Comments and Scriptures on the Proclamation on the Family

Adultery

The seventh of the Ten Commandments is "Though Shalt Not Commit Adultery." The Ten Commandments are found numerous places in the scriptures and are in all the standard works of the Church except for the Pearl of Greal Price. See Exodus 20:14, Deuteronomy 5:18, Mosiah 3:22 and D&C 42:24. The D&C version has additional information, for example verse 22 says "Thou shalt love thy wife ..." The story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife shows the importance of keeping this commandment. Genesis 39:7-20. Other scriptures that command against adultery are: Matthew 19:18, Romans 13:9, Alma 16:18, Alma 23:3, Alma 30:10, Alma 39:3-5, Helaman 4:11-12. D&C 59:6. Christ taught that you don't have to commit adultery to sin, lusting after a women is committing adultery in the heart, 3 Nephi 12:27-28 also Matthew 5:27-28 and D&C 63:16. Where Adulty is common, love disappears Durant Vol 9: page 292.

Soloman warns his children about the strange women Proverbs 7:5. "With her much fair speech she caused him to yield," Proverbs 7:21, "Her house is the way to hell," Proverbs 7:24. These scriptures probably also show that women were held in low esteem in Old Testament times because they dragged men down from what they could be.

Apostles

The Bible Dictionary tells us that apostle means one sent forth. An apostle is also an elder, D&C 20:38. The Doctrine and Covenants tells us that the apostles are special witnesses of Christ and His resurrection, D&C 107:23-24and D&C 27:12. In ancient days the apostles bore powerful witness of the resurrection of Christ, Acts 4:33, Acts 10:39-42, and Acts 1:22-26.

Having the Church built on a foundation of apostles and prophets as Paul teaches us in Ephesians 2:19-20 is one of the most basic doctrines of the Church Article of Faith 6. The importance of the apostles is indicated by Lehi seeing in vision Christ with twelve others following him, 1 Nephi 1:9-10. When Paul lists the offices in the Church he mentions apostles first, 1 Corinthians 12:27-29 and Ephesians 4:11-12. One of the first things the Jesus did in His ministry was to chose his apostles. He spent the night before he picked them in pray, Luke 6:12-13, showing the importance of this step in his ministry. It is important to note that the apostles didn't pick themselves, as Jesus' other disciples did, but instead Jesus picked them, John 15:16. Christ himself is also considered an apostle, Hebrews 3:1. That is a little surprising, but I guess it is the same as in our day. The prophet of the Church is sustained as an apostle even though he isn't a member of the quorum of the 12.

The First Presidency of the Church and the Twelve Apostles of today hold the same power that exsisted in other dispensations, D&C 112:30. The apostles in our day have the same calling as Paul held, D&C 18:9. Joseph Smith was ordained an apostle by Peter, James and John. D&C 27:12. Joseph Smith is named an apostle in other scripture as well, D&C 21:1, and D&C 20:2-3. In this last scripture it tells us Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were also the first and second elders of the church,

Although we don't know of Pauls ordination to the apostleship, he certainly was an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. See Romans 1:1, 1 Corinthians 1:1, 1 Corinthians 9:1-2, Galatians 1:1, 1 Timothy 2:7, 2 Timothy 1:11, Titus 1:1, and D&C 18:9. The scripture in Galatians also show us that Paul was called by God and not by man.

After Christ's Death the apostles lead the Church. Paul talks of meeting with other apostles, Peter and James (the Lord's brother), Galatians 1:17-19. James the Lord's brother must have been called to the apostleship later since he wasn't one of the original apostles. Barnabas is also called an apostle, Acts 14:13-15.

When Judas fell from his apostleship the 11 surviving apostles had the power and authority to chose a new apostle, Acts 1:22-26. Also verse 22 lets us know again that apostles are witness of Christ and His resurrection. When part of the Nephite 12 disciples passed away others were ordained in their stead, 4 Nephi 1:14.

