rel325_document_w02researchwriting (1) wk 2
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Brigham Young University, Idaho *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
FDREL 325
Subject
Religion
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
4
Uploaded by DeaconHeatBadger24
W02 Gospel Research and Insight
Name:
Omolola Christianah Coker
Instructions
Follow the steps below to complete this activity. Save this document with your name in the
filename. When you have completed this activity and answered all the questions, follow the
instructions in your course to submit the document for grading and feedback.
Step 01
Read the two quotes explaining
"principles"
below and then carefully review and ponder
sections 77-85.
"That word principle in the revelation is a very important one. A principle is an enduring
truth, a law, a rule you can adopt to guide you in making decisions. Generally, principles
are not spelled out in detail. That leaves you free to find your way with an enduring
truth, a principle, as your anchor"
(President Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, May 1996, 17)
.
“As you seek spiritual knowledge, search for principles. Carefully separate them from the
detail used to explain them. Principles are concentrated truth, packaged for application
to a wide variety of circumstances. A true principle makes decisions clear even under the
most confusing and compelling circumstances. It is worth great effort to organize the
truth we gather to simple statements of principle. I have tried to do that with gaining
spiritual knowledge"
(Elder Richard G. Scott, Ensign, November 1993, 86).
Step 02
Using
500-600 words
, describe some principles that help you better understand the priesthood,
as taught by the Lord to Joseph Smith and others involved in the Restoration of the Gospel. In
your description, you need to include the following:
Three principles from section 84
Two additional principles from the other sections for a total of five principles, with no
more than one principle from any particular section other than Doctrine and Covenants
84.
And for each principle found, include the following:
Provide the scripture or section context where the truth, law, or rule is set forth.
State the principle discovered.
Conclude with an action statement that will guide you in making future decisions. (You
may want to consider using one of your discovered principles as you prepare to
complete your first required Disciple Learning Project.)
Example
Scripture:
"Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak,
lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees" (D&C 81:5)
Principle Statement:
Part of faithfully fulfilling any priesthood calling or errand is to succor, lift, and strengthen those
you serve.
Action Statement:
I will look at my various responsibilities (i.e. husband, father, home teacher, member of a
Bishopric, neighbor) and consider ways to better succor, lift, and service others.
The distinguishing feature setting the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints apart from all
other contemporary churches is primarily the priesthood. It's important to note that this
distinction doesn't imply superiority over other churches but rather a unique claim and
substantiation of possessing the priesthood, which represents the authority to wield the power
of God for righteous members of the Church. Some crucial principles related to the priesthood
are elucidated in Section 84 of our teachings, with one of these principles being "authority."
#1 Authority
In Section 84, verse 21, it is stated, "21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of
the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh." To illustrate this
concept, during my mission, I would often ask individuals why a local fruit vendor, like a pomelo
vendor, couldn't pull them over on the highway and issue a ticket. The answer, quite plainly, is
that the vendor lacks the necessary elements such as emergency lights, a uniform, and a badge
that confer the authority to do so. In a similar vein, we would explain to them that just as a
police officer requires the proper authority to enforce laws, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
day Saints is the only church today with the requisite authority to perform ordinances like
baptism.
#2 Keys
Section 84, verse 19, tells us, "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." Due to the
period of apostasy, certain teachings of Christ were lost to the world. However, through
priesthood authority and possession of the correct keys, some previously "locked and sealed
doors" that were closed after Christ's time can now be reopened, and their contents can be
revealed to the Church as new revelations.
#3 Offices
In Section 89, verses 29 and 30, the different offices within the priesthood are described,
helping us to better comprehend how the priesthood can be subdivided. The priesthood
signifies the authority to act on behalf of the Lord with His power and will, a significant
responsibility. The priesthood is further divided into various offices, each one defining the scope
of one's authority and responsibility.
#4 Baptism
It is well-known that Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were baptized by John the Baptist
himself. Section 84 of the Doctrine and Covenants clearly outlines the significance of baptism as
an essential step towards entering God's Kingdom. Verse 74 emphasizes that without baptism,
individuals will be in a state of spiritual condemnation.
#5 Savior
Section 86 states, "Therefore, blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light unto the
Gentiles, and through this priesthood, a savior unto my people Israel." The Savior is the most
central aspect of our faith. Without Him, the world would be lost. He is the reason we can
experience both physical and spiritual life. The connection to Jesus Christ is facilitated through
the power of the priesthood. Understanding this principle enables us to better follow Him and
adhere to His commandments in all aspects of our lives.
Step 03
Reflect on the insights you gained this week. Write a
150-250 word paragraph
; describe what
the
single most powerful insight
was that came to you as you studies this week’s revelations
and what you hope to do with it.
Your paragraph should contain:
o
A description of what stood out to you.
o
What you hope to do better as a result of this new or deeper understanding you
have been given.
Here are some questions to consider in writing this paragraph:
o
Was there a particular “one-liner” in these revelations that captures your
greatest insight?
o
What was your biggest “aha” moment in studying these revelations?
o
What do you hope to do better as a result of what you have studied?
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Section 84, verse 45, has truly resonated with me this week. It reads, "45 For the word of the
Lord is truth, and whatever is truth is illumination, and whatever is illumination is the Spirit,
even the Spirit of Jesus Christ." This passage holds great significance for me, not just this week
but throughout my life—it's one of my favorite scriptures. It has consistently reminded me that
all that is good in life emanates from Jesus Christ.
My father taught me that as members of the church, we often give ourselves too much credit
when distinguishing between what constitutes revelation and our own personal thoughts. Jesus
Christ collaborates with the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts in a way that allows us to directly
receive revelation in our own minds from Him. In my view, every virtuous thought we have
originates from God. These virtuous thoughts are akin to light, and the verse emphasizes that
light is synonymous with truth and the Spirit, specifically the Spirit of Jesus Christ. When we
heed these promptings, we are extending an invitation to Jesus Christ to enter into our hearts.