Come Follow Me - Official Declarations 1 & 2: "Long Promised Day" (polygamy, race & the priesthood)

An in-depth study of Official Declarations 1 & 2, the Manifesto of Wilford Woodruff ending the practice of plural marriage, and the revelation of Spencer W. Kimball extending the priesthood to all worthy males, regardless of race. This lesson focuses on plural marriage, prophetic guidance, independent testimony, non-negotiables, dealing with change, racial issues in LDS history, and more. Join Jared Halverson for your weekly Come Follow Me study of the Doctrine and Covenants!
0:00 Welcome!
1:46 Background on Official Declaration #1
30:37 Study of Official Declaration #1
46:54 Excerpts of 3 addresses by Wilford Woodruff
1:23:59 Navigating Change
1:31:05 Background on Official Declaration #2
2:18:48 Study of Official Declaration #2
"Unshaken Saints" podcast links:
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On Google Podcasts: podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
"Unshaken Saints" Facebook page:
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Disclaimer: The content of these videos is the sole responsibility of their creator and does not reflect the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the Church Educational System. Images used herein are intended for educational purposes alone and remain the intellectual property of their creators.

[@Kellysboyle]

Thanks Brother Halverson. I hope you are enjoying your time off. We are all missing you and your wonderful lessons.

[@ClintK.]

Thanks for all your work. I'm so grateful for your wife and kids allowing you to do this! Thank you for sacrificing the time of your husband and father so that we might be blessed with his weekly messages! His gift is well received on our end. My wife and I consider these videos a staple in our studies! Looking forward to going through the Old Testament next year with you.

[@lalonghurst]

My husband I love listening to you and have missed you this past week, is everything okay? We hope you and your family are well and you have just been busy with other important things.

[@doncheney4647]

Brother Halverson - are you OK? I pray all is well with you and your family.

[@christyromero6175]

I am deeply grateful for you and your sacrificing of precious time to teach and lift me and thousands of others. I cried and sobbed for joy when I heard the news in 1978. But today you taught me a value of having to wait, study, and struggle for revelation. God, Himself, values All men and women the same. So we should also! I listen to you every week and look forward to learning new insights, understandings, and inspiration for my life. I thank God nightly for you and the other Come Follow Me presenters and your families for the light and Spirit you add to my heart and home .

[@renaegibbons4976]

We miss you. I hope everything is okay with you and your family! Merry Christmas

[@janjones4550]

I remember the day when the Official Declaration allowing all worthy males to hold the priesthood was announced in our Stake Conference. It was June of 1978. I was 16 years old. My dad was career AF and we were living in Sumter, SC at the time. He was stationed at the Air Base there. That was our 3rd tour of duty in that location. I had just been baptized Christmas Eve of 1977. Looking back, I realize how young and ignorant I was. I remember the Declaration being read from the pulpit and the sustaining vote being called for. I didn't really know what was going on and what the limitation had previously been and how it affected people but I remember thinking that a prejudice was being rejected and union and inclusion was being called for and it felt right. It felt so right that I jumped up from my chair in the back of the Stake Center yelling Yaaaay at the top of my lungs, with a fist pump in the air. Then, when 20 or 30 pair of eyes turned to look at me, I saw the expressions on their faces and I sheepishly sat back down. Then I heard mumbling and grumbling and distinctly heard a negative remark from one brother about the policy change. I didn't know the back story but I remember the feeling of joy I felt at the change. Regardless of the negative attitudes I felt from members around me I could feel that the change was right. Growing up in a military family we moved every 3 years like clock work. Prejudice and bias were never part of our experience. Exposure to other cultures and ethnicities was an everyday occurrence so it never occurred to me that other people would have issues. But I was young and ignorant and new in the church. I’m glad that is history and is not a part of us now for it would be a loss to us without the strength from our diversity and expansion of perspective from our various experiences and cultures. Well taught, Brother Halverson!!!

[@MusicBlik]

Thank you for your boots-on-the-ground view of that moment.

[@qtpie9645]

Jan Jones: I loved your enthusiasm at the news of the change. I feel it's how all change should be received. It needs to be recognized that it is Heavenly Father's timing and direction which leads the Church. Thanks for sharing! It was great!

