Doctrine and Covenants Contexts

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

Christianity
**Doctrine and Covenants Contexts**

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

Latest Episodes:

Section 110 Oct 31, 2024

Show notes

Visions and Visitations: On April 3, 1836, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery experienced a series of visions in the Kirtland Temple. They saw the Lord Jesus Christ, who declared Himself as the crucified and resurrected Savior, and received priesthood keys from Moses, Elias, and Elijah.
Restoration of Keys: Moses conferred the keys of the gathering of Israel, Elias bestowed the keys of the gospel of Abraham, and Elijah restored the keys of sealing power. These keys were essential for the fulfillment of the Lord’s work in the latter days, including missionary work and temple ordinances.
Fulfillment of Prophecies: The appearance of these ancient prophets and the restoration of their keys fulfilled biblical prophecies and linked the Latter-day Saints to the promises made to the Israelite patriarchs. This event marked a significant moment in the restoration of temple-related power and knowledge.

Section 109 Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Key Points:

Dedicating the Kirtland Temple: On March 26, 1836, Joseph Smith prepared to dedicate the Kirtland Temple, the first House of the Lord in this dispensation. That day, he met with Oliver Cowdery and others to prepare a prayer, a thoughtful process because Joseph had never done this before. Oliver recorded that he helped Joseph compose the prayer for the solemn occasion.
Solemn Assembly: The next morning, nearly a thousand Saints filled the Kirtland Temple, while others met nearby. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., they sustained Joseph as Prophet and Seer, followed by a dedication service with hymns, scripture, and prayers. In the afternoon, Joseph offered the dedication prayer, reading from what became Doctrine and Covenants 109, summarizing the Church’s aspirations and presenting them to the Lord.
Content of the Prayer: Section 109 expresses gratitude to God and asks Him to accept the temple, allowing the Saints to receive promised blessings, including the power to become like Him, following principles laid out in section 88. Joseph prayed for the Saints to be endowed with power, organized according to divine law, and equipped to fulfill their missions (Doctrine and Covenants 109:4–15). He also prayed for strength and protection for missionaries, the safety of Saints driven from Jackson County, and mercy upon their persecutors, asking for the repentance of those who had wronged them.

Personal and Family Prayers: Joseph prayed for himself, recounting his sincere efforts to honor his covenants, and asked for blessings for Emma, their children, his in-laws, Church leaders, and the entire congregation, that they might be “exalted” with their families—a term here first used in the Doctrine and Covenants to indicate temple-enabled salvation (Doctrine and Covenants 109:69).
Petitions for Eternal Life: The prayer concludes with a desire for Saints to be “clothed with salvation” and rise in the first resurrection, crowned with glory and “robes of righteousness” (v. 76). Joseph repeated his plea that the Lord “hear us” and “accept the dedication,” envisioning Saints joining in worship with heavenly choirs.
Legacy of Section 109: Section 109 set a precedent for future temple dedications and offers a guide on how to pray in the temple: to ask for blessings aligned with God’s will, and to seek growth in degrees of divine glory until fully exalted. Alongside sections 76, 84, 88, and 93, section 109 extends the doctrine of the temple, encouraging Saints to “grow up” to God’s presence and fullness of joy, laying a foundation for the later revelation on exaltation in section 132. This prayer invites Saints, limited by mortality, to seek divine power and ultimately transcend into the eternal presence of God, surrounded by His majesty, truth, mercy, and infinite fullness (Doctrine and Covenants 109:77).

Read full article here:

https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-109

Section 108 Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Key Points:

Seeking Revelation through Joseph Smith: On December 26, 1835, Lyman Sherman, a member of the recently established Quorum of the Seventy, approached Joseph Smith with a profound impression. Feeling “wrought upon”—unsettled and prompted—he shared his need for guidance, hoping to receive a revelation clarifying his duty. Joseph then received section 108 for Lyman, providing him with counsel and peace.
Assurance and Patience: The Lord’s message began with reassurance, encouraging Lyman to “let [his] soul be at rest” and to exercise patience until the coming solemn assembly, where blessings and sacred ordinances awaited him and his fellow Saints. Lyman faithfully waited, and in 1836, he participated in the solemn assembly held in the Kirtland Temple, receiving the anticipated blessings and ordinances (Doctrine and Covenants 108:2, 4).
Principles of Revelation and Order: Joseph taught that revelation was universally available, yet there was an order to its reception. Section 108 exemplifies both principles. Lyman received a personal impression to seek revelation but did so through Joseph. The Lord forgave Lyman and confirmed his feelings, highlighting the importance of following the revealed order in matters relating to the Church and higher callings.
Legacy of Loyalty and Devotion: Known for his loyalty and humility, Lyman acknowledged Joseph’s prophetic role and submitted to the order established by God. In 1839, the First Presidency called him to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, though he passed away before his ordination. Lyman’s legacy reflects his faithful commitment to revelation, trust in the Lord’s timing, and respect for divine order.

