Dallin Oaks

Two lines of communication with god: personal and priesthood. All should understand and be guided by both.

In personal line, there is no intermediary. You can pray and receive answers through HG. We can be guided by this personal line, and it's the source of our testimony and personal guidance. It's an essential feature, and we can have a personal witness of the truth. Line is based on worthiness and taking sacrament to renew our covenants. Our belief is similar to Christains who don't believe in intermediary. Some members underestimate the power of the personal line. Some want priesthood leaders to make personal decisions. Family governance should be guided by personal revelation.

Personal line does not function independent of priesthood line. Right to continued access to god is predicated upon obedience and service. We can't communicate with god if we aren't in harmony with the priesthood line.

The devil is the father of lies and will try to make people think they are excused from following some commandment or counsel.

Priesthood line has intermediaries of JC, his church, and his leaders. JC can prescribe conditions for blessings of atonement. Covenants allow us to qualify for blessings after all we can do.

JC gave priesthood and established his church. Priesthood line is how god speaks through apostles and prophets. This is how we receive calls to service. Preaching the gospel, etc.

Sacraments are essential by one authorized and empowered by JC. Some members don't recognize priesthood line. They go their own way or direct competing organization. They mirror the modern hostility to organized relgion. That is rejecting JC who organized religion. Organization is essential to perfection of saints.

Voice of the lord servants is the voice of the lord. Two cautions: priesthood line doesn't supercede the need for a personal line. We need both lines. Priesthood line can't function unless we are worthy and obedient. We can be cut off from his presence.

History shows us the importance: JS couldn't translate when he was angry or upset. Story of JS asking Emma's forgiveness before he could translate (maybe he should have asked forgiveness for polygamy and cheating on her with more than 30 other women and using his imaginary priesthood authority to exert power over women and offering them his imaginary salvation by the woman's complicity in him wanting to bone teenagers).

Chile earthquake story. Missionary work.