THE SACRED DUTY OF PARENTS DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS 68

When section 68 was given, the Prophet Joseph Smith and his family were living with the John and Alice Johnson family in Hiram, Ohio. This revelation is addressed to Elders Luke S. and Lyman E. Johnson, Orson Hyde, and William E. McLellin. These men all later served as missionaries and then as Apostles. CONTEXT

What worries or concerns do you have about serving a full-time mission?

D&C 68:1,3,6,8-9 What the Lord Commands His Missionaries v. 1 Use scriptures to teach the gospel. v. 3 Teach the gospel by the Spirit. v. 6 Do not fear. Bear testimony of Jesus Christ. vv. 8–9 Go to all the world. Baptize those who believe. D&C 68:4-6,9,10-11 What the Lord Promises His Faithful Missionaries vv. 4–5 You will receive inspiration to speak the mind, will, and word of the Lord. v. 6 The Lord will be with you. v. 9 Those who believe and are baptized will be saved. v. 10 Signs will follow those who believe. v. 11 You will know about the signs of the Savior's coming.

Something that seems easy, but is hard to do… Journal: Define the word “scripture” 2 Peter 1:21 Articles of Faith 1:9 D&C 1:37-38 D&C 68:3-4 Bible Dictionary

Ask me 10 yes ‑ or ‑ no questions to guess this man’s calling

The Presiding Bishopric has been responsible for temporal affairs: Receiving, distributing, and accounting for tithes Administration of programs to assist the poor and needy Design, construction, and maintenance of places of worship Auditing and transferring records of membership (in Daniel H. Ludlow, ed., Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 5 vols. [1992], 3:1128).

Presiding Bishop must be called by who? (see vv. 15) Your bishop was approved by who? (see vv. 19–20). What qualifications must a bishop have? (see vv. 15, 19) Write a letter to your Bishop Doctrine and Covenants 68

"Anciently the bishops (judges) were 'literal descendants of Aaron.' Their office had its beginning with Aaron who was the presiding bishop of the church. Even in our dispensation, 'the firstborn among the sons of Aaron' has 'a legal right to the bishopric,  for the firstborn holds the right of the presidency over this priesthood, and the keys or authority of the same.' That is, it is his right to be the Presiding Bishop of the Church, if he is selected and approved by the First Presidency. So far in our day the lineage through which the office of Presiding Bishop will descend 'from father to son' has not been revealed. Until then, high priests of the Melchizedek Priesthood are chosen to officiate in this office and also as ward bishops" (Bruce R. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, 352; italics added).

Is this Scripture?

Something that seems easy, but is hard to do… Journal: Define the word “family”

What are the components of an ideal family? (list) Compare with Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–31

THE PROCLAMATION The family is ordained of God. 1.Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. 2.Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when: 1.founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. 2.Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to: 1.preside over their families in love and righteousness 2.and are responsible to provide the necessities of life 3.and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for: 1. The nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

MothersFathers How should the roles and responsibilities of mothers and fathers be viewed? separate and distinct? complimentary, but supportive ? the same?

THE ROLE OF HUSBANDS AND WIVES Women/Wives/Moms Men/Husbands/Dads Genesis 2:18 Ephesians 5:22, 33 Titus 2:4 Colossians 3: Peter 3:1 Colossians 3: Corinthians 11:3 Ephesians 5:25 Ephesians 5: Peter 3:7

THE PROCLAMATION - RESPONSIBILITIES Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

“Marriage, in its truest form, is a partnership of equals, with neither exercising dominion over the other, but, rather, with each encouraging and assisting the other in whatever responsibilities and aspirations he or she might have.” - Gordon B. Hinckley, Aug. 1992, Ensign, p. 6

What have YOU learned from being in a family?

“ The shield of faith is not produced in a factory but at home. The ultimate purpose of all we teach is to unite parents and children in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they are happy at home, sealed in an eternal marriage, and assured of exaltation in the presence of our Heavenly Father.” Boyd K. Packer, “The Shield of Faith,” April Conference 1995

PRIESTHOOD IN THE CHURCH & HOME ChurchHome  Hierarchal Church Government  Partnership w/a distinct line of authority  Service is by call  Service is generally temporary  Hierarchal Church Government  Partnership w/a distinct line of authority  Service is by call  Service is generally temporary  Patriarchal Family Government  Equal partnership of husband and wife  Service is by choice  Service is eternal  Patriarchal Family Government  Equal partnership of husband and wife  Service is by choice  Service is eternal

THE SACRED DUTY OF PARENTS DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS 68