Jesus called the 12 and gave them power and authority, Luke 9:1-6. Peter as the leader of the apostles is given the sealing power to bind in heaven and on earth, Matthew 16:19. The scriptures tells of the calling of the apostles Peter, Andrew, James, and John, Matthew 4:18-22, and Mark 1:16-20. Jesus chooses the 12 apostles, Mark 3:14. The version in Luke tells the miracle of the great draught of fishs before he calls Simon and his fishing partners James and John, Luke 5:1-11. He chose the 12 apostles after spending the night in prayer, Luke 6:12. In the gospel of John it emphasizes how Jesus knew the apostles even before Jesus had physicaly met them, John 1:40-51.

The apostles are to build up the church and regulate the affairs of the church in all nations, D&C 107:33. The Twelve are "to ordain and set in order all the other officers of the church," D&C 107:58. They were also responsible for organizating the companies to travel to the West, D&C 136:3.

Jesus tells the multitude to follow the 12 disciples that he has chosen, 3 Nephi 12:1. He also tells the disciples that they are to lead the people and not to worry about their physical needs which will be taken care of, 3 Nephi 13:25. The missionaries are to only teach what the prophets and apostles have written, D&C 52:9. The day will come when those who will not hear the words of the prophets and apostles will be cut off from among the people, D&C 1:14. The Apostles will judge the 12 tribes of Israel with Christ, Matthew 19:28, Luke 22:28-30, 1 Nephi 12:8-10, D&C 29:12. There can be no appeal from the decisions of the quoum of the 12 apostles, D&C 102:30-32. The 12 Nephite disciples will judge the people in America, but they will be judged by the 12 apostles, Mormon 3:19.

The Twelve Apostles are to direct the missionary work throughout the world. Jesus sent the apostles out to preach while he was still on the earth, Mark 6:7-13. Later after He was resurected, Jesus commanded the apostles to preach the gospel unto all the world, Mark 14:14-15. A similar charge was given to the disciples in America, Mormon 9:22. In our day the Twelve have keys and authority to open missions throughout the world, D&C 112:21 and preach the gospel to the world, D&C 84:62, D&C 107:35 and D&C 18:27-29.

As witness of Christ, apostles and prophets are sometime required to endure persecution and death for the gospel's sake, Luke 11:49.

Jesus calls the apostles His friends, D&C 84:62-64. Jesus tells his followers (probably just the apostles) that they are his friends not just servants, John 15:14-15.

Life Beyond the Grave

When we die our spirits return unto God, Ecclesiastes 12:7. Even though our bodies decay in the earth, we will be resurrected. As Job says "... yet in my flesh shall I see God ...," Job 19:25. The reason the Church does family history work is because there is a life after death.

Good Citizens

We need to teach our children to be good citizens. We need to be tolerant of other people even if their beliefs don't match ours, Article of Faith 11 and Alma 30:7-11. We are to love our neighbor as ourself, Matthew 19:19, Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:27, Romans 13:9, and Galatians 5:14., and 3 Nephi 12:43.

We are to be subject to kings, presidents, etc., Article of Faith 12.

Governments are instituted by God for the protection of the governed, D&C 134:1-2. We are to respect the governments in which we reside as long as that governments respects freedom of conscience, D&C 134:5.

This land is blessed land of liberty, 2 Nephi 1:6-7 and 2 Nephi 10:10-14. The Spirit of God wrought upon the Gentiles and they came out of captivity to the promised land, 1 Nephi 13:12-13.

The Lord supports the constitution of this land, D&C 98:5-6 and raised up wise men to establish it, D&C 101:80. We are instructed to act through the legal authorities even when the leader aren't just, D&C 101:76. In the dedication of the Kirtland temple, Joseph Smith was inspired to pray that the principles in the constitution would be defended, D&C 109:54. If kings were always just there would be no problem in having kings, Mosiah 23:8 and Mosiah 29:12-13. In fact when the Lord comes the democracies will be done away with and Christ will be our ruler, D&C 41:4 and D&C 58:22.

The reason democracies work is that although it is common for the lesser part of the people to want things that are not just it isn't common for the majority of the people to want that which isn't just, Mosiah 29:26. However, if the people become wicked in a democracy then the government will also become corrupt, Helaman 5:2-3 and Helaman 6:39. In a democracy everyone must do their part and answer for their own sins, Mosiah 29:38. If people don't work together for freedom, it can easily be lost, Alma 60:14-16. Honest men should be sought for public office, D&C 98:8-10. Sometimes it is hard to think of any politician as being honest. I guess we have to apply this scripture as most honest.

