The north countries spoken of in the Mormon Doctrine and Covenants is currently unknown, as is most information concerning the lost tribes of Israel. Some obscure scriptures will only be understood as they are fulfilled.
According to Mormon doctrine, the priesthood is divided into two functions: apostolic and patriarchal. The patriarchal duties of a priesthood holder in the Mormon church are to oversee the leadership and discipline of the home.
The sectarian concept of the “Rapture of Christ’s church” is not found in Mormon doctrine. Mormons understand the 144,000 persons mentioned in Revelations to be “sealed” High Priests. God does not limit the number of His children who can be saved.
Mormonism teaches that it may be known that a person has repented of his sins if he will confess them and forsake them. If a Mormon has forsaken sins and felt forgiven of the Lord, then His representative, the bishop, should not be a source of fear when approached for confession.
It is an untrue notion in the minds of some Mormons that bearing testimony, or reaffirming the knowledge that Jesus is the Christ, will provide forgiveness for sins. Only true repentance, not bearing testimony or even making public confessions, will bring on forgiveness.
We should trace our priesthood authority lineage through the records of the church from the highest ordination we have received.
A written record of priesthood line of authority is not necessary to exercise the priesthood, but it is a valuable thing to have.
Being the only Mormon in a family can be difficult when you wish to get married but your family cannot attend the ceremony in a Mormon temple. When done in kindness and love, choosing to be married in a Mormon temple can ultimately serve as a strong example of your dedication to sacred principles and the covenants of the temple.
The only conditions to receive a priesthood blessing in the Mormon faith are faith in Jesus Christ and a desire for a blessing from the Lord.
When Mormons sustain someone as a leader, they promise to help and support that leader and not to criticize him. If there is a serious issue of worthiness, Mormons are advised to go to the leader who is directly over the leader in question and leave the matter to be handled by the proper authority.
