Lynne's Scripture Journal D&C

April 25, 2017 Section 19:13-41 Atonement Christ’s Statement Of, Repentance, Missionary Instructions, Live Happy, Prayer, Draw Near Unto Me, In v’s 15-20, Christ is speaking directly to Martin Harris, who has come to Joseph “ seeking further assurance in relation to his standing before the Lord, being sorely troubled in spirit because of his transgression.” ( Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith) In the Oct 1947 Gen Conf, President Joseph Fielding Smith said: “ We get into the habit of thinking, I suppose, that his great suffering was when he was nailed to the cross by his hands and his feet [ and his wrists] and was left there to suffer until he died. As excruciating as that pain was, that was not the greatest suffering that he had to undergo, for in some way which I cannot understand, but which I accept on faith, and which you must accept on faith, he carried on his back the burden of the sins of the whole world. It is hard enough for me to carry my own sins. How is it with you? ...

April 24, 2017 Section 19:4-12 Judgment Day, Plan of Salvation, Repentance Made Easy, Free Agency, Rest in the Lord, Eternal Progression, Hell, Lord Trust In, Gospel Simplicity, Prayer Christ clearly states in v 3 that at the great judgment, every one will be judged “ according to his works and the deeds which he hath done.” He says that knowing full well that we all make mistakes, big and small. Thus no one could be judged to have kept all His commandments all the time. But like a generous professor, whose main effort is to have us learn the formulas and be able to work the problems, His main focus is on our learning—thus, there is always (at least in this life) the ‘extra credit’. It is not only easily available, but it is absolutely essential. This is a course we cannot pass without a tutor, and we have the best of tutors: v 4 “ And surely every man must repent or suffer…” And so, as a student who wants to learn, and really wants to pass this course so I can go on—I am th...

April 23, 2017 Section 19: 1-3 Christ Names, Christ Roles, Second Coming, End of the World, Evidently, almost a year after Martin Harris had earnestly requested—and been accepted—as one of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon, he came again to Joseph Smith “ …seeking further assurance in relation to his standing before the Lord, being sorely troubled in spirit because of his transgression. Perhaps out of this [ his participation as one of the three witnesses and/or a not publically known transgression ] came much serious reflection and he sought further light. However, there is no indication in the History of the Church as to the reason why the revelation was given….It is without question a revelation of great comfort to Martin, and it is one of the great revelations given in this dispensation; there are few of greater import than this. The doctrine of the atonement of the Lord, as directly applying to the individual, and his exposition of ‘Eternal Punishment’, as here se...

April 21, 2017 Section 18:22-47 Plan of Salvation Simplicity, Desires Importance Of, Missionary Instructions, Testimony Our Part in Gaining, Priorities, Scriptures Power Of, I always feel like there is so much to be done in my church callings and in my efforts to listen and to respond to the Holy Ghost. But when I read the scriptures, it all seems so much simpler. V 22 seems to allow us lots of latitude as we work to return to Heavenly Father: “And as many as repent and are baptized in my name, which is Jesus Christ, and endure to the end, the same shall be saved.” It IS simple. But it IS busy, for there is much to be done here on the earth. The best thing about it is that when I’m trying my best and trying to hear and follow promptings—that’s when I really am the happiest and most serene. I just need to remember to take a deep, spiritual breath, and let the Lord help me in determining priorities. People are important. Relationships are important. And love is the most importa...