The Aaronic Priesthood: acts under the direction of the Melchizedek Priesthood (heading)

. The 3 keys of this priesthood:

• Ministering of angels
. The role of Angels: (see Moroni 7:29-31)
. Manifest to those of strong faith and firm mind in every form of godliness
. Call men unto repentance
. Prepare the way among men that the residue of men may have faith in Christ
• Gospel of repentance
• Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins
 
"Key:" a means of access, control, or possession; something that serves to reveal or solve a problem, difficulty, or mystery; spiritual authority in a Christian religion

The concept of "holding a key" suggests the possession of a "permission" to perform specific ordinances, labors, or assignments using the priesthood.  It also implies the possession of a "mechanism" that may help "unlock" hidden knowledge, or mysteries (D&C 84:19; 107:19-20)

Eternal life is the greatest of all gifts of God (14:7)

The thing of the most worth is to declare repentance (15:6; 16:6)

. Notice that the Lord is not necessarily addressing full-time missionaries alone

An "inspired desire" to be the 3 witnesses (heading)

. What light does this shed on the issue of "aspiring to positions in the Church"?
. Hint: look at the examples of John (D&C 7) and the 3 Nephites (3 Nephi 28:4-7)
. Since we don't know who has been pre-ordained to do what, we should, as church leaders, be careful not to judge wrongly those who have desires that might be inspired; on the other hand we must also be aware that not all will be inspired in their desires. How can one tell the difference? See D&C 46:26-27, and consider the following ideas:

Foreknowledge of Callings
. Brings with it the awareness of: (a) the heavy burdens to be carried; and (b) the complexities and dilemmas to be resolved, and a clear sense of one's shortcomings and corresponding dependence on the Lord

Ambition
. Originates in one's own pride and overconfidence; a feeling of "I am the one capable of resolving the problem right now."

List of the sacred objects seen by the Three Witnesses (1)

How the Three Witnesses could see the sacred objects (2)

Their responsibility after seeing those objects (3)

The reason why the Lord allowed them to see those objects (4)

Questions for Review

1. List the three keys (i.e. authorities or permissions) of the Aaronic Priesthood: (13:1)

2. What is "Eternal Life"? (14:7)

3. "If ye are faithful ye shall be blessed both ................ and ........................" (14:11)

4. What is the thing the Lord said would be of most worth to both Peter and John Whitmer? (15:6; 16:6)

5. Did Joseph Smith Jr. invite Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris to become the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon? (17:heading)

6. What did the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon see? (17:1)