Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 2

Devotional Hymn: Prayer: Thought:

Of Great Benefit to the World What books do you think the entire world would benefit from reading? Why?

Of Great Benefit to the World What books do you think the entire world would benefit from reading? Why? “[The Doctrine and Covenants is] the foundation of the Church in these last days, and a benefit to the world, showing that the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of our Savior are again entrusted to man” (Joseph Smith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 194).

Worth More than Earth’s Riches The Doctrine and Covenants is of such benefit to the world that President Joseph Fielding Smith declared that “it is worth more to us than the riches of the earth” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 3:199).

Worth More than Earth’s Riches The Doctrine and Covenants is of such benefit to the world that President Joseph Fielding Smith declared that “it is worth more to us than the riches of the earth” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 3:199). Look during today’s lesson for ways that studying the Doctrine and Covenants can benefit your life.

Worth More than Earth’s Riches The Doctrine and Covenants is of such benefit to the world that President Joseph Fielding Smith declared that “it is worth more to us than the riches of the earth” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 3:199). Look during today’s lesson for ways that studying the Doctrine and Covenants can benefit your life. In order for the Doctrine and Covenants to be beneficial, we must first understand what doctrines and covenants are.

An Introduction to Your Study Read the title page and the first sentence of the introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants.

An Introduction to Your Study Read the title page and the first sentence of the introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants. How would you define the word doctrine? What is a covenant? What is revelation?

An Introduction to Your Study Read the title page and the first sentence of the introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants. How would you define the word doctrine? What is a covenant? What is revelation? A doctrine is a fundamental, eternal truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ; a covenant is a sacred agreement between God and His children; and revelation is communication from God to His children. 

What Doctrines Interest You Most? Turn to the eighth paragraph of the introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants (beginning with “In the revelations …”). This paragraph lists examples of some of the doctrines found in the Doctrine and Covenants. Read the first sentence and identify one or more doctrines you are interested in learning more about.

What Doctrines Interest You Most? Turn to the eighth paragraph of the introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants (beginning with “In the revelations …”). This paragraph lists examples of some of the doctrines found in the Doctrine and Covenants. Read the first sentence and identify one or more doctrines you are interested in learning more about. How do you think you would benefit from greater knowledge and understanding of those truths?

Of Greatest Value to You Although knowledge of these doctrines is of critical importance, the greatest value of the Doctrine and Covenants is found in the most vital truth it contains. Read the last sentence of paragraph eight, and look for the truth that makes the Doctrine and Covenants so valuable.

Of Greatest Value to You Although knowledge of these doctrines is of critical importance, the greatest value of the Doctrine and Covenants is found in the most vital truth it contains. Read the last sentence of paragraph eight, and look for the truth that makes the Doctrine and Covenants so valuable. Why is a testimony of the Savior so valuable?

Of Greatest Value to You Although knowledge of these doctrines is of critical importance, the greatest value of the Doctrine and Covenants is found in the most vital truth it contains. Read the last sentence of paragraph eight, and look for the truth that makes the Doctrine and Covenants so valuable. Why is a testimony of the Savior so valuable? How might your study of the Doctrine and Covenants increase your testimony of Jesus Christ?

Your Testimony of Jesus Christ By studying the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants, we can strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ.

Your Testimony of Jesus Christ By studying the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants, we can strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ. Consider how your life might benefit from a stronger testimony of the Savior.

Your Testimony of Jesus Christ By studying the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants, we can strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ. Consider how your life might benefit from a stronger testimony of the Savior. Read the second sentence in paragraph one of the introduction and identify whose voice you will hear through the Doctrine and Covenants.

Your Testimony of Jesus Christ By studying the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants, we can strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ. Consider how your life might benefit from a stronger testimony of the Savior. Read the second sentence in paragraph one of the introduction and identify whose voice you will hear through the Doctrine and Covenants. As we study the Doctrine and Covenants, we can hear the voice of the Savior.

Hearing the Lord’s Voice Read Doctrine and Covenants 18:34–36, looking for how we can hear the voice of the Lord as we study the Doctrine and Covenants.

Hearing the Lord’s Voice Read Doctrine and Covenants 18:34–36, looking for how we can hear the voice of the Lord as we study the Doctrine and Covenants. What can we testify of if we study the Doctrine and Covenants?

