Gifts of the Spirit D&C 46

1. Gifts of the SpiritD&C 46

2. Sacrament Meeting List 10 commandments/rules/traditions that govern sacrament meeting

3. John Murdock Missionary John Murdock and his companions were preaching in Cleveland, Ohio, when a man came forward and knelt as if to pray, but actually he was giving “a sign to the banditry to begin their abuse.” Immediately his cohorts blew out the candles and threw inkstands and books at John. The Book of John Whitmer, p. 23

4. Later, back in Kirtland… • Church leaders counseled about situations like this. • Some favored excluding from Church meetings all who were not firm in the faith. • Some said meetings should be open to all, citing 3 Nephi 18:22, “ye shall not forbid any man from coming unto you when ye shall meet together.” • Joseph receives a revelation, March 8, 1831.

5. The Lord settles the question • D&C 46:2-7 • What are the principles taught here?

6. Sacrament Meeting A man must have the discerning of spirits before he can drag into daylight this hellish influence and unfold it unto the world in all its soul-destroying, diabolical, and horrid colors; for nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit when they think they have the Spirit of God. Thousands have felt the influence of its terrible power and baneful effects. Long pilgrimages have been undertaken and pain, misery and ruin have followed in their train; nations have been convulsed, kingdoms overthrown, provinces laid waste, and blood, carnage and desolation are habiliments in which it has been clothed.(History of The Church, 4: 573.)

7. Matthew Cowley(1897-1953)

8. Matthew Cowley(1897-1953)

9. What Gifts of the Spirit did Matthew Cowley have?

10. Doctrine and Covenants 46 Three groups • Doctrine and Covenants 46:11‑‑26 • 1 Corinthians 12:4‑‑11 • Moroni10:8‑‑19 Make a list of spiritual gifts. Discuss examples/stories for each spiritual gifts

11. Covenants Heavenly Father Children Of Men Spiritual Gifts ...whenever the Holy Ghost takes up its residence in a person, it not only cleanses, sanctifies, and purifies him…, but also imparts to him some gift, intended for the benefit of himself and others.  No one who has been born of the Spirit and who remains sufficiently faithful, is left destitute of a spiritual gift. (Orson Pratt) 

12. Extra Information • D&C 46:11 –Who gets a Gift of the Spirit? • D&C 46:12, 26 –Why does God give us Gifts of the Spirit? • D&C 46:27 –What’s the bishop’s responsibility in all of this?

13. Do you have aGift of the Spirit? Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost. We must remember that to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. It is our right and responsibility to accept our gifts and to share them. God’s gifts and powers are available to all of us. Marvin J. Ashton Oct. 1987 Gen. Conf.

14. Time to write • What Gifts of the Spirit do you think God has given you? • WHY has he given these gifts to you? • What are you going to do with them?

15. D&C 47 –Short and Sweet • Oliver had been “appointed unto another office” (D&C 47:4) • Joseph called John Whitmer to take Oliver’s place Church Historian and Recorder. • John hesitated. “I would rather not do it but observed that the will of the Lord be done, and if he desires it, I desire that he would manifest it through Joseph the Seer.” • The Lord calls John in D&C 47. • John calls his record “The Book of John Whitmer.”

16. D&C 46 The Gifts of the Spirit