Janiece Johnson, an expert in American religious history and editor at Deseret Book, joins the discussion about recognizing how God communicates with us. She shares insights into personal revelation and the importance of understanding its subjective nature. The conversation highlights misconceptions about spiritual guidance and emphasizes the significance of integrating both emotional and intellectual aspects in faith. They also explore historical revelations and the diverse ways individuals can perceive divine guidance in their personal journeys.
Faith involves actively choosing to trust God despite fear, as illustrated by Moses' irrational yet faith-driven decision to part the Red Sea.
Personal revelation is a diverse experience, with individuals interpreting God's guidance through various sensations like peace and clarity rather than a singular predefined model.
Inquiry and doubt are essential components of faith, as asking questions can lead to a deeper understanding and foster divine communication.
Deep dives
Understanding Faith Amidst Fear
Faith does not imply the absence of fear but rather the choice to listen to faith despite fear's presence. The example of Moses and the Israelites showcases the struggle between fear and faith during the Exodus, where the Israelites questioned their decision amidst pursuing enemies. Moses was instructed by God to part the Red Sea, which required him to act on a prompting that seemed irrational given the circumstances. This illustrates the importance of making decisions based on faith, even when fear looms, as well as the necessity of trusting God to lead us through daunting situations.
The Dynamics of Personal Revelation
The concept of personal revelation is central to understanding how individuals communicate with God, particularly in light of differing experiences. Oliver Cowdery's experiences of receiving revelation underscore the idea that everyone may not experience 'burning in the bosom' the same way; some might encounter God’s guidance as a feeling of peace or clarity instead. There is a rich diversity in how personal revelation manifests, suggesting that relying on one predefined model can limit our understanding of God's communication. The ongoing exploration of personal experiences enriches faith and can provide words to describe various spiritual sensations.
The Importance of Asking Questions
Asking questions plays a vital role in spiritual development and is often the genesis of divine revelations. Oliver Cowdery’s initial uncertainties about his spiritual journey illustrate that doubt and inquiry are natural components of faith. It is emphasized that rather than indicating weakness, such questioning can lead to deeper understanding and communication with God. The restoration of Christ's teachings often stems from those who seek answers, suggesting a reciprocal relationship where inquiry fuels the desire for divine communication.
The Role of Desire in Discipleship
Desire is a crucial element in both discipleship and the ability to receive revelation, as emphasized in the teachings given to Oliver. A sincere desire to understand God’s will or to engage in service leads to a greater capacity for receiving guidance. The scriptures illustrate that as one expresses desire, the chances of receiving answers or insights increase significantly. Consequently, one’s longing to know God’s direction actively engages divine assistance and supports the pursuit of a righteous life.
Revelation Through a Combination of Heart and Mind
A revolutionary aspect of receiving revelation is the integration of both mind and heart, suggesting that God speaks to us through holistic understanding rather than through a single channel. The Lord encourages Oliver Cowdery, emphasizing the need to utilize both rational thought and emotional intuition as catalysts for revelation. This inclusive approach transcends traditional gender roles and affirms the significance of emotional intelligence alongside intellectual reasoning in spiritual matters. The combination of these two faculties enhances our responsiveness to divine guidance, supporting a more profound connection with God.
We have amazing and fantastic extra material for you on our Patreon Website. Join us there (TSAR.website) for a lot of rich and meaningful extras.
In this episode Kerry and Janiece Johnson discuss the background of these crucial sections, and what it teaches us about recognizing how God speaks to us. They talk about common misconceptions, things that can make the process difficult, and how wonderful it it that God speaks to us, and that He speaks to us in so many ways.
We are grateful for our generous donors who make the podcast possible. We are also grateful for Launchpad Consulting Studios, who produce the podcast, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.
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