D&C 51 – 83

Part I

Do you ever struggle to identify with those in the scriptures? In Section 81, we see Frederick G. William’s name but originally the revelation listed Jesse Gause’s name (but he didn’t serve faithfull and was replaced with Williams). Dr. Matthew Godfrey explains how the revelations can be used and applied to Saints today, regardless of the names in the scriptures. These sections may seem brief but Dr. Godfrey expounds on the historical backgrounds that make these sections soon to be some of your favorites as they discuss service, ministering, and how the Lord qualifies those whom He calls.

Part II

Have you ever felt offended on behalf of someone else? Joseph Smith and Edward Partridge have a serious disagreement yet reconcile. Ezra Booth remains bitter, long after Joseph and Edward forgive one another. Dr. Godfrey continues to expound upon the history of these sections, the applications of forgiveness, reconciliation, service, and how quick the Lord is to forgive.

Part I

Have you had a question you would ask the Lord? Joseph and Sydney Rigdon asked the Lord about specific parts of the book of Revelation. They received answers that help us understand mercy, the Second Coming, and the language of symbolism. Dr. Craig Manscill teaches how Doctrine and Covenants 77 helps us understand how God reveals his mysteries to the earnest and devoted seekers.

Part II

Dr. Manscill continues to discuss the United Firm, the Law of Consecration, and tithing. The early Saints were called to meet both temporal and spiritual needs as we are today. We discuss how the Church provides covenants as well as material assistance to advance the cause of Zion. Meet some early Saints (as well as modern Saints) who served where they were called and received gifts from the Lord.

Part I

Steve Harper shares why the Saints referred to this section as “The Vision” before the First Vision was shared widely, “The Vision” of the Three Degrees of Glory changed the soteriology of salvation. Dr. Harper explains how this series of visions and commentary was not only controversial, but how God has provided a way for most of His children to return. This expansive revelation changes the Saints’ view of grace and salvation forever.

Part II

Dr. Harper returns with Hank and John to discuss how Section 76 elaborates when Paul says that we can be “joint-heirs with Christ.” We hear Dr. Harper share why he reveres Joseph Smith and what Dr. Harper feels are Joseph’s greatest gifts. Join us with one of the Church’s foremost historians to discuss one of the most profound revelations of this dispensation.

Part I

What is grace, and what role does it play in our lives? This week’s guest, Dr. Brad Wilcox, answers these and other questions as he likens grace to a scholarship–it is a gift that keeps on giving if we use and accept it. Hank, John, and Brad discuss how to address the Ezra Booths of our day, making it ‘us against the adversary,’ rather than ‘us against them.’ Finally, they touch on how both Edward Partridge and Newel K. Whitney felt less than qualified for their callings as bishops. What can we do as members to help lighten the bishop’s load?

Part II

Some people feel like if they didn’t, or couldn’t, serve as a young missionary they are less, and that they lost their opportunity to serve. In this episode, Dr. Wilcox returns and expounds on missionary work. He points out that the Lord has been modifying mission calls for a long time, and we don’t need to stigmatize those who come home early. Youth missions aren’t the only way to serve the Lord. He teaches us to not lose hope for those who have wandered away from the church and to never give up on them. He emphasizes Doctrine and Covenants 75:24: “…it is the duty of the church to assist in supporting the families of those…who are called and must needs be sent unto the world to proclaim the gospel unto the world.” Everyone has something they can offer to the work of the Lord.

Part I

What is the Book of Commandments, and how does it compare to our current Doctrine and Covenants? Who was William McLellin, and what were his struggles with Church leadership? Join Dr. Robert Line as he expounds on these questions while reminding us of the eternally forgiving nature of God. The early Saints made mistakes, and so do we, but the power of repentance can wipe away all the pain of sin.

Part II

Have you ever felt pressure to raise righteous children? Or felt inadequate as you try to do so? Dr.  Robert Line continues and touches on the importance of parents teaching their children to understand the gospel. He reminds us of the fallibility of the church and its leaders and that God speaks to us through the small and simple things, once again emphasizing God’s mercy in our lives.

Part I

Have you ever struggled with forgiving others or forgiving yourself? Do you ever doubt if you can truly be forgiven? Join Hank, John, and Brother S. Michael Wilcox as they delve into Doctrine and Covenants 64 and discuss forgiveness. What did the Lord have to say about forgiveness and mercy to the early saints? Brother Wilcox teaches that a key to forgiving is to celebrate the good and forgive everything else–hatred can end only through love.

Part II

We continue with Brother S. Michael Wilcox as he uses Russian literature to expound on the power of Doctrine and Covenants 65. What does giving someone an onion have to do with being invited to the long-awaited marriage feast? As they transition to Section 66, they focus on the importance of bearing testimony–of first believing and acting on that belief–and then receiving a witness. Listen as Brother Wilcox bears his powerful testimony of the goodness of Jesus Christ’s gospel.

Part I

The Lord judges not by appearance, but by potential. This is true for Missouri and Zion as well. Dr. Lynne Wilson teaches how our observance of the Sabbath is important for not only building Zion but for our preparations for the Second Coming. The Saints (and us) in Kirtland and Missouri are taught by the Lord how to prepare for the Temple, Zion, and the Second Coming.

Part II

What does it mean, “This is a day of warning and not a day of many words?” How do we learn from the early Saints and choose the Kingdom of God? We continue with Dr. Wilson and learn how spiritual 72-hour kits are more critical than temporal ones to prepare the world for the Second Coming. Join us for Part II of Section 63 of the Doctrine and Covenants.

Have you ever felt that your efforts fall short? Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat returns and teaches how the elders are called to travel from Kirtland to Jackson County, Missouri, and, “Preach by the way.” In their month-long travels, some work harder than others and the Lord addresses this and us and encourages us to remember that our testimony of the gospel is like a “talent.” This episode encourages us to serve and teach because the Lord is with us, as with the early Saints.

Part I

What happens to the Saints as they arrive in Missouri and expect Zion? Do we come to Zion or build it? Dr. Alexander Baugh is the consummate Missouri historian and helps set the stage for the Saints’ arrival and eventual expulsion from the state. This episode will remind us what the Lord teaches us when our expectations don’t meet reality and what happens after “much tribulation.

Part II

Dr. Alexander Baugh continues our discussion about the cultural disparity between the Saints and the local population in Missouri as we discuss Doctrine and Covenants 58-59. The Lord is gathering Saints from the United States, Canada, and England to create an organization that will have Saints in every corner of the world. The Lord is calling them and us to bring what little we have, and He will multiply our efforts.

Part I

Are members required to live the Law of Consecration now? Dr. Maclane Heward joins John and Hank to discuss righteous stewardship, Zion, and how our covenants prepare us to meet the Savior. You will learn to love Edward and Lydia Partridge as much as Hank and Dr. Heward after listening to this episode. Also, we learn about Lucy Mack Smith as a powerful leader and a bold witness. This story is not to be missed.

Part II

In Part II we continue to discuss the power of covenants and the Law of Consecration.  Dr. Heward also teaches us how Joseph Smith and Edward Partridge argue but resolve their differences and Ezra Booth leaves the Church due to being offended on behalf of someone else. Learn how to become a wise steward, grow the cause of Zion, and to forgive with this powerful and life-changing episode.