109 Emma Smith: Elect & Complicated - Come Follow Me - E12 - March 17-23
Mar 11, 2025
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Dive into the early challenges of the church, highlighting Emma Smith's vital contributions and her resilience against adversity. Discover the dynamics of pride and humility through Joseph Smith's relationships with early leaders. Explore the symbolism behind 'shaking the dust off one's feet' and its implications for members facing persecution. The discussion also examines the evolution of women's roles in the church, emphasizing Emma's legacy and the concept of common consent, urging deeper involvement beyond just voting.
Doctrine and Covenants 23 illustrates the personal conduct of church leaders, warning Oliver Cowdery against pride and foreshadowing future conflicts.
Section 24 highlights Joseph Smith's resilience amidst persecution, emphasizing the necessity of faith and responsibility during challenging times.
Emma Smith is recognized as an 'elect lady' in Section 25, tasked with compiling hymns, marking a significant advancement for women's roles in the church.
Section 26 introduces the principle of common consent, enhancing democratic engagement within church governance and promoting accountability among members.
Deep dives
The Significance of Doctrine and Covenants 23
Doctrine and Covenants 23 serves as guidance for several key figures closely associated with Joseph Smith, including Oliver Cowdery, Hiram and Samuel Smith, Joseph Smith Sr., and Joseph Knight Sr. Each of these individuals receives specific counsel tied to their roles within the church. For instance, Oliver Cowdery is warned against pride, which is seen as a foreshadowing of future challenges he will face in his relationship with Joseph. The passage underscores the interconnectedness of personal conduct and spiritual responsibility within the early church community.
Contextual Understanding of Section 24
Section 24 emerges amid escalating persecution faced by Joseph Smith and early church members, particularly after Church meetings were disrupted by hostile mobs. It provides intimate insight into Joseph's struggles as he navigates arrests and trials while trying to confirm new converts in Colesville. During this turbulent time, Joseph is advised to focus on his responsibilities to the church, emphasizing that despite worldly pressures, faith and spiritual obligations must remain paramount. This section reinforces the idea of divine support amidst adversity, highlighting the importance of patience and resilience.
Emma Smith's Role in Doctrine and Covenants 25
Doctrine and Covenants 25 is a pivotal revelation dedicated to Emma Smith, highlighting her significance within the church as an 'elect lady' and emphasizing her responsibilities. Emma is called to compile sacred hymns for worship, a task that will lead to the creation of the church's first hymnbook, thereby establishing the importance of music in religious practice. The Lord's tender acknowledgment of Emma as His daughter reaffirms her valued place in the church, promoting a model for women's participation. Furthermore, the passage serves as a catalyst for the future establishment of the Relief Society, an auxiliary organization within the church that supports women's leadership and service.
Common Consent: An Integral Principle
Section 26 introduces the principle of common consent, which constitutes a foundational aspect of church governance, permitting members to express support or opposition for church leaders. This practice reinforces the belief that leadership should reflect the will of the congregation, grounding church authority in communal agreement rather than unilateral decisions. Joseph Smith's emphasis on the role of common consent serves as a call to active participation among members, instilling a culture of accountability and cooperation within the church. The ongoing application of this principle continues to shape the dynamics of church governance and member engagement.
Oliver Cowdery's Warnings and Future Challenges
In section 23, Oliver Cowdery is specifically cautioned against pride, which sets the stage for his eventual challenges within the church. His later disputes with Joseph Smith, rooted in questions of authority and revelation, highlight the consequences of failing to heed divine counsel. The section foreshadows Oliver's eventual resignation from the church, emphasizing the need for humility and a willingness to follow the prophetic direction provided by church leaders. This narrative illustrates the critical role of personal accountability and the risks associated with yielding to pride in spiritual leadership.
Emma's Enduring Legacy and the Hymnbook
The creation of the first hymnbook under Emma Smith's guidance marks a significant moment in church history, influencing worship practices for generations. This hymnbook laid the foundation for musical expression within church services, underscoring the importance of heartfelt worship through song. The songs chosen by Emma continue to resonate with church members today, illustrating the lasting impact of her contributions to church culture. This legacy highlights not only the recognition of women in leadership but also the enduring role of music in fostering spirituality and community within the church.
Reinforcing the Importance of Scripture Study
Section 26 emphasizes the importance of scripture study as a critical element of church leadership and personal growth. The directive for Joseph to devote his time to writing and understanding the scriptures emphasizes the necessity of spiritual education for leaders. This commitment to scripture serves as a reminder of the foundational role that divine revelations play in guiding church practices and beliefs. It fosters a culture that values continuous learning and reliance on spiritual texts as a means of understanding God's will.
Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine and Covenants 23-26 while offering their insights into the context, content, controversies, and consequences of these important sections.
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