September 20–26

Doctrine and Covenants 106–108

“To Have the Heavens Opened”

As you study Doctrine and Covenants 106–8, consider the spiritual experiences that members of your class may be having as they study these sections. As you prepare to teach them, it might be helpful to find out what they found meaningful before you meet together.

Record Your Impressions

Invite Sharing

Invite class members to share a verse from these sections that teaches a principle that could strengthen someone in their Church service.

Teach the Doctrine

Doctrine and Covenants 106; 108

The Lord instructs, encourages, and supports those He calls to serve.

• As class members studied Doctrine and Covenants 106 and 108 this week, they may have found phrases that could help those serving in Church callings (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Consider giving class members time to write phrases they found in these sections on the board and asking them to share their insights. What experiences have they had that relate to or illustrate these phrases?

Doctrine and Covenants 107

The Lord leads His Church through priesthood authority.

• You could begin a discussion about priesthood offices by inviting the class to make a list of reasons the Lord gives us prophets, apostles, and other Church leaders. Perhaps class members could add to their list after reading Doctrine and Covenants 107:18–20. Then you could spend time reviewing the responsibilities the Lord gives those holding the following offices: the First Presidency (verses 9, 21–22, 65–66, 91–92), the Twelve Apostles (verses 23–24, 33–35, 38, 58), the Seventy (verses 25–26, 34, 93–97), and bishops (verses 13–17, 68–76, 87–88). What can we do to uphold our leaders by our “confidence, faith, and prayer[s]”? (verse 22).

• How would we answer if a friend not of our faith asked us, “What is the priesthood?” or “What are priesthood keys?” How might the teachings in “Additional Resources” affect our answers? Perhaps class members can also find helpful insights in Doctrine and Covenants 107:1–4, 18–20 (see also True to the Faith, 124–28). How does the priesthood help us receive “the mysteries of the kingdom” and “have the heavens opened unto [us]”? How does it help us “enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus”? (verse 19).

Doctrine and Covenants 107:27–31, 85

The Lord governs His kingdom through councils.

• President M. Russell Ballard said, “I know councils are the Lord’s way and that He created all things in the universe through a heavenly council” (“Family Councils,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 63). How can you help those you teach understand how to counsel together at home and at church? Perhaps you could ask a few members to come prepared to share their experiences at church or at home in which they applied principles of counseling in Doctrine and Covenants 107:27–31, 85 (or in President Ballard’s message referenced above). Consider inviting class members during the week to come to class prepared to share ideas about what makes a council effective. Encourage class members to identify principles they learn from this discussion that will help them be more effective as they participate in future home and church councils.

  

  Counseling together is one way the Lord accomplishes His work.

Additional Resources

Priesthood authority.

President Dallin H. Oaks taught:

“We are not accustomed to speaking of women having the authority of the priesthood in their Church callings, but what other authority can it be? When a woman—young or old—is set apart to preach the gospel as a full-time missionary, she is given priesthood authority to perform a priesthood function. The same is true when a woman is set apart to function as an officer or teacher in a Church organization under the direction of one who holds the keys of the priesthood. Whoever functions in an office or calling received from one who holds priesthood keys exercises priesthood authority in performing her or his assigned duties” (“The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 51).

President M. Russell Ballard said:

“Our Father in Heaven is generous with His power. All men and all women have access to this power for help in their lives. All who have made sacred covenants with the Lord and who honor those covenants are eligible to receive personal revelation, to be blessed by the ministering of angels, to commune with God, to receive the fulness of the gospel, and, ultimately, to become heirs alongside Jesus Christ of all our Father has” (“Men and Women in the Work of the Lord,” New Era, Apr. 2014, 4–5).

Improving Our Teaching

Help learners lift each other. “Each individual in your class is a rich source of testimony, insights, and experiences with living the gospel. Invite them to share with and lift each other” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 5).