How Does Sacrifice Sanctify Zion?

When a people face "fightings without" and "fears within", what keeps them standing? Is it possible to serve God without constantly worrying about your property, or even your family?

D&C 115–120 answers these questions, providing counsel for a Church struggling to survive. Summary: In this episode, we explore revelations given as the Saints faced intense persecution in Missouri and internal apostasy in Kirtland.

D&C 115 renames the Church, emphasizing that "thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints". The Lord calls Far West to be a "holy and consecrated land" , providing a "refuge from the storm".

D&C 116 identifies "Spring Hill" as the sacred place of Adam-ondi-Ahman , where Adam shall come to visit his people.

D&C 117 focuses on material priorities. The Lord asks, "what is property unto me?" , commanding the Saints to "let them go" and focus on the "more weighty matters". We highlight the incredible faith of Oliver Granger, whose sacrifice was deemed "more sacred...than his increase". The Lord also warns against a "littleness of soul" and the deeds of the Nicolaitane band.

D&C 118 issues a stunning challenge to the Twelve Apostles: to depart for their mission on April 26th from the cornerstone of the Far West temple, a site surrounded by enemies. The Lord promises to "provide for their families" as they go forth.

D&C 119-120 reveals the Law of Tithing: first, all "surplus property" , and subsequently, "one-tenth of all their interest annually". This law is declared a "standing law...forever" because sacrifice sanctifies , helping to "sanctify the land of Zion".

D&C 120 reveals that the disbursement of these funds must be managed by a presiding council.

Call-to-Action: What "stuff" or "property" do you need to "let go" of to focus on the "more weighty matters"? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If this discussion helped strengthen your faith, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith.

Chapter Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

5:37 What's In a Name?

18:24 Holy People Make Holy Ground

26:28 It's Just Stuff

39:19 Walk the Walk

48:02 Win or Lose

56:56 Mission Impossible

1:12:03 Tithing

1:29:03 One-Liners