If we are keeping the laws of God we have "no need to break the laws of the land," D&C 58:21. We are to be subject to the laws of the land until Christ comes to be our ruler, D&C 58:22.

Sometime we have to be willing to go to war to preserve our freedoms. Example of this are Captain Moroni and the title of liberty (Alma 46:12-13) and Helaman and the two thousand stripling warriors (Alma 53:16-18). The Spirit of God is the spirit of freedom, Alma 61:15.

Charity, Compassion, and Love

The principle of charity is taught in the Bible, Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenance. Probably the most notable scriptural teachings on charity are Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 13:1-8. In verses 1-3 he tells us that no mater what other good works we have, if we don't have charity we are nothing. Amulek tells the people if they aren't charitable they are as dross, Alma 34:29. Moroni's teaching in The Book of Mormon are very similar to Paul's teaching in the New Testiment, Moroni 7:43-48. We need to have faith, hope and charity, but charity is the greatest of the three, 1 Corinthians 13:13.

We need to have charity towards all men, D&C 121:45 and D&C 112:11. Let all things be done with charity, 1 Corinthians 16:14. Peter teaches that charity is part of godliness, 2 Peter 1:4-8. We can't be saved without having charity, Moroni 10:20-22. Charity edifieth, 1 Corinthians 8:1. We move from meekness and lowliness of heart to perfect love which is Charity, Moroni 8:26. If we live the commandments we will end up having charity, 1 Timothy 1:5. The King James version of the bible says "charity shall cover the multitude of sins," 1 Peter 4:8-9, but the JST version says "for charity preventeth a multitude of sins," Peter 4:8 It is through faith, hope and charity that we are brought unto Christ, Ether 12:28.

We need to help the oppressed and the widow, Isaiah 1:17. We are to give alms of the things that we have, Luke 11:41 and JST Luke 11:42. James talks about pure religion as helping others and being unspotted by the world, James 1:26. In Old Testiment times the people were instructed to leave the corners of their fields for the poor to glean, Leviticus 19:9-10. We even need to help our enemies in their time of need, Exodus 23:4-5. We are supposed to forgive one another as Christ has forgiven us, Colossians 3:12-14. This scripture also mentions kindness, long suffering, charity as well as many other attributes that we should have. The parable of the good Samaritan indicates how we should treat others, Luke 10:30-37.

The story of the rich young man tells us that we should donate to the poor, Mark 10:19-22. However, all of us are not required to give up everything we own to follow Christ. Although we should be willing if the need arose. This event was a teaching moment for the Savior to show that wealth isn't necessarily a good thing. The Savior then says "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God, Mark 10:23. I have heard that the eye of a needle is the small person size gate by the main gate of the city where a camel could squeeze through if all it's burdens were taken off first and it crawled on it's knees. Searching on the internet make it seem like this interpretation is unlikely. Many people say it was a rope and not a camel. But either way it can't happen without God's help. The inspired version of the bible tells us that a rich man can get into heaven if he doesn't trust in riches, JST Mark 10:27.

We can't assist in the Lord's work if we aren't full of love and charity, D&C 12:7-8. Without faith hope and charity you can do nothing, D&C 18:19. We need to be humble, submissive and gentle Alma 7:23. One of the qulifications of a missionary is having charity, D&C 4:5. When Nephi is teaching about the evils of priestcraft, he tells the people they need to have charity or love for the laborer in Zion, 2 Nephi 26:30. Christ says "love one another; as I have loved you." John 13:34-35. We can't be true disciples of Christ if we don't have love for each other. When the Lord is enumerating the things that are necessary for us to do, He tells us "above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity," D&C 88:125. When the Lord counsels Oliver Cowdery one of the things he tells him is to have charity, D&C 6:18-19. When Robert D. Foster is called to repentance one of the things he is told to do is "clothe himself with charity," D&C 124:116.

When Moroni talked about infant baptism he talks about having perfect love, or charity, towards all children, Moroni 8:16-17. Nephi has charity for both the jews and the gentiles, 2 Nephi 33:7, however he can't have hope for them except they are reconciled to God. In the world today, it is easy for people to think that if we love all mankind, we should accept them in their sins. However the saying applies, love the sinner but hate the sin.

