Condensed Plan. Feb 23rd

In 1830, Joseph Smith was 24 years old. Could he, at the age of 14, have and any thought that he would be the means of organizing a church? He didn't ask God to verify that there was no true church. He ask which of the available churches was right. Then he entered into a steep learning curve and deep pondering of the doctrines of the gospel that he would bring forth. Then at the right time the Lord designated, at 24 years old, Joseph Smith is ordained the first elder of the church, the one to receive revelation for a group of people, and also for the world. Simple amazingm not to mention translating The Book of Mormon, going through major issues with associates and teaching his family and others about what he is learning.

I think it is interesting that as an introduction to the establishment of an official church and it's administrations, that the Lord states to the world that Joseph needed to receive a remission of his sins, which he did, but then became entangled in sin again, but he took care of it again. And knowing that this revelation came through Joseph, must have been a very humbling process in and of itself. Receiving words that display your mistakes to the world, then having the integrity, wisdom, humility and obedience to actually have them published, says something of the importance of alligning yourself with the will of God and the divine mission the prophet Joseph must have felt in helping God "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." This stuff isn't just made up by man, this is part of a great plan by the great Author.

Here are some great "one-liners" the sum of the importance, or definition of truths:
vs 7 "And gave unto him commandments, which inspired him." I have heard a lot of reasons for commandments and explanations, but this, I think, is the best. Commandments are to inspire us.

Also vs 11 "Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old; "

vs12 Thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. Amen

Verses 17-28 are a quick run through of the history of man and the necessity of a Savior. This is common in all of scripture when teaching someone unaware of the Plan of Salvation to begin with the beginning of man.

Verses 29-34 talk about the importance of repentance, enduring, sanctification and justification. And here's the kicker: "But there is a possibility that man may fall from grace and depart from the living God; Therefore let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into temptation; Yea, and even let those who are sanctified take heed also." No one is immune to making mistakes, so we must always be diligent in keeping ourselves in line with the principles of the Gospel.

Section 20 is just a condensed version of everything that makes sense, but still leaves room for pondering.