D&C 1 – 50

Part I

What happens when new members come from different faith backgrounds? Dr. Lili de Hoyos Anderson joins us to discuss how the Lord, through Joseph Smith revealed the truth about eternal marriage, the Second Coming, and other doctrines as the Saints question their previous belief systems. You’ll love Dr. Anderson’s practical marriage advice, learning about Parley P. Pratt’s fiery personality, and gain a little more understanding about the Shakers and their influence on missionary work.

Part II

We return with Dr. Anderson to discuss whether spiritual manifestations are real, a product of emotion, or even hypocritical. We learn how the Lord is teaching the Saints line by line, as they encounter challenges and growing pains.

Part I

Have you ever felt everything you tried was going wrong? In these sections of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Fantastic Four (Parley, Ziba, Oliver, and Peter) are called on a mission that may have seemed like a failure but was instrumental in creating a worldwide church. Join Hank and John with Dr. Ron Bartholomew as they discuss how the Church is open to all, how God doesn’t have any favorites, and why we all have spiritual gifts (and what they may look like).

Part II

We return to discuss why spiritual gifts are given to every person, regardless of Church membership. And our valiant heroes (men and women) wonder if shaking, rolling, and other dramatic acts are from God. We discuss how God blesses us to rise to the challenges placed before us, and Dr. Bartholomew shares a powerful testimony of his love of the Gospel and the Lord, even with his Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis.

Part I

Does opposition lead to more revelation? (Hint: Yes!). The Saints move to the Ohio and experience opposition, false reports, and hardships.  Dr. Brent Top discusses how the parallels the opposition the Saints are experiencing parallel the Last Days. Dr. Top reminds listeners that the Saints should rejoice because the Lord’s promises are listed four times more than the desolation prophecies. Join us as we learn why Advocate is John’s favorite title of the Lord.

Part II

Will the Lord come like a “woman in travail” or a “thief in the night?” Dr. Brent Top continues his discussion of the signs of the times and teaches how the Lord encourages us four times more than warnings. Join John, Hank, and Dr. Top for Part II as they discuss how our relationship to the Lord is what we should focus on and then we will be in a position to recognize when He comes because we will be near Him.

Part I

Dr. Barbara Gardner, Hank Smith and John Bytheway share tips on teaching through the Spirit and discuss the amazing man Edward Partridge was as the first bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Part II

Why did the Lord repeat the Ten Commandments in these Sections? Have we been commanded to keep the Law of Consecration, just as these Saints in Ohio? John and Hank continue with Dr. Gardner to teach about work, love, consecration, grief, humor, temple worship, and testimony. Her testimony is brilliant, vigorous, and persuasive. Learn why Dr. Gardner loves the Lord and His Gospel.

Part I

Imagine growing up hearing the stories of Emma Hale Smith, Phoebe Carter, the Whitmers, Brigham Young, and Brother Joseph. This week’s guest, Dr. Susan Easton Black, didn’t grow up hearing fairy tales but true stories of bravery, faithfulness, betrayal, and courage. Dr. Black teaches us how the Lord taught His People that Zion and the Church were more than a place they visited on Sundays, how they received the command to “gather to the Ohio,” and how Joseph continued his New Translation of the Bible. Do we sacrifice as willingly for the Lord as our earliest Saints as we study Doctrine and Covenants 37-40?

Part II

In Part II, John Bytheway asks us if we have ever had the nightmare where we wake up rich. The Saints, as they move to “the Ohio,” are called to be separate, like leaving Babylon, and many Saints leave farms and, more importantly, family members. They build a thriving area for Saints, including a temple, in five short years, and we learn to follow their example in building a “great work.” We also hear Dr. Black’s testimony of the Restoration and the Savior.

Part I

Catch the excitement of the early days of missionary work as Dr. Robert Millet visits and reminds us why Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt, Peter Whitmer, and Ziba Peterson are the original Fantastic Four. Learn how their mission to the Lamanites didn’t go as expected but what the Lord had in mind was much more significant. These early missionaries teach us to get people to the Grove, share from the Book of Mormon, and remember our strength is our diversity.

Part II

Does missionary work scare you? We can help! In Part II, our Fantastic Four (and others, especially Orson Pratt and Edward Partridge) discover the “field is white and ready to harvest.” Dr. Robert Millet shares how we are 11th Hour Workers and the Lord of the Vineyard is with his Servants and this episode will excite and encourage you to “open your mouth” and share the Good News. Additionally, if you know a Bishop, you’ll want to learn how Edward Partridge is a hero we should celebrate for “wasting and wearing out” his life for the Lord. You will never see missionary work or Bishops the same way again.

Part I

Do you tend to jump right past the cross when studying Holy Week? Dr. John Hilton III shares why looking at the entirety of Jesus’s last week, including his suffering on the cross, will deepen our understanding and appreciation. This episode will exceed your expectations. Join us!