[@scazsong]

Your story is awesome! Where was your family stationed at that time? Thx for sharing your reaction. I did the same thing at work, as it came over the radio. Still makes me cry. How blessed are we to be taught by this great servant?

[@janjones4550]

@@scazsong My dad was stationed at Sumter, SC at the time. That was his third assignment there.

[@monty-365]

Woooooah I listened to your lesson in one sitting, standing, squatting climbing…you get the point🥰So much info, really helps me ponder…is it the will of men or God. I’m so grateful for our Prophet and just as grateful for individual revelation. I love you Brother Halverson, you teach in such why that helps me to feel the spirit and giggle at your antidotal comments, expressions and hand movements. I’ve raised my children to love everyone…when they were youngsters and wanted to talk to me about theirs friends or nemesis, they were NOT allowed to use any skin color descriptions of any kind. They had to tell me anything else about them, their personality, their height whether they were funny or mean to them…NOTHING about skin color better come from their mouths…if it did, I stopped them and said “try it again”. We are ALL God’s kind folk and people in general need to choose to NOT be Stupid about that simple fact.

[@terristillwaugh3063]

I wonder why it is wrong to see the color of someone's skin? How is that bad? It is the way God made us and is a descriptor. We are all different, whether....eye color, skin color, height, hair color, etc. I am confused why it is wrong? Not being disrespectful or contentious, I truly am wondering?

[@tarp11z]

I could be wrong, but that seems confusing for a child, or an adult. When I joined the military, I got to know various races of people. I was never afraid to discuss their race or mine with them or with others. I'm sure they felt the same about me. We were able to grow and bond because we felt comfortable sharing aspects of our own experience relative to our own culture and race...and how each were different and similar. Sure there were moments of discomfort, but we grew. I grew. I came to realize that there are more differences between classes than race in America. Race difference is a fact. It is not dirty or shameful to acknowledge its existence. I believe to do otherwise is to give the idea shame where there is no shame.

[@ljj2189]

Thank you so much for broaching difficult subjects with great finnesse. I have enjoyed every moment of every lesson and this one is just as brilliant. This has been a journey of note for me this year. I have never been so immersed in the Doctrine and Covenants. What a blessing to have these divine scriptures. And what a blessing it was to find your lessons and to have you as my weekly teacher. How grateful I am that a friend recommended your lessons to me a few months back. Again, thank you to you and your family. May you all continue to be blessed.

[@louiselaws7909]

I listen to your videos while laying in bed, your beautiful wisdom ignites a light inside me which strengthens my testimony of the saviour. Thank you. 😊 🥰

[@caileyleu5555]

Thank you for your time, effort & knowledge. I've LOVED studying with you this year.

[@amyjo4367]

Thanks brother Halverson. You've done it again! Beautifully spiritual, factually researched, & poignantly told. However you manage it, we love how your sweet spirit is manifested in conjunction with the Holy Ghost as you give another lesson on "hard things". How Grateful I am for a God who makes your lessons, & the Gospel of Jesus Christ as available as the air we breathe. ...Speaking of air...I still think the Lord has blessed you with more than a "stretchy snorkel". ...In fact, I think the Lord has quietly gifted you with gills. Thanks for stretching your lung capacity under great strain & sacrifice to help my heart, mind & soul expand in every direction of the expanse of Heaven & History. All my love, Amy

[@patriceproulx8950]

I feel guilty for receiving all that knowledge so freely knowing that you have spend a life time of studying and sacrifice. Thank you so very much for your testimony and the love of the gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ, at the end of all that it is really what matters the most. Jared you and your family may God bless you and have a beautiful Christmas.

[@MikolDawn]

Yes. I feel exactly that way too. Thank you for being so generous with us. I would happily pay for these. You must need to support your family. We all do.

[@SamuelDLee]

He is doing the Lords work. Payment for him is beyond anything that can be given in the mortal realm. He works as a teacher in the professional world and that’s what he uses to support his family.

