern origin and was given of God through His chosen prophets for the restoration of His holy work and the establishment of the kingdom of God on the earth in these days. In the revelations, one hears the tender but firm voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking anew in the dispensation of the fulness of times; and the work that is initiated herein is preparatory to His Second Coming, in fulfillment of and in concert with the words of all the holy prophets since the world began"

"In the revelations, the doctrines of the gospel are set forth with explanations about such fundamental matters as the nature of the Godhead, the origin of man, the reality of Satan, the purpose of mortality, the necessity for obedience, the need for repentance, the workings of the Holy Spirit, the ordinances and performances that pertain to salvation, the destiny of the earth, the future conditions of man after the Resurrection and the Judgment, the eternity of the marriage relationship, and the eternal nature of the family. Likewise, the gradual unfolding of the administrative structure of the Church is shown with the calling of bishops, the First Presidency, the Council of the Twelve, and the Seventy and the establishment of other presiding offices and quorums. Finally, the testimony that is given of Jesus Christ - His divinity, His majesty, His perfection, His love, and His redeeming power - makes this book of great value to the human family and "worth to the Church the riches of the whole Earth".

As I begin to read the Doctrine and Covenants I felt it important to go over the introduction. These three paragraphs stood out to me as the very reason it is consider sacred scripture to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This scripture is not only instructions from the Lord on how to establish His church once again upon the earth, but to prepare us for His Second Coming. It is not just for members of the LDS faith but important for the whole world. God still speaks to man today. The warning voice of his prophet will be there to help us prepare for the Lord's second coming.  I am very excited to be reading and pondering over the Doctrine and Covenants again. I always learn something new with each reading. I cannot wait to see what I learn next.

418 days ago my sister-in-law Tami Harris challenged me to post for seven days my favorite scripture verse on Facebook. Little did we know where that would lead. All this time I have been tagging her on my posts. With the completion of the Book of Mormon this practice will end. I do not wish to take over her Facebook wall forever. She has her own amazing blog "Chaplain Tami's Spot" with posts that her friends need to see and enjoy. The timing to change what we are doing just fits now. I will however continue to share my favorite scripture verse until the spirit tells me it is enough.

Day 419