Key Questions: "When the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"
Purpose: Strengthening faith and testimonies inspired by biblical figures.
Personal Anecdote
Memorization Technique: Used physical steps as mnemonic devices for memorizing sections of Doctrine and Covenants during college days.
Doctrine and Covenants
Focus Sections: 46, 47, 48
Section 46:
Known for spiritual gifts.
Context of inquiry: Church members questioning proper conduct of meetings.
Key Message: Meetings should be open to all, guided by the Spirit, and conducted with scriptural directions.
Themes in Doctrine and Covenants 46
Spiritual Gifts: Emphasis across various scriptures (Moroni 10, 1 Corinthians 12).
Open Meetings: Initially, church meetings were closed off; corrected by revelation to welcome everyone.
Balance in Conduct: Balance between following written instructions and guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Winking God: Concept where God allows error until we ask for clarity and correctly follow His guidance.
Spiritual Gifts
Purpose: Given for the benefit of all.
Key Verses: Sections 46:9, 46:12-16, repeated emphasis on benefiting and teaching all.
Variety of Gifts: Differences of administration, diversities of operations, faith to be healed, etc.
Pairing of Gifts: Recognizing complementary spiritual gifts.
Seeking Gifts: Encouraged to earnestly seek, covet for the right reasons.
Section 47
John Whitmer: Called as church historian.
Responsibility: Maintain continuous and regular church records.
Section 48
Church Gathering: Temporary nature of Ohio as a gathering place.
Instructions: Save resources, prepare for New Jerusalem.
Conclusion
Spiritual Growth: Seek gifts earnestly to become more useful tools in God's hands.
Charity and Love: Highlighted as superior spiritual gifts, embodying Christ-like love.
Reflection
Call to Action: Encourage to pray for gifts that aid personal perfection and community enrichment.
Elder Marvin J. Ashton’s Talk: Highlights less conspicuous but vital spiritual gifts.
Final Thoughts: Continuous desire for spiritual improvement and aligning with God’s purpose.
Overall Message: Spiritual gifts are crucial for personal and communal growth; meetings should be inclusive, guided by spirit and scripture, with charity as the ultimate goal.