The Lord expects us to be thankful for our blessings. See for example the story where ten lepers were healed and only one returned to thank Him. Luke 17:12-19.

Children

Children are an heritage of the LORD. Psalm 127:3. "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth," 3 John 1:4. John is probably referring to his spiritual childen, but it certainly applies to how parents feel about their earthly children as well. Having children is part of the Lord's plan for us, 2 Nephi 2:22-25. We are commanded to multiply and replenish the earth, Genesis 1:28, Moses 2:28, and Abraham 4:28.

Many time in scriptures it talks about the children of Abraham or the children of GOD, etc. I think this reflects the special relationship that should exsit between children and parents, patterned after the relationship that the Lord has with us his children. The Lord showed the importance of little children by saying "Suffer the little children to come unto me," Matthew 19:13, Mark 10:13-16, and Luke 18:15-17. This incident must have had a large impact on the disciples, since all three books Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell the story. Jesus also blessed the children in the new world, 3 Nephi 17:21. We are to love our children, Titus 2:4.

It is natural for parents to want to treat their children well. Even evil people still genearly look out for the interests of their children, Matthew 7:9-11, Mark 11:11-13, and 3 Nephi 14:9-11. Parents should provide for their children until they are of of age, D&C 83:4 We are to take good care of our childeren, Matthew 18:10 & 14. It is hard for me to tell if "these little ones" are for sure children and not people who are young in the gospel. However, maybe it doesn't really matter that much since there are similarities between the two. Like children, we are to not have malice toward others, 1 Corinthians 14:20. We need to be humble like our little children, Matthew 18:1-6 and Mark 9:33-37. "Little children do have words given unto them many times, which confound the wise and the learned," Alma 32:23. When Christ came to the Americas the children had their mouths open that they taught their parents, 3 Nephi 17:21-24 and 3 Nephi 26:14. Satan doesn't have power to tempt little children, D&C 29:46-48, but instead great things are required of their fathers (verse 48).

Parents are commanded to provoke not their children, Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21. Fathers are to be good examples to their children, Jacob 2:35 and Jacob 3:10.

We are command to teach our children about the Lord D&C 93:40, Moses 6:57-60, Deuteronomy 4:10 and Deuteronomy 11:18-19. It is probably from reading this scripture and other like it a bit too litterly that the Pharisses took to wearing phlacteries (small stips of parchment with scriptures in leather cases). Don't let your children fight and quarrel and serve the devil., Mosiah 4:14. Verse 15 tells us that children should love one another. One of the reasons that Nephi made the small plates of Nephi was so that his children would have the scriptures, 2 Nephi 4:15 and 2 Nephi 25:26-27. Memorials to the Lord's works can be helpful in teaching our children the things of God, Joshua 4:6-8 and Joshua 4:21-23. Children are to be blessed by the elders of the Church, D&C 20:70. If parents don't teach their children, the sin well be upon the heads of the parents, D&C 68:25-27. We need to teach our children to pray, D&C 68:28. We are to teach our children the gospel as Paul taught the Church. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12. Frederick G. Williams was chastised for not teaching his children the gospel, D&C 93:41-43.

It is important that we teach our children, not only spiritual things, but all the things that they will need to know in life. Children have been taught to read and write from the time of Adam. God set the pattern by establishing a book of remembrance, Moses 6:5-6. King Benjamin taught his sons in all the learning of his time including the scripture, Mosiah 1:2-3. The Church helps provide means for children to learn, D&C 55:4.

Chilren are to obey and honnor their parents in the Lord, Ephesians 6:1-3, Exodus 20:12, and Colossians 3:20. Children should follow the instructions of their fathers, Proverbs 4:1-4. When the children are taught the gospel and live it, great blessings follow, 3 Nephi 22:13.

A bishop is to be one who rules well his own family, 1 Timothy 3:4-5.

Daniel and his brothern were children well favoured and skillful in all wisdom, Daniel 1:4.

Divorce is Not the Lord's Plan

Matthew 5:31, 3 Nephi 12:31, and Mark 10:8-9. The Lord "hateth putting away" Malachi 2:15. Husbands and wives are to love and care for each other, Colossians 3:18 Titus 2:4.