[@SamuelDLee]

@Patrice Proulx Don’t feel guilty... If you feel the need to repay him, then use the knowledge received, to spread Light to the world around you.

[@qtpie9645]

I felt the same, initially, until I was informed that people make money on KZbin depending on the number of views and subscribers. He's doing just fine. Help spread the word about his channel. That's what I've been doing: telling everyone what a FANTASTIC teacher he is.

[@alicewongham3541]

I wonder if Patrice is maybe feeling guilty more about receiving all this wonderful insight and knowledge without the immense spiritual homework that brother Halverson has obviously done than it being free monetarily. Thank you so much, Brother Halverson, for helping me understand my scriptures better and deeper. I, like many of your listeners, are very grateful that you are so generous in sharing your spiritual gifts with all of us!

[@lucasplays4276]

I love your podcast. You’re the best, thanks so much for all the effort that you put into this project. I appreciate it so much, and I find myself really looking forward your uploads. My kids and I listen to you every morning and afternoon, on the way to and from school.

[@amandadangerfieldpiano]

Great idea!

[@lucasplays4276]

@@amandadangerfieldpiano it has made all the difference!! My kids are 5th and 6th grade and they both have said, they love listening to Brother Halverson in the car.

[@lesley4215]

Amen brother. I remember that revelation and the joy that came with it. Where I live I am surrounded by my African-American brothers and sisters and we all are one!

[@rogerellingson5213]

In this season of giving gifts,all who are faithful followers of your broadcasts,are so very thankful for your gift,which keeps on giving knowledge for the growth of our testimonies.Thank-you.

[@dalefranquemont6737]

Lord of the Rings? When do you find time? You are amazing! I love that you speak to the current issues we face and where to find Christ in our answers. “May we be one so that we can be His”. Amen! Thank you.

[@anephraimite]

Will there be another video this year? The family proclamation? I get so much from these videos. They're very powerful and informative.

[@thembagwebu4895]

Hello brother Halverson, my name is Themba (hope) Gwebu from South Africa. I thank God for you and the unshaken classes that you provide. I feel blessed to have received these wonderful in debth teachings or lessons you have been giving. My life has never been blessed as it has this year. I have read and completed book of Mormon inclusive of Doctrine and covenants but must truly say only this year I feel most of the gaps I had of understanding were filled this year. I thank and love you and pray for you always for your continuation in blessing our spiritual learnings and growth. Please have a merry Christmas and happy new year with your family.

[@carolnewey6452]

Thank you so much for this episode. I appreciate your explanation of the background for Declaration 2. And more than anything else I really love your testimony.

[@suelaing2051]

Jared, you have enriched us through out these last two years we have been watching daily--spreading the lessons throughout the weeks. We are very grateful and pray that you and yours are doing ok and will have a Merry Christmas. We have missed you these last two weeks!

[@aliciamilne2314]

I love your thoughts on exception versus the rule and personal revelation! Thank you !

[@thewildefavorites]

Thank you for addressing the "exception to the rule". I am so grateful that we each have doctrinal guidance concerning the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'm also grateful for personal revelation. When we decided to stop having children after our 4th due to medical and health reasons, I was devistated where my pregnancies and deliveries were normal and so many others could not have kids. However, 10 years later when I was more stable, we were blessed with the clear revelation of another sweet young man to be a part of our family. He truly has been a blessing as we have felt that there have been so many blessings that have been a result of this situation, even though there were extreme doubts on our part.

[@beverlydickson568]

Thank you for opening my mind and heart through a fabulous year of study and enlightenment!

[@misschelle55]

As the descendant of a faithful man who was imprisoned in the Yuma territorial prison for practicing polygamy, and a proud descendant of patriots who fought and died for this country and the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, I have found this lesson both difficult and cathartic. Thank you for teaching the hard things.

[@kristinearchibald6264]

I’m over the moon at your explicit descriptions and insight into these declaration!

[@pennylutz2912]

I hope you and your family are well. I love your podcast and I listen every week. I really missed hearing your Family Proclamation thoughts. Merry Christmas!

[@marjoriemeads3954]

Are you going to do release a study of The Family - A Proclamation to the World?

