Welcome to the School of the Prophets! This first course is designed to help new members of the priesthood learn the basics before entering the ministry. Many of the concepts here may not be new, however part of these lessons will be writing assignments that will challenge your skills and understanding. Parts will be a reminder, parts will be new, and throughout this course your writing assignments will ensure you understand these topics well enough to teach others. It is recommended that students complete each lesson in one week’s time. Assignments will be graded within a week from the time they are turned in.
Lessons Overview
Lesson 1: Growing in Grace
“Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” -2 Peter 3:18a
There are differing levels one may be called on within the kingdom of God. In this lesson we will go over these and introduce students to priesthood concepts.
Lesson 2: A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit
“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” -Psalms 34:18
To start our journey into the ministry there are a few things we must first understand. The broken heart and contrite spirit are key because this is the sacrifice we, as Christians, must have, and that we, as ministers, must teach.
Lesson 3: The Temple of God
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” -1 Corinthians 3:16
The power of the priesthood is an energy, given to us by God through the Holy Spirit. Holding priesthood keys unlocks God’s gifts in deeper ways. To use these spiritual gifts, we must first take control of what goes on inside of us – in our heads.
Lesson 4: The Core
When meditating, look for your core. This “burning” is the Holy Spirit we wish to focus on as one meditates. We will go over finding the core and harnessing that energy.
Lesson 5: Wearing the Shield of Faith
“After these things the Word of the YHVH came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” -Genesis 15:1
In the scriptures we are taught to put on the armor of God (see Ephesians 6:10-18). One part of this ar-mor is the Shield of Faith. This is not a metaphorical shield, but a literal shield, a spiritual tool available to use through the power of God; the priesthood.
Lesson 6: Teshuvah Week 1- the Gospel of Jesus Christ
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” -Mark 1:15
Teshuvah is a Hebrew word translated in the Bible as “commandment“ or “repentance.” However, it’s true meaning is “return,” as in one returning to their original state. We will discuss this path of teshuvah and more in this lesson.
Lesson 7: Teshuvah Week 2- Born Again
“Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.” -Isaiah 62:3
Knowing good from evil is not enough. God has given us free agency. This agency allows us two opinions: (1) willingly allow Christ’s Grace to use, guide, direct, and transform us, or (2) be used by God as a blunt instrument.
Lesson 8: Teshuvah Week 3- the Return
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation.” -Isaiah 12:2 KJV, 2 Nephi 9:133 RAV, 22:2 OPV
This desire to return allows us to acknowledge our sins and be judged by them. Thanks to Christ’s atonement justice has been served by mercy. This allows us something we could never do on our own, grow to heal the damage our physical bodies have done to our souls.
Lesson 9: Teshuvah Week 4- the Restoration
“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” -Psalms 51:12
The restoration or mercy is the healing portion of Teshuvah. This has two parts. First, it completes the Return healing us, and second it heals us when we have been spiritually harmed by others. This power has a third effect: ministry.
Recommended Reading:
The Secrets of the The Secrets of the Eternal Book by Semion Vinokur