D&C 1: Hearken

Segment 1

Scriptures:
D&C 1:16 (The idols of Babylon)

Words of the General Authorities:
We are constantly bombarded with strong opinions, biased reporting, and incomplete data. At the same time, the volume and sources of this information are proliferating. Our need to recognize truth has never been more important! Truth is critical for us to establish and strengthen our relationship with God, find peace and joy, and reach our divine potential…Truth helps us avoid deception, discern good from evil, receive protection, and find comfort and healing. Truth can also guide our actions, make us free, sanctify us, and lead us to eternal life. (John C. Pingree Jr., “Eternal Truth”, October 2023 General Conference)

Segment 2

Words of the General Authorities:
God reveals doctrinal truths through prophets, and the Holy Ghost confirms those truths to us and helps us apply them. We must seek and be prepared to receive these spiritual impressions when they come. We are most receptive to the witness of the Spirit when we are humble, pray sincerely and study God’s words, and keep His commandments. 

Once the Holy Ghost confirms a specific truth to us, our understanding deepens as we put that principle into practice. Over time, as we consistently live the principle, we gain a sure knowledge of that truth. (John C. Pingree Jr., “Eternal Truth”, October 2023 General Conference)

A testimony is to be found in the bearing of it. Somewhere in your quest for spiritual knowledge, there is that ‘leap of faith,’ as the philosophers call it. It is the moment when you have gone to the edge of the light and step into the darkness to discover that the way is lighted ahead for just a footstep or two. (Boyd K. Packer, That All May Be Edified (1982), 340)

Segment 3

Scriptures:
D&C 1:4-6 (The voice of the Lord)
D&C 1:17-18 (A commandment to proclaim)
D&C 1:23-28 (By weak and simple means)
D&C 1:37-38 (God’s promises will be fulfilled by the prophet)
Introduction of the Doctrine & Covenants (The message to hear)
Alma 25:17 (Verified the word)

Translations:
Hearken = shema - To hear, heed, and do (Hebrew)

Words of the General Authorities:
The very first word in the Doctrine and Covenants is hearken. It means “to listen with the intent to obey.” To hearken means to “hear Him”—to hear what the Savior says and then to heed His counsel. In those two words—“Hear Him”—God gives us the pattern for success, happiness, and joy in this life. (Russell M. Nelson, “Hear Him”, April 2020 General Conference)

Segment 4

Scriptures:
James 1:5 (Ask God your questions)
D&C 1:6 (The preface to the D&C)
D&C 1:24 (God speaks our language)
Galatians 5:22-23 (Languages of the spirit)

Translations:
Liberally = haplos - Generously, simply, with sincerity (Greek)
Upbraideth = oneidizo - disgrace, scorn, reproach (Greek)

Words of the General Authorities:
Never suppress a generous thought. (Camilla Kimball, as relayed by Julie B. Beck, “Relief Society: A Sacred Work”, October 2009 General Conference)

Notice the diversity in answers. I love how the Holy Ghost speaks to us in individual, uniquely personal ways in which we can understand.

I asked a young adult recently who is highly intelligent, very academic how the Holy Ghost spoke to Him. He replied, “Sister Wright, I don’t feel anything.” I said, “That is interesting. Teach me. Help me understand.” He said the Holy Ghost just speaks to him in a very commonsense, orderly, matter-of-a-fact kind of way. He said when he studies the scriptures or the words of the living prophets, they just make sense. What if someone had told him the Holy Ghost was only a warm feeling, or goosebumps, or tears. He would have spent his entire life thinking the heavens were closed, and God did not speak to him. (Amy A. Wright, “Seeking Personal Revelation”, BYU-Hawaii Devotional, March 13, 2024)

Segment 5

Scriptures:

Eternal Truth Scripture Chain:
D&C 1:2 (The voice of the Lord touches everyone)
D&C 1:32 (All who repent are forgiven)
D&C 1:12 (The Lord is coming)
D&C 1:10 (Law of restoration)
CR: Alma 41:14-15
D&C 1:30 (True and living church)

Study Helps:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not claim a monopoly on goodness and truth. There are countless people throughout the world who are examples of integrity and goodwill. And true and wholesome principles can be found in various religions and ethical systems throughout the world. Each of us has the right to believe and worship as our individual conscience leads us…The great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God’s light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals. (The Only True and Living Church, Gospel Topics; reference to First Presidency statement, Feb. 15, 1978)