[@deanneroberts6853]

I hope you realize what a great gift you have. To be able to face a group with a long list of topics from which they can choose, and then to be able to talk to them, off the cuff, for two hours or longer, is an amazing “gift of spiritual gab”. I know it comes from years of study and preparation on your part, but it’s still a great gift which blesses us all. Thank you. Deanne Roberts

[@janjones4550]

Well said, Deanne!!! I whole heartedly agree!!!

[@siumanspringer2014]

Thank you so much for your time and lectures all year! Love every one of it and have learned so much. You are our blessing to share your knowledge and testimony! I’m so grateful for the continuing revelations from our Merciful and Loving God. Merry Christmas Jehovah shalom!

[@laurenraeder5424]

I keep hoping to see a Family Proclaimation video. You've given us so much of your time, it seems selfish to expect more (but I do really want more :). Thank you so much for what you've given. I hope you'll be around to help me through Isaiah next year. I hope all is well and that you have a Merry Christmas!

[@harmonywoodrome9911]

Thank you very much for your times and efforts to prepare and sharing your knowledge with us. God blesses you and your family 😍👏

[@amandadangerfieldpiano]

I love listening to you (typically on Spotify)! I just want to respond to what you said around 52:00. I don't think having the same question and asking the same source (praying) always gives us the same answer. I know people who received personal revelation NOT to get the new shot and people who received personal revelation TO get it.

[@claudiamccready7745]

Brother Halverson, just wanted to thank you for all the time you have spent on this channel. I live in Montana in a rural area. Our wards and branches are small. Everywhere I travel in my calling I hear how thankful people are for your and other video instructions that have come about because of covid. I have never enjoyed the scriptures so much. I am so excited to be able to share this channel with my bible-believing friends this coming year. You're going to be a missionary all over again, just this time to many at once. I have seen the work accelerate so much this past year, as the young people have had to drag us old people into the world of zoon. Everything is going so much faster and more efficiently. For the first time in my life I am looking forward to studying the old testament and the doctrine and covenants made so much more sense. Thanks again. Claudia McCready, ronan mt stake

[@bailealittle1862]

Thank you for clarifying the rule and the exception for members!!!

[@maryfranjeppesen8932]

Every day is a beautiful experience! I have learned so much that has increased my testimony of these wonderful past leaders!! So wonderful how Pres. Woodruff presented it to the saints! Such a learning experience for me!!

[@carolynbosil1344]

Thank you for a glorious year studying and learning from the D & C. Merry Christmas to you and that lovely family. As The Savior is the focus of our lives, blessings flow forever. 💕🎄

[@novawarren5074]

I watch and rewatch the video and others Thank you for making each one, I learn so much from you ❤️

[@timeparame9934]

Merry Christmas to you and your family. ❄️☃️🎄

[@kathrynquinn6889]

Has anyone found Brother Halvorson on the Family a Proclamation?

[@angelaowen6145]

I've been searching and wondering too! I wonder if You tube blocked it.

[@VulcanCreek]

My testimony has been strengthened from listening to this. Thank you for sharing your years of research and learning. Grateful.

[@MichaelDouglasSkewes]

Abraham Lincoln's mothers last name was Hanks ,and she was the cousin of Ebenezer Hanks ,and Ephraim Hanks. So President Lincoln checked out the Book of Mormon from the Library of Congress several times and read it,so he could understand the Church and what his Mothers cousins believed! Hanksville Utah was founded by my 3x get grandfather Ebenezer Hanks. FYI.

[@RolandAAvila]

THANK YOU MY BROTHER FOR YOUR INSIGHTS, THEY HAVE HELPED INMENSELY

[@paulagraves6517]

Thank you for this. So we’ll explained. I remember when it was announced and I too was very happy. I was so grateful for the teachings of the spirit for I was raised by a father that disagreed with president Kimball but I knew and was raised by the spirit not so much my father.

[@loisparrish2146]

1:52. Discussion of restrictions to attend the temple: As I was growing up, women married to non-members were not allowed to receive temple blessings. This changed also after Declaration 2, possibly in the 1980s.

