The Standard Works
Study Guide
Lesson 1
Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History
Lesson 1
Reading assignment: Explanatory Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants; Doctrine and Covenants
D&C 1
; introduction to Our Heritage.
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• How is the Doctrine and Covenants different from other books of scripture? (See the third paragraph in the Explanatory Introduction.)___
On 1 November 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith presided at a special conference of elders, held in Hiram, Ohio. Those in attendance decided to compile some of the revelations the Prophet had received and publish them in a book called the Book of Commandments. Following the first session of this conference, the Lord signified His approval for the publication by giving Joseph Smith a revelation that He called “my preface unto the book of my commandments” (D&C 1:6). This revelation is now section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants.___
• What warnings does the Lord issue in D&C 1? (See verses D&C 1:7-10, D&C 1:12-16, D&C 1:31-33.)___
• What are some of the purposes of the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants? (See D&C 1:17-28.)___
This dispensation can be divided into six historical periods, each of which will be discussed in this year’s course:___
New York Period: 1820-1830___
Ohio-Missouri Period: 1831-1838___
Nauvoo Period: 1839-1846___
Pioneering the West: 1846-1898___
Expansion of the Church: 1899-1950___
The Worldwide Church: 1951-present___
Lesson 1
Scripture Chain: The Lord’s Word in the Doctrine and Covenants
D&C 1:37-39
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D&C 84:60
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D&C 18:33-36
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D&C 88:66
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