Equal Partners

The Lord's inspiration isn't limited to men,
Alma 32:23, Joel 2:28-9.

Eternal Families

A man can't enter into the highest degree of glory without being married, D&C 131:1-4. The kind of love and loalty shown by Ruth to her mother in law, Naomi, is an exmample of what love in eternal familes shoud be, Ruth 1:16.

The teachings of the Savor with respect to being kind, generous, and loving especially apply to living together as a family. We can't be an eternal family without doing these things.

We need to be kind and tenderhearted towards each other, Ephesians 4:31-32.

The Lord tells us to be merciful, and not judge others, Luke 6:36-38. Loving our neighbour is the second great commandment, just after loving God, Matthew 22:35-40. This is really the same thing as the golden rule, see Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31 and 3 Nephi 14:12.

Eternal Life

One part of eternal life is the reality of the resurrection. The same sociality that exists now will be with us in eternity, D&C 130:2. We are resurrected into everlasting life or to everlasting contempt, Daniel 12:2. When we are resurrected the body and spirit are inseparably connected and in this state we can receive a fullness of joy, D&C 93:33. The righteous will inherit the kingdom of God and their joy will be full forever, 2 Nephi 9:18.

Probably the most quoted scripture on eternal life is "this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent," John 17:2-3 and D&C 132:24. Living with God will be living in everlasting burnings, Isaiah 33:14. In the Perl of Great Price we learn that God's work is to make possible the eternal life of man, Moses 1:39. God has called us unto his eternal glory, Peter 5:10 and to eternal life, 1 Timothy 6:12. The Lord's sheep will have eternal life, John 10:27-28. Those that believe on the Son will have everlasting life, John 3:15, John 3:36, John 6:40, and John 6:47. It is interesting to note that John mentions eternal life much more frequently than the other gospel writers.

We are free to choose eternal life through the Mediator, 2 Nephi 2:27-28. It is through the Son that we gain eternal life, 1 John 5:11-12. In the story of the woman at Jacob's well we learn that as water gives life, the water that Jesus gives brings everlasting life, John 4:14. We need to eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ (partake of the Sacrament) to have eternal life, John 6:54. Jesus has the words of eternal life, John 6:67. Those who believe on the Savior can obtain eternal life, D&C 45:8. We are heirs of God through Christ, Galatians 4:7. We are "joint-heirs with Christ," Romans 8:16-17.

To have eternal life we need to keep the commandments and follow Christ, Matthew 19:16-18, Mark 10:17-19, and Luke 18:18-20. This is from the story of the rich young man. I am leaving out the part about selling everything because I believe it only applied to the rich young man and not to everyone. The righteous "shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever," D&C 76:62. The righteous go into life eternal, Matthew 25:46 and will be raised to endless happiness, Alma 41:4. The righteous will reign for ever and ever, Revelation 22:4. "No murderer hath eternal life," 1 John 3:15.

There is a strait and narrow path that leads to eternal life, 2 Nephi 31:18. We need to enter in at the strait gate to have eternal life, Jacob 6:11. Strait is the gate that leadeth unto life, Matthew 7:14.

The Lord's servents will have eternal life, Mosiah 26:20. Joseph Smith is promised eternal life, D&C 132:54-56. If we believe in the gospel we can have eternal life, D&C 10:50. The believers are ordained to eternal life, Acts 13:48. "To be spiritually-minded is life eternal," 2 Nephi 9:39.

Those who sacrifice for the gospel will inherit eternal life, Matthew 19:29. Those who are patient in well doing will inherit eternal life, Romans 2:6-8. Our afflictions bring us to eternal glory, 2 Corinthians 4:17. The faithful who endure will inherit eternal life, D&C 50:5. Life eternal is enduring to the end, 2 Nephi 33:4.

Search the scriptures to gain eternal life, John 5:39. This scripture is confusing because it says "ye think ye have eternal life." I think the reason is that Jesus is talking to the Jews and the Jews thought they were saved because they kept the law of Moses. Jesus is telling them that the scriptures testify of Him. In the story about the lawyer that asks Jesus what we need to do to have eternal life the lawyer answers his own question showing that the Jews understood the purpose of keeping the law of Moses even if they didn't understand Christ's role in salvation, Luke 10:25-28.

