2/1/16 Prophets, Seers, and Revelators Flashcards
In Moses 6, we get introduced to the Prophet Enoch. Using the assigned verses, what would you say is a sacred responsibility of prophets? How did Enoch prepare himself to respond to the call? What was the response of many of the people who heard Enoch’s teachings?
“and a hell I have prepared for them, if they repent not…this is a decree, which I have sent forth… from my own mouth… and by the mouths of my servants”
“he bowed himself to the earth… Anoint thine eyes with clay, and wash them, and thou shalt see. And he did so”
“and all men were offended because of him”
Define a “seer.”
One who can see the past, the future, and things that are hidden or unclear to others
The Lord warned all people to beware how they “receive” and “hold” the oracles of God? What are “oracles” and what does the Lord’s warning mean?
Oracles can be prophets or their revelations/ prophecies. We should be careful of being critical of the prophets
To what did Ezekiel compare prophets?
Watchmen on a watchtower
The Lord called prophets to raise a “voice of warning” to all people to prepare them for His Second Coming. Complete the following: I the Lord have ___1___them, given them mine ___2___and promised them the ___3___ to bind and seal on earth and in heaven.
- commanded
- authority
- power
What did the Lord say about the voice and teachings of prophets?
The teachings of the Prophets are as if from the Lord Himself, as he has given those Prophets to speak on His behalf
After feeding the 5000 and delivering the Bread of Life sermon, some of Jesus’ listeners were offended and chose to no longer follow him. Jesus asked Peter and other Apostles if they would leave too? What was their answer? What is the message of that story for us?
“Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the Living God.”
Not all our questions will be answered in this life. But, there is no better place to go. Christ is the sure foundation and He is the truth.
Who establishes official Church doctrine?
Begins with Jesus Christ, and then a unanimous voice from both the two highest quorums in the Church (First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve)
In what documents/publications will you find official Church doctrine?
Scriptures, General Conference Talks, the end.
Describe the three levels of dealing with uncertainty and ambiguity.
Level 1 - We do not or cannot see the gaps or problems that exist between the real and the ideal. We cling to the outer circle (ideal) and avoid facing the truth.
Level 2 - We erase the outer circle of the ideal and focus exclusively on reality. We accept uncertainty and ambiguity so completely that skepticism becomes our guiding principle.
Level 3 - Our minds and hearts are open. We are willing to admit there is a gap or that ambiguity exists and are loyal enough to the Church to do something about it.
Prophets, seers and revelators are given a special spiritual endowment to interpret and teach Church doctrine. Elder Christofferson said when they council together, the process involves both reason and faith. What did he mean by that?
Reason and faith means that they have to use their knowledge and experience to work through problems in addition to revelation.
President Uchtdorf noted that many times people confuse belief with truth. What did he mean by that?
Part of the reason for poor judgment comes from the tendency of mankind to blur the line between belief and truth. We too often confuse belief with truth, thinking that because something makes sense or is convenient, it must be true.
What is a prophet?
Greek: prophetes (“one who speaks on behalf of the gods”)
Hebrew: nabi (“one who proclaims the mind and will of God”)
What are the two most important responsibilities of prophets, seers and revelators?
- Bear sure testimony of the name of Jesus Christ in all the world
- Teach the doctrine - the word and will of God - clearly enough that all might be benefited and blessed through obedience to their teachings
How do doctrine and principles differ from policies, practices and opinions?
Doctrine and principles are eternal, essential for our salvation, and come from God
Policies, Practices, and Opinions represent the best efforts of mortal leaders to implement or explain true doctrines and principles.
