Week 6 ----> ALMOST midterms :)

Justine Sanders

10-25-11

FDREL 324

Kelly Anderson

Student Choice #1

(Week 6)

Choice #1 (section 30–40):

What counsel does God give to the gatherers on the gathering? Any insights into the who, what, where, when, how, and why of gathering that you notice in these sections, please explain below. You should have a minimum of ten references and explanations as well as a couple of questions that come from your study of these sections.

1. Who is gathered first? Focus. (29:7, 30:6, 28:8–9, 32:2)

“And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts;” (29:7) As we read the Doctrine and Covenants, we realize that the “elect” are those who are chosen first and those who will be gathered first. What we really need to focus on is how to become an “elect.” “Be you afflicted in all his afflictions, ever lifting up your heart unto me in prayer and faith, for his and your deliverance; for I have given unto him power to build up my church among the Lamanites;” (30:6) These are very simple, yet monumental things that we need to do in order to one of the “elect”. We should be aware of our afflictions, looking up to our Heavenly Father – seeking his guidance. In doing this, we will be blessed. From 28:8-9 and 32:2 we learn that the most important thing we are able to do here on this earth is to preach the gospel, establish the church.

2. What are the harvest conditions of the world? (31:4, 33:4)

In Doctrine and Covenants 33:4, we learn that the “vineyard has become corrupted every whit; and there is none which doeth good save it be a few; and they err in many instances because of priestcrafts, all having corrupt minds.” The world is a very wicked place, it is our job to help and spread the gospel to all those who are willing to hear it – and especially to those who do not. I know that sometimes it can seem like a difficult task (which it is), but it is possible and the rewards are endless: “And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!” (D&C 18:15).

“The field is white already to be burned” (31:4) With this statement I think of burning fields when I am home. When the farmer is ready to plant a new crop, he burns the old one. This helps with the new planting. If we look at this is the gospel point of view, there are many out there needing the gospel, it is our job to replant and restart the gospel in their hearts.

3. What time period in the harvest is the world? (33:3)

“For behold, the field is white already to harvest; and it is the eleventh hour, and the last time that I shall call laborers into my vineyard.” If we are to receive our blessings, we must work all through the eleventh hour. If we stop progressing in the middle of the day, think of all the work that doesn’t get done? (33:3, Matt 20:1-16)

4. Where will the elect be found? (33:6)

“The four quarters of the earth” (33:6). The elect will be found all over the world, this is a conformation to me, of just how much our Heavenly Father knows and loves each of us.

5. What are the key attributes of successful gatherers? (38:8–12, 36:3, 31:3–4, 34: 10, 35: 23)

Starting in D&C 38, we learn we must be purified (vs. 8), prepared (vs. 9), and clean (v.10). In 36:3, it talks about raising your voice, praising God.

In D&C 31:3-4“Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation. You shall declare the things which have been revealed to my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun. You shall begin to preach from this time forth, yea, to reap in the field which is white already to be burned.

Last but not least, it says, “Thou shalt preach my gospel and call on the holy prophets to prove his words, as they shall be given him.” (35:23)

If we are willing to preach the gospel, we will be provided the proven words of our prophets. We should not be scared to share the gospel with others, if we are keeping the commandments, we are always teaching those around us: by our thoughts, acts, words, and deeds.

6. What do we gather to? Why? (33:13)

“And upon this rock I will build my church; yea, upon this rock ye are built, and if ye continue, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.” (33:13) If we follow our Heavenly Fathers commandments, he will never leave us.

7. What are the teachings that gather? (34:6)

“To lift up your voice as with the sound of a trump, both long and loud, and cry repentance unto a crooked and perverse generation, preparing the way of the Lord for his second coming.” By this scripture, I realize that we should be proud of what we believe in. If we are not believing in what we are teaching, then the spirit will not testify to the things we are teaching. The first step is to have a firm foundation in what we believe and what we know, then we can teach others to believe and know for themselves.

8. Who does God use to gather? (35:12–15, 36:5–7)

“I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit;” (35:13) I take this scripture and realize that our prophets are just like us. At a time, they had the same struggles, hardships that we do this present day, although we may not believe it. This connection we have with the prophet, is the same (in a sense) that we have with our parents, some of our colleges, and many other people who we don't think we have an influence on. This is the connection that makes it easier for us to teach people of the same faith, as well as challenge ourselves to teach someone of a different faith. The Holy Ghost makes uses this connection to teach and to share the truth of the words.

9. Who directs the gathering? (35:25)

The Lord does, “in (his)mine own due time” (35:25) We should always remember that we are on the Lords time, and that the struggles that we go through are also part of his plan. As we do His will, we will be blessed.

10. Where does God want the saints to gather? (37:1–3)

In D&C 37:3 it says, “they should assemble together at the Ohio.”

11. What are some patterns and principles of gathering? (38:32–33)

In D&C 28: 32-33 it says, “Wherefore, for this cause I gave unto you the commandment that ye should go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high; And from thence, whosoever I will shall go forth among all nations, and it shall be told them what they shall do; for I have a great work laid up in store, for Israel shall be saved, and I will lead them whithersoever I will, and no power shall stay my hand.”