Subject matters dealt by the Comforter (i.e. the Holy Ghost)  (36:2)

Calling to go on missions extended to all future Elders of the Church (36:4-7)

First commandment to gather in Ohio (37:3)
 

Extent of Jesus Christ's power (1-9)

. Isn't it interesting that many people in the world visualize Jesus Christ as simply a "great master," denying his almighty power? (See Joseph Smith-History 1:19)

Christ can be in our midst without our knowledge (7)

. Consider this account from an early converts' meeting attended by the Prophet Joseph Smith:

"After prayer and singing, Joseph began talking. He began very solemnly and very earnestly. Suddenly, his countenance changed and he stood mute; he seemed almost transfixed. He was looking ahead and his face outshone the candle which was on a shelf just behind him. ... He looked as though a searchlight was inside his face. ... After a short time he looked at us very solemnly, as if to pierce each heart, then said, 'Brothers and Sisters, do you know who has been in your midst this night?'

One of the Smith family said, 'An angel of the Lord?' Joseph did not answer. Martin Harris was sitting at the Prophet's feet on a box. He slid to his knees, clasped his arms around the Prophet's knees and said, 'I know, it was our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.'

Joseph put his hand on Martin's head and answered, 'Martin, God revealed that to you. Brothers and Sisters, the Savior has been in your midst this night. I want you to remember it. He cast a veil over your eyes for you could not endure to look upon Him. ... I want you to remember this as if it were the last thing that escaped my lips. He has given you all to me, and commanded me to seal you up to Everlasting Life, that where he is there you may be also. And if you are tempted of Satan say, 'Get behind me Satan, for my Salvation is secure.' "   (Mary Elizabeth Rollings Lightner, Young Woman's Journal, XVI, pp.556-557;  Quoted in Hyrum L. Andrus' Principles of Perfection)

Destiny of the wicked (5-6,8)

. In essence, the wicked will receive what they always wanted: to stay away from the things of God (e.g. churches, commandments, regulations, etc.) Since all good things come in Christ (Moroni 7:22,24), even the wicked--with the exception of the Sons of Perdition--will receive varying combinations and degrees of good and misery, according to how much farther away from Christ they desire to position themselves. For more on the subject, read D&C section 76.

Admonition to not fear and be strong came at a time of strong persecution (15)

. Why didn't the Lord just relieve their burdens somehow--e.g. destroying the persecutors or taking the saints to another place (see verse 32)?

. The same may happen in our lives, during our own times of affliction--remember the whole affair at Liberty Jail

"Let every man esteem his brother as himself ... Be one" (24-27)

. Why was the command repeated? What does it mean to "be one"?

"It is the privilege of every Elder to speak of the things of God; and could we all come together with one heart and one mind in perfect faith the veil might as well be rent today as next week, or any other time, and if we will but cleanse ourselves and covenant before God, to serve Him, it is our privilege to have an assurance that God will protect us at all times."  (Oct. 25, 1831)

Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God.  A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.  This has been your feeling, and caused you to forego the pleasure of home, that you might be a blessing to others, who are candidates for immortality, but strangers to truth; and for so doing, I pray that heaven's choicest blessings may rest upon you." (October 19, 1840)  Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp.6, 174

How should one interpret this parable in light of the economic systems we live in this world? (26-27)

. See D&C 104:13-18

If ye are prepared ... (28-30)

Being endowed with power from on high (32, 38 -- also 43:16; 105:10-11)

Questions for Review

1. What types of things does the Holy Ghost commonly teach? (36:2; 39:6)

2. "And let every man ........................... his brother as himself and practice ........................... and ........................... before me." (38:24)