[@judybowthorpe2027]

Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Will you do a podcast on "The Family - A Proclamation to the World? Thank you, again.

[@siumanspringer2014]

This is an awesome lecture! Love ❤️ it! It arouses us to look within and stays connected with God. I am very grateful for the continuing revelations. If we live worthy, we will have revelations from God. Jehovah shalom! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[@EdelweissM_TheJourney]

Thank you so much for reinforcing my knowledge of these deep principles of the gospel; for strengthening my testimony! You've been a blessing to us!

[@annsharp2570]

Thank you once again for this beautiful lesson.I remember exactly where I. Was when this Revelation came out. I jumped and cried I was so happy to hear that news.You gave us more of an understanding and I am so very grateful to you. I wish you and your family a very Happy and wonderful Christmas and an New Year with many blessings from above. Thank you again. Love for all of you.

[@lloydbytheway2997]

What timely and valuable information! Thank you, Brother Halverson.

[@susannakemp8078]

I love your lessons so much! In thinking about the priesthood, it is interesting to see that the priesthood ordinances performed outside the temple are performed only by men. But the highest ordinances of the melchizedek priesthood, those in the temple, are performed by both women and men working together. Interesting!

[@marcelavillarruel8576]

Wonderful said brother lm was lifting in every lesson.Notice my unknown but continues to pray and act upon even with my faith in the size of a mustard seed…..

[@veronicaflores7398]

I miss listening to you lately. Is everything ok?

[@ramonahudson5710]

Are you finished? What about last two lessons? Hope you and yours are okay. Sending prayers.

[@rogerrobin2774]

Re. Declaration 2, I would add one more “p”: Prejudice becomes Policy, Policy becomes Practice . . . “

[@spiritworthyamericasdaught1734]

I loved this lesson, I learned some truth, thank!

[@janh1399]

Your knowledge and testimony are very inspiring. Thank YOU, and your family, for all done/sacrificed to share with us, the benefits are wonderful. I remember a few days before the announcement on the blacks and priesthood, getting a call from my dear friend Sue, married to a wonderful black man: she told me she felt that the blacks would get the priesthood very soon......and they did.....I was so happy for them. (they had joined the church the year before).

[@elkehoelzle7195]

Thank you. I've been able to watch the videos in their interely. Brother Halverson, I would love to send you one or two book, since you study interfaith. It's about revelations and some light on how it happens.

[@richardpineda1364]

Thank you for sharing this I learned a lot and spirit I felt during this lesson you did great job covering this lesson and Articles of Faith.

[@trower64]

If you haven't already written a book, you should. You have so much to share with the world.

[@bodilbailey6007]

Appreciate all your work and effort. I have learned so much from you. Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@penelopetrujillo6695]

Dear Brother Halverson, I wish I could fully express how I feel. I am forever grateful for the day I discovered your channel; you came into my life at the right time. Thank you so much for being part of my conversion to the scriptures. Studying with you for almost two years has been a great blessing in my life. Thank you for helping me understand the Doctrine and Covenants. I am sad that today was my last day in the Doctrine of Covenants. Thank you for your knowledge with the Official Declaration 2. You have been such a tender mercy. I look forward to January. Thank you😊

[@elizabethwhipple314]

I have enjoyed our time together this year. Your depth of knowledge the scriptures and other Gospel topics is amazing. You lessons have warmed my heart and increased my understanding exponentially. I can't thank enough. Your explanation of the declarations were impressive (as usual!). I especially the one of Declaration Two. Your conversation with your Caribbean friend was terrific. Also, your explanation of why the "Blacks" taught me something I didn't know. It wasn't just the color if the skin! That there ancestry had to trace back to Africa surprised me. I am really looking forward to spending time with you next year. I truly appreciate your time and effort spent on my behalf.💖

[@LynetteBRobinson]

I don’t comment each week but I do watch, share and listen, often more than once. I feel so privileged to learn at the feet off so many who have made their life about sharing the many facets of the restored gospel. Brother Halvorsen, thank you for your testimony and your willingness to offer inspiration and explanation. I’ve never studied so in depth as I have this time through the standard works. I’m excited to experience the Old Testament through your eyes. Good bless you and your family!

