President Russell M. Nelson told women in his message to them in the women’s conference of October 2019, that women can and should learn to access the power of God in their lives. He suggested reading three sections of the D&C to help us get started: 25, 84, and 107. He also suggested that we let the Holy Ghost be our personal tutor. This is important because we are each on different levels of learning. The Lord teaches line upon line, precept on precept. Scriptures are like onions – layers upon layers. As we study and learn, we peel away a new layer and our understanding increases.
Just as a small child needs some instructions in learning to clean their room, we may need some guides to get us started on this exciting journey. First, we should always pray for understanding before starting to read scriptures, then the Holy Ghost can really direct us. Next, I like to read the scripture, then look at the footnotes to see what I can learn from them. The footnotes are wonderful resources for additional knowledge on each scripture. Like in verse 7, the word ‘ordained’ has a tiny ‘a’ by it. Look in the footnotes at 7a and it gives the definition for that word as ‘set apart’. Sometimes there is a single scripture listed to read for how that word is used elsewhere in the scriptures like in 1a. Or there may be a TG listed by the word letting you go to the Topical Guide (found at the end of the Bible) for many scriptures that use that word. Let the Holy Ghost guide your selection of additional scripture verses to read for enlightenment about each word. Sometimes there is a BD in the footnote. This refers to the Bible Dictionary found after the TG. In the LDS scriptures the BD definitions are written from the LDS point of view. All Bibles have a Bible Dictionary written more from an historical point of view. All can be enlightening. Section 84 has a BD for 14b ‘Melchizedek’.
Another resource that I like to use is the 1838 dictionary found online. This is the dictionary that was in use at the time Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and shows the definitions in use at that time. Another resource I use is ‘gospeldoctrine.com‘. This app has additional understanding for most scriptures along with the historical context for the receiving of that section. Quotes by Apostles and other brethren are often shared, giving additional insights for that verse. I also like to “liken” the scripture to my life.
So lets look at a few verses in section 25 to get you started, realizing that there is always more to learn. Let the Holy Ghost guide you on your exhilarating discovery.
Section 25 was given in July of 1830. The Book of Mormon has been published. The Church was organized in April of 1830 and Emma was baptized in June of 1830. This section is given to Emma Smith, the wife of Joseph Smith.
Verse 1: HEARKEN in the 1838 dictionary has several meanings; the first being to listen and the second being to obey. I like to combine them to one definition of ‘listen and obey’.
RECEIVE: The 1838 dictionary lists 18 definitions; to accept, to embrace, to welcome, to be endowed with, to believe in, are the ones I considered.
GOSPEL: a good definition is found in 3 Nephi 27: 13-16. It includes (1) accept Jesus Christ who came to do the will of the Father and be lifted up on the cross to draw all men to Him so men could be lifted up by Heavenly Father to be judged (2) Repent (3) Be baptized (4) Be filled with the Holy Ghost (5) Endure to the end.
ARE SONS AND DAUGHTERS IN MY KINGDOM: see the footnote scripture John 1:12 lets us know that receiving Christ and believing in him gives us power to become his sons (and daughters). I believe that happens with baptism as we take upon us his name and become part of his family.
Verse 3: ELECT: In gospeldoctrine.com there is a quote where Joseph Smith said, when he organized the women in the Relief Society organization, that “elect meant to be elected to a certain work and that was fulfilled when Emma was called to be the president of the Relief Society”. President Hinckley said it meant to be a chosen vessel of the Lord, which can refer to all women.
Verse 6: When it talks about her being a ‘scribe’ to Joseph, it must be refering to the translation of the Bible, since the Book of Mormon is already published.
There is so much more to learn is each verse. I hope this helps you get started. Enjoy being tutored by the Holy Ghost as you embark on this exciting and exhilarating adventure of a lifetime.
Written by Lucia Pabst
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