Joseph Smith said that the church was not yet two years old and there was great anxiety to obtain the word of the Lord upon every subject that in any way concerned our salvation (HC, 1:207).

This was not the first revelation given in this dispensation. They wanted to print 10,000 “Books of Commandments.” Unfortunately after the press was destroyed only a few copies (6) were saved. Some historians say as many as twenty might have been saved. D&C 1:1 Thirty-six sections begin with the word “hearken.” Hearken means to “listen and obey.” D&C 1:4 A voice of warning unto all people!

D&C 1:6 The D&C is the only book in existence which bears the honor of a preface given by the Lord himself. D&C 1:12 The word “prepare” appears 90 times in the D&C. It is one of the major themes in the Doctrine and Covenants. D&C 1:15-16 For they have strayed from mine ordinances and covenants, and have broken mine everlasting covenant.

Babylon Why do some of our youth risk engaging in ritual prodigalism, intending to spend a season rebelling and acting out in Babylon and succumbing to that devilishly democratic “everybody does it”? Crowds cannot make right what God has declared to be wrong. Though planning to return later, many such stragglers find that alcohol, drugs, and pornography will not let go easily. Babylon does not give exit permits gladly. It is an ironic implementation of that ancient boast: One soul shall not be lost” (Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, November 1988, 33). Even if we decide to leave Babylon, some of us endeavor to keep a second residence there, or we commute on weekends (Neal A. Maxwell, A Wonderful Flood Of Light, 47).

Existing conditions in the World anger the Lord! Elder Spencer W. Kimball dispelled the notion that idolatry is a sin of the past that must involve some kind of image or figure. “Idolatry is among the most serious sins.” Modern idols or false gods can take such forms as clothes, homes, businesses, machines, automobiles, pleasure boats, and numerous other material deflectors from the path of Godhood. Brigham Young said: “I would as soon see a man worshipping a little god made of brass or of wood as to see him worshipping his property.”

“Intangible things make just as ready gods. Degrees and letters and titles can become idols. Many young men decide to attend college when they should be on a mission first. The degree, and the wealth and the security which come through it, appear so desirable that the mission takes second place. Some neglect Church service through their college years, failing to give preference to the secular learning and ignoring the spiritual covenants they have made.”

“Many people build and furnish a home and buy the automobile first – and then find they ‘cannot afford’ to pay tithing. Whom do they worship? Certainly not the Lord of heaven and earth, for we serve whom we love and give our first consideration to the object of our affection and desires. Young married couples who postpone parenthood until their degrees are attained might be shocked if their expressed preference were labeled idolatry” (Spencer W. Kimball, Miracle of Forgiveness, 40-41).

D&C 1: Reasons For The D&C 1. v v v. 23 That faith might increase on the earth. The everlasting covenant might be established. The gospel might be proclaimed to the world.

D&C 1:30 The only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth! Might gave power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it out of obscurity and out of darkness! Both President Faust and President Packer are on record as having taught that this has been fulfilled in the calling and ministry of President Gordon B. Hinckley.

D&C 1:33 D&C 1:37-38 If we’re not reading the scriptures daily, our testimonies are growing thinner, our spirituality isn’t increasing in depth. – Harold B. Lee Amos 3:7

The Pattern: Revelation comes through God to his prophets. Prophets than reveal God’s words to the people. Then the people must seek revelation from God in order to accomplish His will!