[@karinabloom135]

Don't be surprised, our govern will try this once more on its nations now

[@madisonstayner4160]

Best way to start the day! Thank you!!

[@elkehoelzle7195]

Dear Brother Halverson, I just finished listening to your closing. Because I am new to the church, I was intrigued by the empty lot in Independence. I understand now. You Americans (like many other countries) are so far away from what Zion would be regarding race. Long journey ahead of you.

[@laraejackson4115]

Thank you for your wisdom and insight on these hard subjects! Your lessons are my favorite! I wait anxiously every week for them to pop up! ❤️💚❤️

[@marilynpitcher9859]

Polygamy was not allowed in Canada. My Gr Grandfather brought those saints up to Canada and my Gr Grandmother and another wife were left in Utah because the government allowed the saints to settle BUT only with one wife! My mother inherited his journals which she donated to the church . You can read it all there. Love your teachings. Thank you so much for helping this old lady love the gospel even more.

[@beatewright6832]

Thank you, Brother Halverson. I listen to every episode since last year! I am very interested in all the essays and stories around racism and the wonderful change that finally took place for our lovely brothers and sisters! Please let me know where I can find it all! Thank you!

[@ramonahudson5710]

Fabulous! Marvelous! Divine! Thank you. I was at BYU in the early 70's when there were faithful members of African descent who were active in Church and waiting patiently. One, said, "Thee, Not I Lord." I am grateful that I got to witness that kind of faith.

[@margaretpachner4756]

I remember the great joy I felt when I heard of the declaration by President Kimball; and again I felt the Spirit in abundance and the great joy again as you talked about it tonight. I can't help but believe that Heavenly Father, knowing and loving His African children perfectly, prepared this trial and gift specifically for them. I feel like the early saints in Africa have become exponentially stronger for their faith in their time of patience. I love the gospel and the Lord's church so much as I love my Savior. He gives us all what we need to grow and to be so blessed. Peace and goodwill to all.

[@stuartpeterson4741]

The history of Christianity includes the sometimes long and painful experience of trying to catch up to Jesus .. and the same can be said of the Church and catching up to Jesus' first prophet of this dispensation, Joseph Smith. 02:37:03

[@ClintK.]

Very well stated at 1:00:50 concerning the Prophet and revelation and our process we need to copy to recieve revelation!

[@markdykstra7391]

Two comments: 1. One possible reason for timing of OD1 was that perhaps a future prophet was to be born from polygamy family. 2. Is there any old handbooks before June 1978 where the policy of denial of priesthood/ temple work for African American is stated?

[@robertlewis7208]

He that's without sin cast to first stone we all would do well to follow this instead of making each other an offender for a word or seeing the moat in my brothers eye

[@heimdallallfather7452]

Absolutely correct about no fault divorce and the damages done to the family. Consider this… a marriage covenant/contract is a form of commons or property held in common because it effects mor than just the two individuals entering into that agreement. In reality it involves the two family trees that are joining together and those living as well as those who will be born out of that union (genetics). Aside from the two family trees, it also effects the community as well, divorce imposes calculable costs and damages on a community.

[@isabellyshelly8276]

My motto is much like James Bond's, I'm not shaken but stirred. 🤪

[@heimdallallfather7452]

Joseph didn’t use the seer stone to translate the BOM he used the Urim & thummim to do the translation. He definitely had a seer stone and used it I’m sure but not for the translation work.

[@MichaelDouglasSkewes]

Keep referring to otherrs as African-American, does not help people move on either! I'm just amazed that we don't just drop that. I'm not Enlgish American ,or Euopean American ,I am part Cherokee, no native or first. Natons people never refer to themselves or others as American Indian. . Just a thought . I think we should call everyone brother and sister.

[@shannonmaeswartz5316]

The photo at 26:06 is on Tim Burton’s Pinterest board.

