Doctrine & Covenants 18 Part 2 • Dr. Steven C. Harper • February 24 - March 2 • Come Follow Me
Feb 19, 2025
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Dr. Steven C. Harper, an expert on the Doctrine and Covenants, dives deep into the worth of souls and the transformative love of Jesus Christ. He discusses the joy linked to sacrifice and the inherent value each individual holds in divine eyes. Harper critiques the commodification of humanity, emphasizing that true worth stems from God's love. The conversation further explores the commissioning of apostles, urging listeners to recognize their potential in spreading the gospel. Insights into the life of Joseph Smith and the unique beliefs of the restored gospel add rich context to this enlightening discussion.
Experiencing joy through sacrificial love reflects Christ's joy in our repentance, emphasizing its importance for reconnecting with God.
Every soul holds immense worth in God's eyes, rooted in unconditional love rather than societal achievements or status.
Deep dives
The Joy of Sacrifice
Experiencing joy through sacrificial love is highlighted, particularly in the context of parents and the atonement of Jesus Christ. The immense joy parents feel when their sacrifices benefit their children mirrors the joy Christ experiences when individuals repent and return to the Father. This relationship underscores the significance of repentance in reconnecting with God, emphasizing that when we repent, it brings joy to Christ. Furthermore, faith in Christ acts as the foundation for this cycle of repentance, ultimately formalized through covenants, underscoring the importance of living faithfully.
The Worth of Souls
The podcast discusses the profound worth of every soul in God's eyes, emphasizing that no heart, regardless of circumstance, is deemed less valuable. The worth of someone is not determined by societal metrics but is rooted in the intrinsic value ascribed by God, who loves each individual unconditionally. This perspective challenges common human tendencies to commodify or quantify the worth of individuals based on achievements or societal status. The message asserts that every person’s soul is precious, warranting respect and love, and aligns with the command to remember that the worth of souls is great.
Covenants and Taking Upon Christ's Name
Taking upon oneself the name of Jesus Christ is presented as a pivotal step in the relationship with God following repentance and faith. This act signifies a formal commitment to live in accordance with His teachings and to actively share in His redemptive power. The message conveyed is that once individuals take upon themselves the name of Christ through baptism, they become part of His divine family, enjoying a renewed status before God. The emphasis on acting in His name reinforces the importance of commitment and action in one's spiritual journey, rather than passivity.
Apostolic Mission and Universal Call to Repentance
The focus shifts to the mission of the apostles, tasked with the call to preach repentance and the reasons behind this call to the world. The idea is that every individual is invited to embrace repentance to reconnect with Christ and receive salvation through Him. Importantly, the message urges followers to prioritize their mission to embody and share this call rather than engage in contention with other Christian denominations. This highlights the shared goal of bringing souls to the knowledge of Christ, emphasizing a communal effort focused on love rather than division.
49:10 Dr. Harper shares his thoughts about Joseph Smith and Jesus Christ
58:03 End of Part II - Dr. Steven Harper
Thanks to the followHIM team: Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, Sponsor David & Verla Sorensen: Sponsors Dr. Hank Smith: Co-host John Bytheway: Co-host David Perry: Producer Kyle Nelson: Marketing, Sponsor Lisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show Notes Jamie Neilson: Social Media, Graphic Design Will Stoughton: Video Editor Krystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, Website Ariel Cuadra: Spanish Transcripts Amelia Kabwika : Portuguese Transcripts
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