Read full article here:

https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-108

Section 107 Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Key Points:

Calling of the First Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: In early 1835, Joseph Smith called and ordained the first Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in this dispensation. These young Apostles, recognizing the importance of their calling, gathered frequently to receive Joseph's instruction. At a March council, Joseph proposed they travel east to organize and support Church branches, which marked the beginning of their journey toward fulfilling their new responsibilities.
Preparation and Revelation of Section 107: The Apostles sought guidance and, united in prayer, requested a revelation of God’s will for their mission. Section 107 provided direction, revealing priesthood principles and helping the Apostles understand their duties. Heber Kimball described it as a revelatory experience received from the Lord through Joseph, which the Apostles embraced with gratitude.
Structure and Powers of the Priesthood: Section 107 describes the two main priesthoods—Melchizedek and Aaronic. The Melchizedek Priesthood offers exaltation, while the Aaronic serves as a preparatory priesthood. It established Church quorums, including the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Seventy, each with specific duties and authority. The revelation emphasized unity in decision-making and detailed roles of each quorum in leading and regulating the Church.
Responsibilities and History of Priesthood Lineage: The revelation outlines each quorum's responsibilities: the Apostles were to travel globally and oversee the Church under the First Presidency’s direction, while the Seventy would support them. Patriarchs, called through revelation, were to serve as "evangelical ministers." Verses 40–57 recount the priesthood lineage passed from Adam, describing a gathering where Adam blessed his descendants with promises for future generations.
Duties and Accountability in the Priesthood: Later verses clarify duties within Aaronic and Melchizedek quorums and stress the importance of diligence and learning. It ends with a call for accountability, urging priesthood holders to fulfill their duties or risk being judged unworthy. The language recalls Lehi’s charge to his sons to “arise from the dust...and be men” (2 Nephi 1:21).
Enduring Influence of Section 107: Section 107 had a profound impact on Joseph’s understanding of priesthood and fatherhood, which historian Richard Bushman noted as “restoring fatherhood” in addition to priesthood. This revelation continues to inspire many to rise, embrace responsibility, and fulfill their priesthood callings.

Read full article here:

https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-107

Section 106 Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Key Points from the Article:

Warren Cowdery's Conversion and Calling: In 1834, after supporting Joseph Smith and his companions during recruitment efforts for the Camp of Israel, Warren Cowdery, Oliver’s older brother, sympathized with the Saints and joined the Church. Observing a need for consistent leadership, Warren expressed interest in knowing the Lord’s will for him.
Revelation of Section 106: In response, the Lord revealed that Warren was called to preside over the Saints in Freedom, New York, and preach the gospel full-time. The revelation assured Warren that if he dedicated himself to this high calling, the Lord would provide for his needs.
Divine Joy and Conditional Promises: The Lord expressed joy at Warren’s commitment and blessed him for his willingness to submit to divine authority. Warren was warned against vanity and promised preservation at the Second Coming if he chose humility. In a conditional covenant, the Lord promised Warren a “kingly crown” in heaven, contingent on his faithfulness.
Later Service and Struggle: Warren served faithfully in New York and later moved to Kirtland, where he worked as a scribe and recorder for the Church. However, by 1838, like many others of his time, he struggled to fulfill the covenant promise to remain a steadfast “light unto the church.”

Read full article here:

https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-106

Section 105 Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Key Points from the article:

Missouri Mission Setback: In 1834, as the Camp of Israel journeyed to Missouri hoping to reclaim the Saints' land in Jackson County, Governor Dunklin withdrew his promise to provide militia support. Joseph Smith had urged the Saints in the east to send aid, but many responded too late, limiting the camp’s ability to defend the land.
Revelation for Peace: Facing hostility from locals who feared an attack, Joseph sought revelation for guidance. In Doctrine and Covenants 105, the Lord revealed that Zion would not be redeemed by fighting but rather by endowing the Saints with power, gained through a priesthood endowment at the Kirtland Temple.
Temporary Postponement of Zion: The revelation indicated that Zion's redemption would be postponed for a "little season" until the Saints grew in faith, unity, and obedience to the law of consecration. During this time, the Saints were instructed to peacefully purchase land in western Missouri rather than gather in large numbers.
Command to Retreat: Doctrine and Covenants 105 directed Joseph to disband the camp, advising the Saints to return to their families or stay in Missouri to support the exiled Saints. This shift redirected the Saints’ focus to obtaining power through spiritual preparation and priesthood endowment rather than military action.
Endowment of Power in Kirtland: Joseph organized the Saints to return to Kirtland, where they completed the temple and received the promised endowment of power. This endowment marked a turning point, equipping the Saints to gather Israel globally, build Zion through obedience, and eventually reclaim their lands.
Ongoing Relevance: Doctrine and Covenants 105 outlines the need for Saints to live the law of consecration, which remains essential for establishing Zion. While some have suggested that consecration was rescinded, the revelation emphasizes it as a celestial law that Saints must learn to live to build Zion, a principle reaffirmed by later Church leaders.

Read full article here:

https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-105

Section 104 Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Parable Connection: The Savior's story in Luke 16:19-31 of the rich man and Lazarus inspired Doctrine and Covenants 104, applying its lesson to the Latter-day Saints. "Dives," the Latin term for "rich man," became a symbolic figure of wealth and negligence in medieval interpretations and is mentioned here to highlight the consequences of hoarding riches.
United Firm's Financial Struggles: The revelation emerged during a crisis for the United Firm, which managed Church businesses and was heavily indebted due to destroyed assets and expenses for aid to Saints in Missouri. This financial strain revealed issues of covetousness and lack of support from members who could have eased the burden.
Consecration and Accountability: The Lord reaffirmed the law of consecration, emphasizing that everything on earth belongs to Him, and the rich are obligated to share with the poor. Section 104 warned of severe consequences for covenant-breaking Saints, urging them to fulfill their roles as stewards rather than independent "owners."
Dissolution of the United Firm: In response to financial disunity, the Lord directed the United Firm to dissolve, establishing separate firms in Kirtland and Missouri. This reorganization highlighted the importance of adhering to consecration principles and sharing resources according to God's will.
Debt Forgiveness and Divine Assistance: The Firm members forgave each other's debts, relieving some burdens but still facing external obligations. They prayed for divine help, leading to donations and, ultimately, the unexpected arrival of funds that saved Church properties. Through their consecration, humility, and diligence, the Saints experienced blessings beyond financial relief, including spiritual outpourings at the Kirtland Temple.

Read full article here:

https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-104

Section 103 Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

Key Points from the Article:

Missouri Saints Seek Counsel: Facing persecution in Missouri, the Saints sent Parley Pratt and Lyman Wight to Kirtland to seek Joseph Smith’s advice. They likely brought news that Missouri’s governor, Daniel Dunklin, was willing to help them reclaim their lands but could not maintain militia support indefinitely. Joseph counseled with his brethren, decided to travel to Missouri, and asked for volunteers. In this context, section 103 was revealed, affirming the Saints’ right to reclaim Zion and outlining conditions for their success.
Conditional Promises for Zion: The Lord clarified that Zion’s redemption depended on the Saints’ adherence to commandments and unity. He emphasized that they had been driven from their lands partially due to disobedience. Section 103 promises Zion’s eventual establishment but warns that if the Saints “pollute their inheritances,” they will lose them again. The revelation echoes earlier counsel in section 58, assuring that Zion will come “after much tribulation” if they remain faithful.
The Call to Assemble an Army: In section 103, the Lord instructed Joseph to gather an “army of Israel” to redeem Zion, even suggesting that the march might test their willingness to “lay down [their] life” for the cause. Joseph and seven appointed recruiters were to gather five hundred men, though the Lord acknowledged that fewer might answer the call due to free agency. He set a minimum of one hundred dedicated men as a requirement for moving forward, emphasizing that the outcome relied on the Saints’ faith and diligence.
Preparation and Resolve: Heber Kimball recounted how Joseph organized the gathering of supplies, clothing, and provisions for the journey to aid the exiled Saints in Missouri. Equipped with minimal resources and a readiness to sacrifice, the group embarked on what would become the “Camp of Israel.” Local newspapers reported on the revelation, noting that three hundred young men were to “go well armed” to defend Zion, though it remained unclear whether redemption would come through physical force or divine intervention.
March as a Test of Faith: The Camp of Israel’s march tested the participants’ faith and dedication. With ambiguous guidance on whether redemption would involve physical confrontation, the Saints walked forward in faith, willing to follow the Lord’s instructions. They ultimately reached Missouri, only to learn that Zion’s redemption would come through spiritual endowment at the House of the Lord in Kirtland rather than through armed conflict. The experience highlighted the importance of sacrifice and reliance on divine timing in the pursuit of Zion.
Read full article here:
https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-103