[@marthamorris1944]

🤩 😮 wow

[@loveall1992]

Thanks for your thoughts! These are challenging issues that would seemingly be less challenging in a church that has living prophets and modern revelation. The church clearly continued plural marriage in the US after manifesto, including general authorities who married additional wives (you mentioned one of them - BH Roberts). Many of our own parents and grandparents remain incredibly racist even today, so perhaps the church may not have survived well if African descendants held priesthood early in 20th century. Perhaps leaders took Abe's approach in saving the union versus following the Lord's directive? Like I said, challenging issues.

[@vivianakendall4161]

Prácticas inicuas ….. Jacob 1:15/ Jacob 2:22-35/ Eter 10:5? Especialmente Jacob 2:24? Versus mandamiento de Dios DC 132:37- 40/ 132:52, 54. “Los llantos de mis hijas llegan hasta mi”versus “Si Emma no obedece será destruida?” Otra vez destruida? Cuando leo esto, no parece ser el mismo Dios amoroso del Libro de Mormón. Por que tanta contradicciones? Por favor le ruego que me conteste, es muy importante para mi.

[@mrsblackirish7]

Sometimes I hear that phrase that says Jesus die for our sins but AF says we are going to be punished for our own sin.

[@littleboat77]

My friend, both are true. We are responsible for our own sins (and not for something that Adam or Eve did), and can choose whether or not to allow Christ to take those sins from us through repentance. Responsibility for our own actions doesn't take away the beautiful opportunity that Christ has offered for us to give up the eternal consequences (even when we have earthly consequences) for our actions. ❤

[@brettthompson077]

So beautifully taught. I think my only challenge with this line of thinking (at point 2:10:10) is that when a policy or something that is probably perceived to be a policy is so monumentally destructive to such a large group of individuals, every effort and I mean every effort for as long as it takes should be done to find out the true nature. It appears that there was a lot of waffling going on for many years with leaders of the church saying, "is it policy and others saying is it revelation?" I feel like Hugh B Brown falls into this category. So, if someone at this level of the church, receiving the promptings of the Holy Ghost as sincerely as he did had questions, why was this not challenged to the nth degree by the presidents of the church? Perhaps it was. We just will never know.

[@nathanhendricks5947]

I also served in the Caribbean!! I loved it! Where did you serve? I served on St. Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, and St. Martin

[@melissahall5610]

About the mask mandate, what is hard is when you have a medical mask exemption and it is not honored. My son was forced out of the public school system last year. I cannot go to the library. But the worst is that my son and I have been excluded from going to the temple because of this. That hurts. I will miss my daughter's first time at the temple next month. Exceptions for divorce and abortion are honored but not masks. Not wearing a mask is no where near sinful. It is just all wrong. I have prayed a lot about this. I have received the answer that I don't need to struggle through the panic attacks masks cause me to follow the commandment to do temple work. I can serve in other ways, but it still hurts

[@Skarecrow1949]

In the Bountiful Temple, for example, your medical excuse will be an exception you will be allowed to enter without a mask. I pray and hope that your temple will also make this exception for you. Please check with them and if they don’t make you an exception, please advise them that the Bountiful temple presidency does allow you in with a medical exception.

[@walterzagieboylo6802]

Thank you so much, and I have some observations! 2::14:53 and earlier, in the discussion of blacks and the Priesthood, it is common to assert that the differences between races are only skin deep, but that is obviously not accurate. The cultural, historical, and ancestral elements are really the important parts. This does not imply superiority, but each ancestral family has different experiences and struggles. And this brings us to curses by God. You danced lightly around this topic, and possibly you might have been more enlightening. First, a so-called curse from God is actually a different type of blessing. Usually it is a statement of fact meant to prepare you and help your healing. For example, oh you put your hand on that hot stove, that will hurt and you’ll need to treat it. Satan reacts to this by getting angry and complaining of unfairness - why should my hand hurt while his doesn’t! One otherwise inexplicable example is the cursing of Ham’s posterity. The curse was actually - well you’ve lost your ability to bring up a righteous posterity, so they will not be able to receive the Priesthood for a while. It is informative not condemning. As for the actual descendants of Ham, we can’t know, but God does and He can tell us what to do. Also, the black people in America had become subject to slavery. It is possible, especially with Southern slave owners around, that they would not have had the confidence necessary to receive the Priesthood. As it happened, and you beautifully noted, the late great Dr. Martin Luther King and others stood up against unrighteous and earned the confidence for the oppressed to become able to exercise Priesthood power. Undoubtedly, some could have done it earlier, but possibly it was wisdom to withhold the privilege from all for a season. A similar change also needed to happen in the white population. Naturally, this curse does not imply any permanent second class status. We are all under curses of various types. They are for us to grow and advance. Often those that receive blessings become arrogant and unworthy and the cursed become the blessed and the blessed become cursed. I hope this is a positive contribution to your growing legacy.