We are the sons of God and can become like God, 1 John 3:2. If we overcome all thing we become the son's of God and will inherit all things, Revelation 21:7.

"He that hath eternal life is rich," D&C 6:7. Eternal life is the greatest of God's gifts, D&C 14:7. Eternal life is a gift of God, Romans 6:23. The dead who have been righteous will crowned with eternal life, D&C 138:51. Those who work righteousness will receive a crown of eternal life, D&C 20:14. The faithful will be crowned with eternal life, D&C 75:5. There are many mansions in heaven, John 14:2. We have a eternal house in the heavens, 2 Corinthians 5:1.

The Comforter is the promise of eternal life, D&C 88:4. We are to have hope that we will be "raised unto life eternal," Moroni 7:41.

The Lord will guide us in life and afterward receive us into heaven, Psalm 73:24-26.

When we teach the gospel to others we are gathering fruit unto life eternal, John 4:36.

Homosexuality Forbidden

Don't "lie with mankind, as with womankind," Leviticus 18:22 and Leviticus 20:13.

The story (Genesis 19:4-7) of the men of Sodom wanting to "know" the angels shows why sodomites meant homosexuals. There is to be no sodomites in Israel, Deuteronomy 23:17. "men with men working that which is unseemly" Romans 1:24-27. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 it is listed as one of the sins that prevent inheriting the kingdom of God. Also see 1 Timothy 1:9-10 and Jude 1:7.

Image of God

We are created in the image of God. See Genesis 1:26, Mosiah 7:27, Ether 3:15, D&C 20:18, Moses 1:6, Moses 2:26, Moses 6:9, and Abraham 4:26. The scriptures don't directly talk of a mother in heaven, but they do say " ... created man, male and female, after his own image ... created he them." There shouldn't be any doubt that Heavenly Father has a body since we are created in his image. When Satan tempts Moses to worship him, Moses uses the knowledge that he was a "a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten" to counter Satan, Moses 1:13.

Marriage is Ordained of God

See D&C 49:15, Genesis 2:24, Mark 10:8-9, 1 Corinthians 11:11, D&C 42:22, Moses 3:23-24, and Abraham 5:18.

Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest, Ecclesiastes 9:9. Husbands are commanded to love and take care of their wives, 1 Corinthians 7:3, Ephesians 5:25, Ephesians 5:28-33, and D&C 42:22. Wifes are also to reverence their husbands, Ephesians 5:33. From some of the epistles of Paul it would appear that Paul didn't quite understand the princiaple of eternal marriage since he seems to advocate celibacy at time. I just picked the scriptures that are consistent with modern prophets. Some times Paul was a little too pratical when it came to commandments about marriage, D&C 74:5. Jacob points out the good in the lamenites (husbands and wives love each other and they both love their children), Jacob 3:7.

Premortal life

There are many scriptures that let us know that Christ existed before this world. In fact we know that before Christ was born he was the creator and God of this earth, Ether 3:15-16. Jesus himself tells the jews that he is the Jehovah of the Old Testament when he tells the jews before Abraham was "I am," John 8:56-59. The footnote at the bottom of the page says "The term I AM used here in the Greek is identical with the Septuagint usage in Exodus 3:14 which identifies Jehovah." It is clear this is how the jews understood the statment, since they then took up stones to kill Him (verse 59). Other scriptures that tell us that Christ was in the beginning with God are: John 1:2, John 17:24, 2 Timothy 1:9, 3 Nephi 26:5, and D&C 38:1. Christ prays to the Father to glorify him with the glory He had before with the Father, John 17:5.

Priesthood holders were called from the foundation of the world, Alma 13:3-5. In this scripture we also learn that in the begining all men were on the same standing, but it was the begining of their spirit existance not their temporal existance. All spirits were innocent in the begining, D&C 93:38. By the time men come to this earth they have already been forordained to the priesthood and many other callings. We can assume that all the Lord leaders were called before they were born. We are specficly told that Abraham (Abraham 3:22, 24) and Jeremaian (Jeremiah 1:5) were called to be prophets before they was born. In the Doctrine and Covenants we also learn that other leaders were chosen before they were born, D&C 138:55-56.

