Articles of Faith 5-9

Articles of Faith 1:5-9 Study Guide – to be discussed May 6
NOTE: All suggestions to memorize the Articles of Faith are of course optional.
Day 1: Read Article of Faith 1:5; Hebrews 5:4; Alma 13:1-9; D&C 121:34-40
1. List ways in which the pattern for ordaining clergy in our church as outlined in Article of Faith 1:5 differs from procedures in other denominations. Can you think of any Biblical support for men calling themselves to the ministry?



2. Read Hebrews 5:4 and Alma 13:1-9. What qualifies a man to be called and ordained to the holy priesthood? From whom does authority come? (See also D&C 84:6-12.)



3. Read D&C 121:34-40. Once a man is called and ordained to preach the gospel, how might he lose that calling? What does the phrase mean to you “many are called but few are chosen”?



Day 2: Reread and memorize Article of Faith 5; read 1 Samuel 13:5-14; Acts 8:18-24; Moroni 3:1-4
4. Read the account of King Saul in 1 Samuel 13:5-14. Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin in a day when only Levites were ordained to offer ritual sacrifice. Who called Saul to be king of Israel? Who called him to administer the ordinances of the priesthood? What did he lose?


5. Read Acts 8:18-24. Why did Simon seek the power of the priesthood? How did he think it might be obtained?



6. Read Moroni 3:1-4. How were priests and teachers ordained during Moroni’s day? By what power?



BONUS: Give an example of how you have recognized the Lord’s involvement in a church calling.


Day 3: Read and memorize Articles of Faith 1:6; read Ephesians 4:11-14
7. What is the Primitive church? Why might Joseph Smith include this distinction?



8. Read Ephesians 4:11-14. Why did the early church establish the offices listed in Article of Faith 1:6?



9. Read footnotes 6c and 6e for Articles of Faith 1:6. What is another name for a pastor? For an evangelist?


Day 4: Read and memorize Articles of Faith 1:7; read Mark 16:17-18; Acts 2:1-18
10. According to footnote 7a, from whom do the gifts listed originate?



11. Read Mark 16:17-18. In whose name are these gifts performed? Why is this important?

12. Read Acts 2:1-18. List gifts of the Spirit that were manifested on the day of Pentacost.



Day 5: Read and memorize Articles of Faith 1:8; read D&C 42:12; Moses 7:59-62; 1 Nephi 13:40; 1 Nephi 13:25-29; Ezekiel 37:15-20
13. Read D&C 42:12. Why do we need another witness of Christ in the Book of Mormon? (See also Moses 7:59-62 and 1 Nephi 13:40.)



14. Read 1 Nephi 13:25-29. Why were plain and precious truths taken away from the holy writ of the Bible?




15. Read Ezekiel 37:15-20. If the “stick of Ephraim” (or Joseph) indicates the Book of Mormon and the Bible represents Judah’s “stick” or book, who commanded the two should be read together?



Day 6: Read Articles of Faith 1:9; Moses 5:4-5; 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, Alma 5:44-47
16. Review Articles of Faith 1:5-8. How does Article of Faith 9 naturally follow the previous doctrines?



17. What has God revealed?



18. Read Moses 5:4-5, 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, and Alma 5:44-47. How can we receive revelation for ourselves? How do we receive it for the Church?



Day 7: Reread and memorize Articles of Faith 1:9; read Proverbs 29:18
19. How does the information in Articles of Faith 1:5 and 9 make us different from all other churches?




20. List “great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God” that were revealed at our most recent General Conference.




21. Read Proverbs 29:18. Why is continuing revelation necessary in a living church?