[@Pokeplayer406]

I think a qualifier for personal revelation is that we wouldn't get revelation against the commandments or against the doctrine. The hard thing is when it comes to our LGBT community and how they might feel the receive revelation to practice behavior against the doctrine and against the family proclamation. I dont see an exception in this rule. Would love to hear your perspective.

[@robertlewis7208]

Seems to me that if I'm trying to be like Heavenly Father than I have to be like Heavenly Father he does how he does because he wouldn't do it any other way I need to have that kind of heart not trying to find the best way to do that Seems to be what the Lord is teaching here Maybe ?

[@amberpeterman7207]

Hello I hope you get this or someone can answer this for me. Sometime this year Brother Halverson said, that at some point we would see Satan and say "THIS IS WHO GAVE US ALL THE TROUBLE?!" I have been searching for hours now and must ask if anyone knows or remembers this phrase or where this reference is? For some reason I am unable to let it rest because my son was doing at home MTC at the time and he has reached out and asked me where it was also .... so I know I didn't dream it. It could have been in the months Sept or October. Thank you :)

[@m1k3h14]

This comes originally from a type of taunt song of sorts from Isaiah 14. It is quoted by Nephi in II Nephi 24. The verse you are specifically looking for is v. 16, "They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and shall consider them and shall say: Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake the kingdoms?" Take a look at the whole chapter, it's pretty good.

[@amberpeterman7207]

@@m1k3h14 Thank you so much! Happy Christmas

[@vickirogan9256]

This is off topic but I don't know how to get an answer. I'm wondering what the coal placed to Isaiah's lips signiifies.

[@karinabloom135]

If a woman can choose to abort a baby, then we have the right to choose to be apart of this study or not

[@kimgroscost7839]

I hope that male investigators r also asked if they have participated in circumstances that lead to a woman aborting. In the spirit of equality and inclusivity ( your words in including Black's in the priesthood with which I agree) shared behavior that produced a pregnancy requires shared accountability. Historically, only the woman has born the brunt of societal and religious condemnation. Obviously that is not God's intent. My friend had to face having an unwed pregnancy or lose her job as an educator since her district had a morals clause. Tho the man (father) was single, he refused to wed. She was already a single mom supporting a child. As a matter of last resort, she finally aborted. She has repented but still bears remorse and guilt. I wonder if the father wastes a single thought on it. At the Temple open house a few years ago the single females aged 8-30 got to have special Sunday tours through the brides room of the temple with emphasis on the goal of celestial sealing. As far as I know, I could b wrong, the single males did not have a parallel opportunity. We need to stop being separatists and move to no division because eternal family is a joint venture requiring both parties to plan, sacrifice, and treasure Family. Tk u.

[@nadinek5638]

On the mask mandate, consider why surgeons wear masks while performing surgeries? Where's a reason.

[@MicheleBurstein]

Those who are attempting to create contention need reminding that contention comes from only one source - Satan. There are too many scriptural references to this fact to cite. Check Topical Guide Pgs. 74-74 Contention. I will specify only one: 3 Nephi 11, 29. “...he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.”

[@copisetic1104]

Constantine was just a cog in the wheel of the universal apostasy and removal of many doctrines of the original prophets and apostles. The world is still lost and continue teaching the precepts of men mixed with a little of Christs doctrine.

[@tylerburns1364]

[@jodavedavies6815]

I know you’re busy with your life and back to person to person institute. How much you got into AoF and OD and the detailed lesson plan you did on these videos. Thank you again and have a great Christmas