Come, Follow Me Doctrine and Covenants
Doctrine and Covenants 23–26

March 17–23: “Seek for the Things of a Better World”

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For most people, being baptized is a reverent, peaceful experience. The baptism of Emma Smith and others, however, was disrupted by a mob who mocked them, threatened them, and forced them to flee. Later, just as Joseph was about to confirm the new members, he was arrested for upsetting the community with his preaching. In all this opposition, how could Emma find reassurance that she was doing the right thing? The same place we can all find it—through revelation from the Lord. He spoke to Emma about “the things of a better [world]”—His kingdom—and her place in it. He told her not to fear, to “lift up [her] heart and rejoice,” and to “cleave unto the covenants [she had] made.” And these words of encouragement and counsel are His “voice unto all” (Doctrine and Covenants 25:9–10, 13, 16).

D&C 23: A series of five revelations given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Manchester, New York, April 1830, to Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel H. Smith, Joseph Smith Sr., and Joseph Knight Sr. As the result of earnest desire on the part of the five persons named to know of their respective duties, the Prophet inquired of the Lord and received a revelation for each person.

D&C 24: Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1830. Though less than four months had elapsed since the Church was organized, persecution had become intense, and the leaders had to seek safety in partial seclusion. The following three revelations were given at this time to strengthen, encourage, and instruct them.

D&C 25: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1830 (see the heading to section 24). This revelation manifests the will of the Lord to Emma Smith, the Prophet’s wife.

D&C 26: Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, Oliver Cowdery, and John Whitmer, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1830 (see the heading to section 24).

Interpreter Foundation

Church Website

Other Websites

“Be Not Deceived, but Continue in Steadfastness” Doctrine & Covenants 26; 28; 43:1-7; 50; 52:14-19, Taylor Halverson, August 29, 2013
“Remember the New Covenant, Even the Book of Mormon” D&C 16-23, Taylor Halverson, November 29, 2013
Scripture Roundtable: D&C Gospel Doctrine Lesson 10, "This Is My Voice unto All", Administration, March 3, 2017
Scripture Roundtable: D&C Gospel Doctrine Lesson 24, "Be Not Deceived, but Continue in Steadfastness", Administration, June 16, 2017

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families (lesson materials at ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School (lesson materials at ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
Come, Follow Me—For Aaronic Priesthood Quorums and Young Women Classes (lesson materials at ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
Come, Follow Me—For Primary (lesson materials at ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
“Lift Up Your Voice and Sing,” Children’s Songbook, 252.

Section 23, “Strengthen the Church Continually”, Doctrine and Covenants Institute Student Manual (2002), pp 47–48
Chapter 10: Doctrine and Covenants 23–25, Doctrine and Covenants Institute Student Manual (2017)
Joseph Smith’s Support at Home, Revelations in Context
Section 24, “Declare My Gospel As with the Voice of a Trump”, Doctrine and Covenants Institute Student Manual (2002), pp 48–50
“Thou Art an Elect Lady”, Revelations in Context
Emma Smith and the First Mormon Hymn Book, Video Collection, Church History Topics
An Elect Lady, Doctrine and Covenants Teaching Videos
Emma Smith Follows the Lord"s Counsel, Doctrine and Covenants Teaching Videos
Faithful Latter-day Saint Women, Doctrine and Covenants Teaching Videos, President Gordon B. Hinckley
Section 25, “An Elect Lady”, Doctrine and Covenants Institute Student Manual (2002), pp 50–53
Section 26, The Law of Common Consent, Doctrine and Covenants Institute Student Manual (2002), pp 54
The Journey of the Colesville Branch, Revelations in Context
Chapter 11: Doctrine and Covenants 26–28, Doctrine and Covenants Institute Student Manual (2017)
Joseph Smith’s Support at Home, Revelations in Context
What does “common consent” mean in the Church? Doctrine and Covenants 23–26 , Liahona – Come, Follow Me: Doctrine and Covenants