Doctrine and Covenants Contexts

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**Doctrine and Covenants Contexts**

This is an audio narration of *Doctrine and Covenants Contexts*, a book by Steven C. Harper.

Latest Episodes:

Section 49 Oct 24, 2024

Show notes

Key points from this section:

Refutation of Shaker Beliefs: Section 49 addresses and refutes several beliefs held by the Shakers, such as the idea that Christ’s Second Coming had already occurred and that He appeared in the form of a woman.
Teachings on Marriage and Meat: The section emphasizes that marriage is ordained of God and that the eating of meat is approved, countering the Shaker practices of celibacy and dietary restrictions.

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-49.

Section 48 Oct 04, 2024

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Key points from this section:

Context: Section 48 of the Doctrine and Covenants addresses questions about the literal gathering of Israel and the building of New Jerusalem.
Instructions: The Lord advises the saints to settle in Ohio first before attempting to build New Jerusalem.
Law of Consecration: The section clarifies that saving and earning money for righteous purposes is commanded, as long as it is done in righteousness.
Orderly Process: The Lord outlines a step-by-step process for building and inhabiting New Jerusalem based on previous and future revelations.

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-48

Section 47 Oct 04, 2024

Show notes

Key points from this section:

Record Keeping Commanded: On the day the Church was restored, the Saints were commanded to keep records. Initially, Oliver Cowdery was responsible, but John Whitmer was later appointed.
John Whitmer’s Reluctance: John Whitmer was hesitant to take on the task but agreed after a revelation through Joseph Smith.
John’s Contributions: Despite his reluctance, John faithfully transcribed many early revelations, though his historical accounts were less detailed.
Revelations’ Authority: The early Saints viewed revelations received through Joseph Smith as the voice of God, holding higher authority than Joseph’s personal counsel.

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-47

Section 46 Oct 04, 2024

Show notes

Key points from this section:

Spiritual Gifts: The Lord commands Saints to earnestly seek the gifts of the Spirit to avoid deception.
Conflict and Revelation: A conflict among missionaries led to a revelation emphasizing the need for spiritual guidance in conducting meetings.
Inclusivity and Exceptions: While the Book of Mormon encourages inclusivity, the Lord allows exceptions to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Purpose of Gifts: Spiritual gifts are meant to benefit those who love the Lord and keep His commandments, not for selfish motives.

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-46

Section 45 Oct 04, 2024

Show notes

Key points from the current page:

Joseph Smith’s Bible Revision: Joseph Smith began revising the King James Bible shortly after the Church was restored in 1830, receiving revelations that included the book of Moses.
Section 45: This section is a unique revelation where the Savior himself interprets and applies his Olivet discourse, connecting the Old and New Testaments with the restoration of the gospel.
Themes of Section 45: It addresses overwhelming wickedness, pending calamities, and the righteous seeking safety and peace, ultimately justifying optimism in the face of evil.
Historical Context: The section was revealed during a time of false reports and prejudice against the Church, providing comfort and clarity to the early Saints.

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-45

Section 44 Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

Key points from this section:

Command to Gather: Joseph Smith received a commandment to gather all the elders of the Church in Kirtland, Ohio, to fulfill the Lord’s purposes.
Purpose of Gathering: The gathering was meant to empower the elders with the Lord’s Spirit, making them effective preachers and organizers.
Legal and Economic Organization: The assembly was necessary for legal recognition of the Church and to organize economically according to both state laws and the Lord’s law of consecration.
Opposition and Relief Efforts: The Saints faced opposition from prominent men, and the Lord emphasized the need to visit and relieve the poor and needy.

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-44

Section 43 Oct 03, 2024

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Key points from this chapter:

Eschatological Text: Section 43 addresses the end of the world and the events leading up to the Savior’s return 1.
Revelation Boundaries: It validates personal revelation while setting boundaries, stating that only Joseph Smith or his authorized successors can reveal the Lord’s will for the entire Church.
Clarification Needed: The section was necessary to clarify who could receive revelations for the Church, especially amidst confusion caused by individuals like Hubble.
Distinction in Teachings: It distinguishes between the Lord’s commandments and teachings about how to act on them, emphasizing that teachings are not as binding as revelations.

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-43

Section 42 Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

Key points from this section:

Joseph Smith’s Revelation: Shortly after arriving in Ohio, Joseph Smith received a revelation known as “The Laws of the Church of Christ” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:1–73), addressing the need for guidance among the Saints.
Law of Consecration: The revelation clarified that consecration involved using property for the Lord’s work, emphasizing stewardship and accountability rather than communal ownership.
Implementation and Challenges: Bishop Edward Partridge implemented the law, but it faced challenges, including voluntary participation and legal disputes.
Ongoing Relevance: The principles of the law of consecration, such as agency and stewardship, remain relevant and are still in effect today.

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-42

Section 41 Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

Key points from this section:

Arrival in Kirtland: Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon arrived in Kirtland, Ohio, where they received a warm welcome from the Saints.
Revelation of Section 41: This revelation addressed housing concerns and unexpectedly called Edward Partridge as a bishop.
Edward Partridge’s Background: Partridge was a successful hat maker who converted to the Church after meeting Joseph Smith and being baptized.
Law of Consecration: Section 41 introduced the law of consecration, requiring Partridge to leave his business and dedicate his life to the Church’s work.

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-41

Sections 39–40 Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

Key points from this section:

James Covel’s Covenant: James Covel, a Methodist minister, covenanted to obey any command from the Lord through Joseph Smith.
Command and Rejection: The Lord commanded James to be baptized and preach the gospel, but he quickly rejected this command due to fear and worldly concerns.
Agency and Revelation: The sequence of events highlights the role of agency in revelation, showing that James chose to break his covenant of his own free will.
God’s Foreknowledge: Joseph Smith taught that God foreknew everything but did not foreordain everything, emphasizing human agency.

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