All things were created spiritually before they were created physically, Moses 3:5. We know that we were once in the presence of the Lord, since we are told that through Christ we can be brough back into the presence of the Lord, Helaman 14:17. Man was in the beginning with God, D&C 93:29. Also this scripture tells us that Intelligences can not be created, but have always existed. Solomn understood that we were with God from before the creation of the earth, Proverbs 8:23-31.

We are spirits sons and daughter of God. Man was created when his preexisting spirit was put into a physical body, Abraham 5:7. "But there is a spirit in man," Job 32:8. God is "the Father of spirits," Hebrews 12:9 and we are the offspring of God, Acts 17:28. When we die our "spirit shall return unto God who gave it," Ecclesiastes 12:7 and also Alma 40:11. Moses and Aaron knew that God was the father of the Spirits of all men, Numbers 16:22 and Numbers 27:16. God is the father of our spirts, Hebrews 12:9. In Zechariah there is an intersting scripture that talks about the LORD forming the spirit of man within Him, Zechariah 12:1.

There are numerous examples in scriptures were God is refered to as our Father. For example, we are told to be perfect even as our Father in Heaven, Matthew 5:48 and 3 Nephi 12:48. There is a misprint in the Topical Guide (1989 version) as it has this scripture listed as 3 Nephi 12:40. When Jesus was teaching his discples to pray he instructs them to pray to Our Father in heaven, Matthew 6:9 and 3 Nephi 12:48. There are also lots of scriptures that refer to the fact that we are children of God. See for example Deuteronomy 14:1, Psalm 82:6, and Malachi 2:10.

Much about what we know about the premortal existance happened in the Council in Heaven. In Abraham 4:26 it tells us "the Gods took counsel among themselves" before they formed man. An other scriptual passages on the Council in Heaven is Job 38:7 where it tells us the "morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." Probably the most complete description of the war in heaven is in Abraham 3:21-28. Most of the other scriptures about the Council in Heaven talk about how Lucifer was cast out and became the devil. In the vision of the kingdoms of glory (D&C section 76) Joseph and Sidney see that Lucifer was cast out and became the devil. Also see, Jude 1:6, Revelation 12:7-9, D&C 76:25-29, Luke 10:18 and 2 Nephi 2:17. In D&C 29:36-37 we learn that the devil turned 1/3 of the hosts of heaven again's God. All this would have had to happen before man was on the earth since Satan has certainly been active since the creation of man. Satan was cast out by the power of the only Begotten Son and became the devil because he sought to take away the agency of man, Moses 4:3-5. I think once again it shows the danger of pride. Satan let his pride destroy him.

Respect

We need to respect the law of the land, D&C 134:6.

The Lord has respect unto the lowly, Psalm 138:6. "For there is no respect of persons with God," Romans 2:10-11, Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 3:23, and 1 Peter 1:17. Alma and Amulek taught the word of God to all with no "respect of persons," Alma 16:14.

The Lord had respect unto the children of Israel because of the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, 2 Kings 13:23. In Psalm 74:20 the psalmist pleads with the Lord to have respect unto the covenant. Solomon asks the Lord to have respect for him and the temple that he built for the Lord, 1 Kings 8:27-28 and 2 Chronicles 6:18-19.

After Israel is scattered she shall have respect unto the Lord, Isaiah 17:7-8.

When the Book of Mormon people were righteous they were helpful to all not respecting if they were in or out of the church, Alma 1:30.

To respect the Lord's name by avoiding the too often repetition of His name the Priesthood was called the Melchizedek Priesthood, D&C 107:4.

Most of the scriptures listed in the Topical Guide under respect show respect for people as negative. For example, Leviticus 19:15 says don't show respect unto the poor and Psalm 40:4 says don't respect the proud. With our modern usage of respect we would say respect all people equally instead of don't respect people. Also Deuteronomy 1:17 says you "shall not respect persons in judgment."

Unrighteous Dominion

Probably the best scripture on unrightious dominion is D&C 121:39-43. I have been a little confussed as what betimes means. The American Heritage Dictionary gives the definition of betimes as: "1. In good time; early. 2. Once in a while; on occasion. 3. Archaic Quickly; soon."

