Lesson #46--Bruce

Lesson # 46 Bruce Lott

Daniel 2 & D&C 65, Questions & Quotes

(See Old Testament Class Member Study Guide #46)

Describe & explain the parts of the great image in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream?

(See Daniel 2:31–43.)

President Spencer W. Kimball explained: “Nebuchadnezzar [was a] king of kings, a world power, represent[ed by] the head of gold.  Another kingdom would arise and take over world dominion[, that of] Cyrus the great, with his Medes and Persians, [which] would be replaced by the Greek or Macedonian kingdom under Philip and Alexander; and that world power would be replaced by the Roman Empire; and Rome would be replaced by a group of nations of Europe represented by the toes of the image.”(Apr 1976 CR; cited in OTGospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, .)

See D&C 65:2) What did the “stone … cut out without hands” represent?

What did Daniel prophesy concerning the Church in the latter days?

(See Daniel 2:34–35, 44.)

What can we do to help build of the kingdom of God in our homes, in our communities, and throughout the world?

On Interpretation of Scriptures

“The only true interpretation is the meaning the parable [or dream] was meant to convey, when first [given]…. [Some] rules of interpretation are: Do not force a meaning on subordinate incidents…. Remember that the comparison in a parable is not complete, does not touch at every point[, and that The dream or] parable draws a picture of life as it is, not as it ought to be, and compares certain points in this picture with heavenly doctrine.”  (Bible Dictionary, 741.)

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy [propheteia (Greek): discourse emanating from divine inspiration] of the scripture is of any private interpretation. [21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:20-21.) 

“Prophets gave the scripture, and prophets must interpret it…. [O]therwise there will be a host of private interpretations and consequently many different and disagreeing churches, which is precisely the condition in the religious world today.” (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, October 1964 Conference Report.)

“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done”

       “What is the meaning of ‘Thy kingdom come’? It means the rule of God ... the law of God… the government of God…. ‘Thy kingdom come’, that the confusion, the evil, and wickedness … that now exist among mankind may be done away, and the principles of truth and right, the principles of kindness, charity, and love … may dwell with us…. ‘… [T]hy will be done…’ ….  We have not got it yet … but we are trying to introduce those things, and the Gospel has been restored for that purpose.”(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, 225; JD 26:358.)

“[W]hen Zion shall cover the earth … then shall Thy will be done ... May we, O Lord, prepare for that day...”(Elder Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah 2:149.)

“If we would establish Zion in our homes, branches, wards, and stakes, we must … [1] become unified in one heart and one mind; … [2] become, individually and collectively, a holy people; and [3] care for the poor and needy with such effectiveness that we eliminate poverty among us. We cannot wait until Zion comes for these things to happen—Zion will come only as they happen.”

(Elder D. Todd Christofferson, October 2008 CR.)

“The length of time required ‘to accomplish all things pertaining to Zion’ is strictly up to us and how we live …” (President Spencer W. Kimball, April 1978 CR).

“Blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth Zion,

for they shall have the gift and power of the Holy Ghost”

(1 Nephi 13:37).