The following assignments include various learning activities, such as questions, lists, essays, charts, comparisons, contrasts, and surveys. To receive credit for this lesson, you must complete the number of assignments indicated below and submit them to your institute instructor or administrator. You may submit your work either electronically or on paper, handwritten or typed.
Each lesson should take approximately 60–90 minutes to complete, the same amount of time you would typically spend in a weekly institute class. Since reading the scripture block listed in the lesson heading is expected of all institute students prior to class, the estimated time for each assignment does not include the time you need to spend reading the scripture block.
Complete assignments 3 and 5 and any two of the remaining assignments:
1. Doctrine and Covenants 113. The Stem of Jesse
Study Doctrine and Covenants 113:1–10 and the institute student manual commentary “D&C 113:3–6: Who Are the ‘Rod’ and the ‘Root’ Spoken of by Isaiah?” (pages 283–84). Then write one possible interpretation for each of the following symbols or phrases:
- Stem of Jesse
- Root of Jesse
- Put on thy strength
- Zion loosing herself from the bands of her neck
Explain in writing how understanding the meaning of the symbols used by the prophet Isaiah can strengthen your testimony of the Restoration.
2. Doctrine and Covenants 114. Preparing for a Mission
Read Doctrine and Covenants 114:1–2. Also read the student manual “Historical Background” (page 284) as well as the commentary “D&C 114:2: Several Deny the Work of the Lord” (page 285). Then write answers to the following questions:
- The Lord in His omniscience prepares His servants for their futures. Study the dates when section 114 was received, when David W. Patten’s future mission would commence, and when he was killed. Why was the Lord’s counsel to “settle up all his business” and “make a disposition of his merchandise” critical? Write a paragraph about how David W. Patten was being prepared for his future.
- When in your life have you needed or will need to settle up your business?
- In what ways is the warning that others will be planted in your place if you deny the Lord’s name a solemn reminder to you?
- What can you do to be a part of this great work?
3. Doctrine and Covenants 115. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints
Read Doctrine and Covenants 115:1–4 and the student manual commentary “D&C 115:3–4: Official Name of the Church” (page 286). Write a few sentences to explain, in your own words, how the following terms in the Church’s name clearly identifies its purpose:
- The Church
- of Jesus Christ
- of Latter-day
Read Doctrine and Covenants 115:5–6, 17–19. Also read the student manual commentary “D&C 115:5: How Is the Church to Be a Standard to the Nations?” and “D&C 115:6: Wherein Is Safety?” (pages 286–87). Then write answers for the following questions:
- What are some ways The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members are “a standard for the nations”?
- How have you seen your stake or district serve as “a defense” and “a refuge from the storm” in today’s world?
Read Doctrine and Covenants 115:7–16 and the accompanying student manual commentary, “Why Was a Temple Never Built at Far West?” (page 287). Then write answers for the following questions:
- In addition to the size of the temple, what specific instructions did the Lord give for its construction?
- What lessons do you learn from the Lord’s declaration that He would not accept the temple unless it was built according to the instructions He gave? How could you apply these lessons to other aspects of your life?
- According to your reading, why was the temple at Far West never built?
4. Doctrine and Covenants 116. Adam-ondi-Ahman
Read Doctrine and Covenants 116:1 and the accompanying student manual commentary, “What Is the Purpose of the Council at Which Adam Will Preside?” (page 288); Also read Daniel 7:13–22. Write a few sentences to explain the significance of Adam-ondi-Ahman and the meeting that will take place there.
5. Doctrine and Covenants 117. What Is Property unto the Lord?
- How is unwillingness to give up personal property or possessions “covetousness”?
- Explain in your own words what the Lord reminded William Marks and Newel K. Whitney concerning property in verses 6–8.
- How can you apply the lessons learned by William Marks and Newel K. Whitney to yourself as you determine what your attitude toward material possessions will be in your life?
Read Doctrine and Covenants 117:10–16. Also read the student manual commentaries “D&C 117:11: What Is the Nicolaitane Band and Why Did the Lord Associate Newel K. Whitney with It?” and “D&C 117:12–15: Oliver Granger Commended” (page 290).
- What do you feel the phrase “littleness of soul” means?
- What could you learn from Oliver Granger’s example about generously serving the Lord with our abilities and talents?
6. Doctrine and Covenants 118. Revelation to the Twelve
Read Doctrine and Covenants 118:1–6. Also read the student manual commentaries “D&C 118:1: ‘Let a Conference Be Held Immediately’” and “D&C 118:4–5: Were the Twelve Able to Leave Far West on the Appointed Day?” (pages 291–92). Then write answers for the following questions:
- How did this revelation and the obedience that the Quorum of the Twelve gave to it strengthen the Church in 1838–39?
- What lessons do you learn from this revelation that can strengthen you as you strive to keep God’s commandments?
7. Doctrine and Covenants 119–120. Tithing
Read Doctrine and Covenants 119:2–5; 120:1 and the student manual commentaries “D&C 119:2–3: What Is the Purpose of the Law of Tithing?” and “D&C 120:1: How Is Tithing Administered in the Church?” (pages 293–95). Write answers to the following questions:
- What is the purpose of paying tithing?
- Who would be a good person to consult if you had questions about tithing?
- Who decides how to use tithing funds?
What blessings have you seen from obedience to the law of tithing in your life and in the lives of those you know?