Doctrine and Covenants 43

“When I was 31, I died in a hospital after undergoing surgery. What happened next has been called by some ‘the most profound near-death experience ever.’ Well, it was certainly most profound for me, anyway. I journeyed to a beautiful world beyond this life. I met Jesus there. He gave me a message to give to others when I returned. In my book I share that message. I describe the wonderful places I visited and the loving people that welcomed me.”

• What are some of the “red flags” that you should be careful about regarding what this person is doing?

Well according to Elder Oaks talk "Two Lines of Communication" he says, "the means of communication from God to man—is conferred by priesthood authority as authorized by those holding priesthood keys. It does not come merely by desire or belief." We do not know if this person has that authority to pretty say he has recieved revelation for the world. It does not sound like they do. We know that the prophet is the only one on Earth that has that authority to communicate with God and recieve revelation for us.

Elder Oaks clearly states that their are two lines of communication. One is the personal line where we communicate with the Lord personally through prayer and recieve answers through the Holy Ghost according to our worthiness. The other line is the priesthood line. Authority is key in this line. Whomever has the right authority like President Monson, tells us what the Lord wants him to tell us.

• How does D&C 43:2, 5–6 help us discern and act towards this individual?

The Lord tells us that the commandment which has been given to us is given to us through whom He has appointed to recieve revelations from Him.
The Lord also instructs the people to not receive the the teachings of any that shall come before them as revelations or commandments. There are many that say that they have been instructed by the Lord to share something with the world but we know that you need the correct authority to do so. Satan is the master of llies. He will be the one behind most of the instances where people say they are called to share something with the world.
I love verse six. "And this I give unto you that you may not be deceived, that you may know they are not of me." The Lord has told us what to look for and know what things really do come from Him.

• What are some reasons Latter-day Saints buy into revelations and commandments that come from other sources besides the president of the Church and how do Elder Oaks’ remarks help us to avoid such a mistake?

Well the stories could just persuade them to believe that it is correct. Elder Oaks stated, "The devil is the father of lies, and he is ever anxious to frustrate the work of God by his clever imitations." They may be tricky but we can use the personal line to ask for ourselves if they are really true. Just like we ask if the Book of Mormon is true. We can pray and ask for ourselves. We also know that the Prophet is the one with the authority to share revelations given from the Lord.

• Why do we gather? (43:8–14) Please give three meaningful answers.

Verse 8 tells us that when we assemble together we should instruct and edify each other. It also says that from gathering we may know how to act and direct His church. Also how to act upon the points of His law and commandments which He has given.

• What three additional principles would God like you to understand about the gathering from 43:15–35?

Verse 15 tells us we are to teach the children of men and in verse 20 it says to call upon the nations to repent. By gathering we can teach others the truth and bring them to the Church. Also in verse 20 it says to prepare for the great day of the Lord. By gathering we can help each other out in preparing for that great day.