During his lifetime, Joseph Smith disclosed much to help members today, said Jeffrey Marsh Jan. 25 at a Doctrine and Covenants symposium sponsored by the Church Educational System.
"The revelations that he gave are so broad and so sweeping, and yet so deep and so daring and helpful to those of us that live now," said Brother Marsh, a member of the faculty at the institute adjacent to the University of Utah.He said he would like to share some of his favorite phrases from the Doctrine and Covenants that can help Church members prepare themselves for the future.
Quoting D&C 1:30, he noted the Savior has made a great declaration that those "to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness."
Brother Marsh said that President Gordon B. Hinckley is fulfilling that prophesy. "There has never been a day when this Church is more honored, revered, and respected than it is now. Our name is well known, widely known, and known for good things."
Then quoting D&C 3:1 - "the works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught" - Brother Marsh said: "You and I have got to learn to have great faith in this work. In the future, if the scriptures are right, it may not always be such a favorable time for this Church."
Brother Marsh said, "We need to remember and have faith that nothing will stop God's purposes."
Members can learn from D&C 27:15 that they need to take up the "whole armor of God," Brother Marsh added. "We live in a day when the world's philosophy and sins are thrown at our families with a fire hose. We need to `withstand the evil day' - a perfect description of what goes on - and stand for righteousness, for good and for the good things of this earth."
In D&C 38:39, God warns Church members of the greatest trial they will have in their day - pride. "If you seek the riches which it is the will of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people, for ye will have the riches of eternity," he quoted. "The great concern the Lord had for us, which He communicates over and over, is the Nephite disease of pride."
He continued through the Doctrine and Covenants, citing dozens of other scriptures that can help Church members today.
"This is a book filled with insights and helpful hints on how to live and prepare for the latter days and the great events yet to come on this earth," Brother Marsh concluded. "It is exciting to read. . . . May we treasure this great book and study it carefully."