Part II

We continue to discuss Holy Week and unpack all four Gospels and their accounts. Dr. Hilton shares why Holy Saturday has applications to uplift and enrich our lives, especially in times of trial. Discover why the story of the Road to Emmaus teaches us about expectations, doubt, and faith.

Part I

Dr. Anthony Sweat returns (due to popular demand) and explains  why Section 29 is a favorite section regarding a broad scope of the Lord’s work and vision. Dr. Sweat also gives teachers the idea of a Scriptural and Historical Scavenger Hunt in Section 29. Not all sections are created equal and Section 29 illuminates the Premortal Existence, the Creation, the Fall, the Atonement, the Second Coming of Jesus, the Millenium, and the rationale for building Zion. Jesus intends to gather Israel and He uses Section 29  to teach His people about His elect. On God’s team, you get to choose to be a part–your choices matter and these concepts were revelatory to the Church membership.

Part II

Dr. Sweat reminds us why we should reconsider if we teach that Lucifer wanted to save everyone. Hank, John, and Dr. Sweat continue to teach how the Lord’s Atonement and His confidence in us can sustain us in the Last Days (which are now!). This episode reminds us we don’t need to fear the Last Days due to the protection of His Spirit, our covenants, and God’s grace. This is an episode that will help every teacher, parent, and member remember why they love their membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and why they love the Savior.

Part I

In the Church’s infancy,  Joseph receives the Vision of Moses as he begins what he calls the “new translation” of the Bible. Join Dr. Kerry Muhlestein, Hank, and John as we learn what happens when Joseph, Emma, Oliver, or others ask questions. We discover how the early Saints learn about the ordinance of the sacrament (do the emblems matter?), the power of the Abrahamic Covenant and how the Lord has much more in store for the entire human family via covenants via Elijah. Learn about our place in the Kingdom of God, why President Nelson constantly mentions the Gathering of Israel, and what great things the Lord has in store for His people.

Part II

Putting on the armor of God as we fulfill President Nelson’s conviction that the gathering of Israel is the most important thing we can do in these latter days.

Part I

Discover why Samuel Smith is as stalwart as William Smith is reticent with our guest Dr. Lisa Olsen Tait. Hank, John, and Dr. Tait introduce us to the first three branches of the Church and these early Saints’ efforts to carry their crosses, learn the will of the Lord, and begin to weary and wear out their lives in service. They examine the concept of common consent and the rights of women and voting in the early Church.

Part II

Part II is a deep dive into Emma Hale Smith’s personality, abilities, and role in establishing the early Church. Emma is educated, adept, and gifted. She completes Joseph and enables him to accomplish the Lord’s work. We learn how Emma was consistently supported and encouraged by Lucy Mack Smith, who reminds us that Emma constantly and consistently served those around her. See a new side of Emma Hale Smith with our expert, Dr. Lisa Olsen Tait, as well as reviewing her better-known accomplishments of creating a hymnal, acting as scribe, and lending her abilities to establishing the Church in this dispensation.

Part I

How do we define church? Is it an organized group? Is it people with a common idea? Listen to John, Hank, and Dr. Jordan Watkins as we learn how the Church was organized,  how to define church, and are reminded to not argue with members of other religions. Learn how Joseph and Oliver develop the first “handbook,” why we shouldn’t conflate men with the priesthood, and we are reminded about this being a continual restoration.

Part II

Joseph and his friends officially organized the Church on April 6, 1830,  in the Whitmer home. Hank, John, and Dr. Watkins return to discuss the importance of record-keeping in the early Church, the reality of the Lord bringing the Saints along gradually, and how the Prophet grows in understanding for what the Lord has in mind for His people. We, along with Joseph, learn to put aside our prejudices and preconceived notions to help the Lord establish His baptism, his covenants, and His Church.

Part I

Was the Priesthood restored in one event or over a series of time? Join us with Dr. Scott Woodward as we discuss the Book of Mormon foundation for the Church organization, learn that the goodness other churches provide, and we are reminded to never be weary in doing good. The Savior continues to teach and succor one by one in the early days of the Restoration and today. Dr. Scott Woodward is the managing director at www.doctrineandcovenantscentral.org . Stop by and see all the great content for your Come, Follow Me studies.

Part II

What happened when the Lord provided for the Three Witnesses to view the plates? Should we revere Egbert Grandin for assisting in printing the Book of Mormon or Martin Harris? We continue to discuss the exorbitant cost of printing the Book of Mormon, how the early Restorationists learn about church governance, and the concept of hell. Things get hot as we conclude our episode with Dr. Scott Woodward and Doctrine and Covenants 18-19. Dr. Scott Woodward is the managing director at www.doctrineandcovenantscentral.org . Stop by and see all the great content for your Come, Follow Me studies.