Hearing the Lord’s Voice Read Doctrine and Covenants 18:34–36, looking for how we can hear the voice of the Lord as we study the Doctrine and Covenants. What can we testify of if we study the Doctrine and Covenants? In the Doctrine and Covenants, terms such as “the Lord” or “God” generally refer to Jesus Christ. He is the speaker throughout the Doctrine and Covenants.

Recognizing the Savior’s Voice Read the third paragraph of the introduction and look for words that describe the Savior’s voice.

Recognizing the Savior’s Voice Read the third paragraph of the introduction and look for words that describe the Savior’s voice. What benefits can come to your life from being able to hear and recognize the voice of the Lord?

Recognizing the Savior’s Voice Read the third paragraph of the introduction and look for words that describe the Savior’s voice. What benefits can come to your life from being able to hear and recognize the voice of the Lord? In the coming weeks, you will learn about other ways to hear the voice of the Lord and recognize when He is speaking to you.

The Circumstances behind Them Read the first two sentences of the sixth paragraph of the introduction (beginning with “These sacred revelations …”) and identify the circumstances in which the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants were received.

The Circumstances behind Them Read the first two sentences of the sixth paragraph of the introduction (beginning with “These sacred revelations …”) and identify the circumstances in which the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants were received. Just like individuals from Church history, we also go through situations in which we need divine guidance.

The Circumstances behind Them Read the first two sentences of the sixth paragraph of the introduction (beginning with “These sacred revelations …”) and identify the circumstances in which the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants were received. Just like individuals from Church history, we also go through situations in which we need divine guidance. What are situations that may come up during the school year in which you could benefit from the Lord’s guidance?

The Savior Guides His Church Each revelation you will study this year is an additional witness that God truly lives, that He speaks to His children, and that He guides His Church.

The Savior Guides His Church Each revelation you will study this year is an additional witness that God truly lives, that He speaks to His children, and that He guides His Church. How can these additional witnesses help you when you are in challenging circumstances?

The Savior Guides His Church Each revelation you will study this year is an additional witness that God truly lives, that He speaks to His children, and that He guides His Church. How can these additional witnesses help you when you are in challenging circumstances? Based on what you have read in paragraph six of the introduction, what must we do to receive divine guidance in our times of need?

Seeking the Lord’s Guidance If we pray for help in our times of need, then the Lord will give us guidance.

Seeking the Lord’s Guidance If we pray for help in our times of need, then the Lord will give us guidance. Turn to paragraphs four and five of the introduction. These paragraphs provide an overview of significant events in the Restoration of Jesus Christ’s Church on the earth, including the First Vision and other divine manifestations, the translation of the Book of Mormon, the restoration of priesthood authority and keys, and the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Your Own Sacred Experiences You will learn more about these sacred events during your course of study. These divine experiences came as the Prophet Joseph Smith and others sought the Lord’s help and guidance.

Your Own Sacred Experiences You will learn more about these sacred events during your course of study. These divine experiences came as the Prophet Joseph Smith and others sought the Lord’s help and guidance. When have you faced a situation in which you needed the Lord’s help or guidance and you received it?

Testimony of the Twelve Apostles Turn to the “Testimony of the Twelve Apostles to the Truth of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants,” which is in the introduction. Read the first two paragraphs (beginning with the phrase “We, therefore, feel willing …”) and identify phrases that impress you.

Testimony of the Twelve Apostles Turn to the “Testimony of the Twelve Apostles to the Truth of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants,” which is in the introduction. Read the first two paragraphs (beginning with the phrase “We, therefore, feel willing …”) and identify phrases that impress you. Which phrases from the Twelve Apostles’ testimony of the Doctrine and Covenants stand out to you? Why?

All of This to Bless Your Life Remember that at the beginning of the lesson you were encouraged to look for ways that studying the Doctrine and Covenants can benefit your life. Write in your class notebook or scripture study journal how you hope the Doctrine and Covenants will benefit your life and what you will do to help this happen.

All of This to Bless Your Life Remember that at the beginning of the lesson you were encouraged to look for ways that studying the Doctrine and Covenants can benefit your life. Write in your class notebook or scripture study journal how you hope the Doctrine and Covenants will benefit your life and what you will do to help this happen. Prayerfully study the Doctrine and Covenants every day this school year as a way to help you hear the Savior’s voice and receive guidance from Him.