Doctrine & Covenants 18 Part 1 • 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, delves into section 18, exploring the profound value of souls and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He discusses the infinite 'math equation' of faith and repentance, emphasizing the importance of personal spiritual commitments. Harper addresses historical context, shedding light on the sacrifices of early followers like Oliver Cowdery. Listeners learn about the intrinsic worth of each soul and the transformative power of individual choices in their spiritual journeys.
The worth of souls is immeasurable in God's eyes, transcending worldly standards and signifying immense value in each individual.
Early church members faced faith crises similar to modern believers, receiving tailored revelations in response to their sincere prayers and struggles.
Repentance is framed as a joyful invitation to growth and connection with God, transforming the negative perception into a path of redemption.
Deep dives
The Worth of Souls in God's Eyes
The podcast highlights the profound principle that the worth of souls is great in the sight of God, underscoring the central theme of Section 18 of the Doctrine and Covenants. This key revelation emphasizes that God's perspective on an individual's value transcends conventional measures such as talent or wealth. It’s suggested that the ultimate measure of worth is the infinite atonement made by Jesus Christ, which signifies that each soul is invaluable. This concept is bolstered by numerous examples throughout scripture, demonstrating the significance of bringing souls to repentance, as it brings joy to God when even one soul returns to Him.
Experiences of Faith and Doubt
Listeners are reminded that faith crises are not a modern phenomenon but were faced by early church members as well, often leading to revelations that addressed their specific needs. The discussion touches on the historical context of the revelations, emphasizing how they arose from genuine queries and struggles faced by individuals like Oliver Cowdery, who sought guidance on the forthcoming establishment of the Church. The notion that God responds to sincere prayers during times of need is reinforced, highlighting His closeness to human experience and the divine practice of granting wisdom through revelation. These personal struggles make the sacred texts much more relatable, as they reflect real-life dilemmas faced by actual individuals.
Call to Repentance
The podcast stresses the importance of repentance as a principle not only for individual growth but as an act that invites others to come unto Christ. Listeners are called to recognize that the commandment to repent is an invitation to experience joy through divine connection and growth. This perspective shifts the view of repentance from a negative connotation to a pathway toward redemption and happiness. The hosts illustrate this point with the notion that the joy of the Lord is greatly magnified when individuals repent, framing it as a transformative experience rather than one of mere punishment.
God's Infinite Love and Sacrifice
Dr. Steve Harper elaborates on the concept that God's love is fundamentally revealed through sacrifice rather than the prevention of suffering, using Christ's atonement as the key example. The discussion explains that Jesus' willingness to bear pain allows humanity to experience joy through repentance, thereby creating a profound link between divine suffering and human joy. This fundamental aspect of Christian theology is examined, where God's love is characterized by His personal involvement in human suffering, emphasizing that He understands and alleviates our burdens through His own sufferings. The constant call is to recognize the Savior’s intention in offering His life so that all may come unto Him, reinforcing that each individual's worth to God is immeasurable.
The Transformation of the Mindset
Listeners are encouraged to adopt a mindset that seeks to understand the scriptures deeply rather than superficially, fostering a genuine connection to the doctrinal teachings of the Gospel. The podcast encourages reflection on personal desires and what one truly seeks from God, emphasizing that this understanding shapes our interactions with Him. The hosts challenge the audience with the question of what they genuinely want from their relationship with God, urging them to approach God with sincerity and openness. This transformative approach will lead to a fulfilling spiritual life, where reliance on God and a consistent pursuit of understanding His ways become paramount.
16:15 Problems solved by the new and everlasting covenant
20:16 What do you want most?
23:48 Math equation
26:31 Resolving calamities
28:29 Oliver Cowdery has a concern
30:33 Those who knew Joseph
32:28 Doctrine and Covenants Contexts
37:05 Are the scriptures boring?
41:19 My Church, my Gospel, my Rock
46:23 The prophecies and promises that will be revealed
50:14 “Which purpose is known in me?”
53:02 The reason for repentance
56:03 Missionaries helping a woman in Saskatoon
1:00:49 Christianity involves suffering
1:04:06 The worth of souls
1:08:48 End of Part 1 - 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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