Part I

We meet the Whitmers and follow the early Restoration Heroes as they travel and work between the Trifecta of Translation: Harmony, PA, Colesville, NY, and Palmyra, NY. Dr. Casey Griffiths explains the Whitmer family’s closeness, shares a story of miraculous farming, and relates the early Saints’ character.

Part II

We continue Part II with Dr. Griffiths and our discussion the witnesses of the plates including: Lucy Mack, Mary Whitmer, and dozens of women who have been essential to Church History. We discuss the Nephite Interpreters, the breastplate, the plates, and how Joseph and the Lord love to share visions and experiences. The Restoration is not a one-man show.

Part I

What do you do with the sections of the Doctrine and Covenants that repeat themselves? What do you do with the sections . . . . okay, you get it. Dr. Scott Esplin joins us and helps us understand the specific circumstances that surround the Knights, the Smiths, the Whitmers, and the Stoals (aka Stowells) and their desires for callings and personal revelation. Learn how we can also build the Kingdom of God–even if we don’t currently have a calling.

Part II

Have you ever wondered how and when the Aaronic Priesthood was restored? We continue with Dr. Scott Esplin and discuss the process of the ongoing Restoration (Melchizedek Priesthood included) and learn how the sons of Levi apply to us today. These were days “never to be forgotten” and we learn how today we also have a bright and glorious future. Join us to enjoy learning more about Joseph Smith and our part in the Gathering of Israel.

Part I

A year after the loss of the 116 pages and Doctrine and Covenants, Section 10 shows us that God’s wisdom is greater than the Adversary’s cunning. Join Dr. J.B. Haws, Hank Smith, and John Bythway as they discuss how our poor choices are turned to victory through the Savior and how the phrase, “Everything happens for a reason,” is bad theology. We also learn how to pray so that we spiritually “come off conqueror.”

Part II

What does Hank Smith mean when he says, “You can’t fool your family?” Join us for Part 2 of this episode with Dr. J.B. Haws as we learn how Hyrum Smith joins Joseph’s work and why Hyrum is described as having “integrity of heart.” If you would like to receive personal revelation from the Lord, learn more about Joseph and Hyrum’s relationship, and learn what the Lord means by “timing,” this episode is for you. Show notes available at followhim.co

In this bonus episode, Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat explains how historians use various sources, how audiences should examine them, and why this matters. If you have ever encountered some disturbing piece of historical information from a friend, foe, or the internet, this episode is for you.

Do you know how many times the word “desire” is in D&C Sections 6-7? What does it tell us about the Lord and agency? Join us with Dr. Janiece Johnson as she shares her thoughts about Oliver Cowdery, the myth of a prosperity gospel, and how the Lord will preserve His people. The reality of spectacles, Urim and Thummim, and how the translation of a human being and the translation of the plates are discussed. Miracles are happening in D&C 6-9 and in our lives today.

Part I

Have you made a mistake that takes 2400+ years to repair? How did the stolen 116 pages affect the relationship between Joseph Smith, Lucy Mack Smith, Lucy Harris, and Martin Harris? Join us for Episode 4 as Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat dramatically shares details about Emma’s brush with death, Joseph and Emma’s first baby’s passing, and why the pages were stolen and not lost–stolen!

Part II

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat is as exciting a storyteller as his name is difficult to spell! He tells us about the Redemption of Martin Harris, explains how one of the smartest men in the Church gets from Manchester to Pennsylvania, and why we no longer have the plates. Join us for Part II for one of our most dramatic episodes yet.

Part I

Imagine Joseph Smith, not as the prophet of the Restoration, but as a teenager filled with a cheery temperament. What was Joseph like before he was a Latter-day Saint? We get to know a teenager as he becomes a married prophet as Dr. Michael MacKay explains what it means that Joseph “has a work . . . to do.”

Part II

Suppose each religion and people are like a unique, indispensable fabric woven together by the golden thread of the Gospel, temple covenants, and the Savior; what is our part in the sewing? Dr. Michael MacKay reminds us that every human being has already chosen the Savior. Join us as we discuss how Joseph Smith brings forth what is to become the most inclusive religion the world has ever known.

Part I

Part I focuses on the context of Joseph Smith’s childhood, family relations and religious influences that culminates in the First Vision.

Part II

Part II focuses on the First Vision, touches on the four first-hand accounts. Multiple accounts of miraculous events describe a pattern throughout the scriptures (Alma the Younger, Paul, etc.).

Follow Him Podcast with Hank Smith & John Bytheway as they discuss the origins of the Doctrine and Covenants, why the Doctrine and Covenants is the “Capstone of our religion,” and introduce the “Sweat Who, What, When, Why, Wherefore, and That Method” for understanding D&C–the Lord’s preface.