Section 102 Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

Key Points from the Article:

Formation of Church Councils: Joseph Smith convened councils to make Church decisions, especially regarding discipline, as outlined in the Church’s law from 1831 (Doctrine and Covenants 42). As the Church grew, the need arose for standing councils to manage more complex issues. On February 17, 1834, Joseph shared with priesthood leaders a vision-based outline for these councils, noting that ancient Church councils operated differently from secular courts.
Ancient Order of Councils: Joseph taught that in ancient times, Jerusalem was the Church Council’s center, with Peter as president, appointed by Christ and supported by two counselors who could act in his absence. Church councils differed from secular courts by relying on the Spirit rather than arguments for or against the accused. Instead, each councilor spoke according to evidence and inspiration. Joseph was given authority to make necessary corrections to the council’s procedures, which were formalized and canonized in Doctrine and Covenants 102.
Establishing the High Council: On February 19, 1834, Joseph organized the high council, blessing his two counselors and twelve high counselors with wisdom, power, and protection from adversarial forces. He charged them to counsel with righteousness and established the council as “according to the ancient order.” This council helped establish a stake of Zion in Kirtland, following imagery from Isaiah and previous revelations, and outlined guidelines for other standing and temporary councils.
First Case and Procedures: The high council's first case involved Ezra Thayer’s charge against Elder Curtis Hodges for overly loud preaching. Following the procedures in Section 102, counselors with even numbers represented the accused, while odd-numbered counselors defended the Church’s interests. Witnesses confirmed that Hodges’ loud preaching disrupted his voice, and Joseph, presiding, affirmed the charges were valid. Curtis confessed his error and promised to repent.
Enduring Instructions of Section 102: Although not all cases are as straightforward as this one, the guidelines in Section 102 continue to shape high council practices in the Church’s stakes, ensuring that disciplinary and other proceedings follow the principles established by Joseph Smith.

Read full article here:

https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-102

Section 101 Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

Key Points from the Article:

Exile News and Joseph’s Prayer: On December 10, 1833, Joseph Smith received devastating news that the Saints in Missouri were being driven from their land, despite having purchased it legally. Joseph, who had hoped for justice through the legal system, was deeply saddened. Unsure why the Lord allowed this, he prayed for the Saints’ return and asked God to remove their unrepentant enemies. A week later, Section 101 was revealed in response to his prayer.
Purpose of Trials and Call to Sanctification: In Section 101, the Lord explained that these trials were part of the Saints’ sanctification and a call to cultivate unity and purity in their efforts to build Zion. The Saints were encouraged to abandon contention, jealousy, and covetousness, qualities that would hinder the establishment of Zion. The Lord reassured them, however, that despite their struggles, His mercy would prevail, and Zion would eventually be redeemed.
Acknowledgment of Injustice: The Lord recognized the unfairness of the Saints’ suffering, explaining that He allowed these challenges to draw them closer to Him. While some Saints had neglected past revelations on gathering, consecrating resources, and building a temple, these hardships helped renew their focus. The Lord promised that Zion would be established in the millennial day, a time of purity, peace, and divine enlightenment.
Parable of Stewardship: Through a parable, the Lord compared the Saints’ oversight in Zion to servants who neglected their duties in protecting a vineyard. By delaying temple construction and mismanaging resources, the Saints had left themselves exposed to their enemies. The Lord urged them to recommit to His commandments, promising that Zion’s redemption would follow their obedience. They were instructed to gather resources, increase their numbers through preaching, and purchase land systematically and lawfully.
Seeking Redress and Retaining Land: The Lord advised the Saints to appeal to government officials for justice, assuring them that He would intervene if officials disregarded their pleas. He commanded them to retain ownership of their land in Missouri, resisting the pressure to sell. The revelation concluded with an explanation that Zion’s delay was a result of disobedience, underscoring that blessings are conditional upon faithful adherence to His commandments. The timing of Zion’s redemption would depend on their choices and dedication.

Read full article here:

https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-101

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Doctrine and Covenants Contexts

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected