1st Reading: Overview/Airplane Mode

While working on the Book of Mormon translation, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery learned that Jesus Christ gave the Nephites authority to baptize. As they prayerfully sought to know more, Joseph and Oliver were visited by John the Baptist and later Peter, James, and John, who were sent to restore priesthood authority to the earth.

Read the “Section Heading” for D&C 13.  Look for the “who, what, where, when and how and why?

Find “Harmony, Pennsylvania” in the maps section of the Gospel Library/Study Helps/Church History Maps section.

This event took place near the Susquehanna River, near Harmony, Pennsylvania.  You can see a picture of this place here.

Why was it important that the Lord send John the Baptist specifically to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery?  Look in the “Guide to the Scriptures” section of the “Study Helps” in the Gospel Library App.  Before moving on, write your answer to this question on a piece of paper and give it to Brother Crockett, who will ensure your answer is correct.

Read D&C 13:1 individually, looking as an overview.  Look for any words or phrases that may be difficult to understand, or to which you do not know the meaning. When done reading, share as a group any questions or concerns and answer them.

2nd Reading:  Looking for spiritual truths, messages, and doctrines

Remember:  A doctrine is a principle which is founded on truth.  Doctrines do not change over time, can be applied to a wide variety of circumstances and help us make decisions and guide our lives.

Read D&C 13:1.  Give your group members time to individual read verse 1. What are some truths found in this verse?  Discuss what you’ve found as a group, and invite group members to make a collective list of truths in their individual learning journals.

As a group, chose one truth upon which to focus.  Then, ask some questions about the verse that will help apply the truth to our lives today. For example:

Truth:  Those who hold the priesthood are fellow servants.  Why would the Lord want priesthood holders to know they are serving with angels?  John uses the word “servant.”  What does the use of this word teach us about the priesthood? 

Invite group members to individually write the chosen truth and question in their own Learning Journal.  Then, give the group time to ponder and then write a response to that question.  When done, invite members to share what they wrote.  Compare each response to the definition of a doctrine.  If what they wrote is (1) true, (2) won’t change over time (3) can be applied to a wide variety of circumstances and (4) help make decisions or guide their lives, then CONGRATULATIONS!  They found a DOCTRINE! 🙂 

Have each group member fill out the questionnaire below and submit it so Brother Crockett can see your work.