Priestcraft is unrighteous dominion because it uses the Church to advance personal goals and ambitions, 2 Nephi 26:29. We are not to think that we are the ruler in Church or family, God should be the ruler, D&C 58:20.

Work is Part of the Plan

The High Priest quorum leadership was asked to give talks on work August 29, 2010. Here is my sacrament meeting talk on the importance of work (I was the secretary at the time).

The fall of adam made it so work was necessary, Genesis 3:17-19 and Moses 4:23-25. It is interesting that the Lord says "cursed is the ground for thy sake." Even though work can seem to be a "curse" it is for our sake. In the 10 Commandments it tells us to honor the Sabbath day, but it also tells us we should work on the other six days, Exodus 20:9-11, and Mosiah 13:16-19. In fact work is a commandment. In D&C 42:41-2 we are commanded "Thou shalt not be idle." In D&C 68:30-32 we are told the idlers must repent. Also in the D&C we are told "neither be idle but labor with your might," D&C 75:3. In Proverbs we are instructed to consider the ways of the ant "thou sluggard," Proverbs 6:6-11.

We are known by our works, Proverbs 20:11. There are a number of scriptures that tell us that the way to judge is by the fruits, Matthew 7:16-20, Luke 6:43-45, and 3 Nephi 14:15-20. We reap what we sow, 1 Corinthians 9:6.

Labour leadeth to a better life, Proverbs 10:16 and Proverbs 13:11. When Amulek is introducing himself, he particularly mentions that he has gained many riches through his industry, Alma 10:4. The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, Ecclesiastes 5:12. There is profit in labour, but talk is cheap, Proverbs 14:23.

We are to work to improve our talents and use those talents to help others, D&C 82:18-19. This scripture had to do with the united order, but the same principles would apply to us today. The parable of the unprofitable servant also illustrates that the Lord expects us to work to increase our talents, Matthew 25:14-30. A talent in biblical times represented a large quantity of money, but the parable is more apropriate if a talent means ability. It is possible that Christ used the talent instead of some other quantity of money knowing that the meaning talent would later mean. On the other hand, maybe the meaning in English comes from this parabable. When I looked it up in dictionary.com it didn't seem that the word came from the parable. A different version of this parable is in Luke 19:11-27. In this case the money is pounds.

In Solomon's praise of a virtuous women, he shows the value of hard work and industry, Proverbs 31:10-31. In verse 19 the footnote at the bottom of the page says that a distaff is the stick on which spinning materials are wound. This passage would probably be more widely used if it didn't seem excessive. No woman could possibly do all that. Also it has to have been written by a man (If we didn't already know it was written by Solomon) since no man would have written down all those things that he should do. Even though it isn't attainable, it is still a worth goal for both men and women.

We should do much good without being commanded, D&C 58:26-29. "And whatsover ye do, do it heartily," Colossians 3:23. We need to all labor according to our strength, Alma 1:26.

This life is the time to perform our labours, Alma 34:32 and Ecclesiastes 9:10. The scripture in Ecclesiastes is a lot like Alma 34:32, but it implises there is no knowlege or wisdom in the grave. Solomon might have been wise in the things of the world, but it seems like his understanding of the gospel wasn't up to par with his worldly knowledge.

When the people were rightious one of the signs was that they were industrious and labored diligently with their hands. A good example is the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, Alma 23:18 and Alma 24:18. Also the rightious kings encouraged their people to work and be industrious. Examples are: rightious king Lib of the Jaredite nation, Ether 10:22-28; Nephi and his people, 2 Nephi 5:17, King Mosiah (King Benjamin's father), Mosiah 27:4; Zeniff and his people, Mosiah 10:4-5; Alma and his people, Mosiah 23:5. The rightious kings set the example by working with their own hands as did King Benjamin, so that his people didn't have to support him, Mosiah 2:14. In our day Joseph Smith is told that he needed to perform the labors on the land as well as study the scriptures and preach, D&C 26:1. In D&C 52:39-40 the Elders of the Church are told to support themselves and not expect the church to provide for them. In New Testiment times the brethren were also told to work with their own hands so as to lack for nothing, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12. Also in Thessalonians Paul instructs the people to work and not be busybodies, 2 Thessalonians 3:7.