Doctrine & Covenants 46-48 Part 1 • Prof. Danny Ricks • May 12-18 • Come Follow Me
May 7, 2025
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Professor Danny Ricks, a seasoned religious educator at BYU, Idaho, dives into the early days of the Saints in Kirtland. He discusses the pursuit of spiritual gifts amid challenges and emphasizes the necessity of inclusivity within the church. Ricks highlights how compassion can foster community, where everyone is valued, regardless of background. He also explores the crucial role of gratitude and humility, revealing how these virtues can transform faith and strengthen connections with the divine. Tune in for insights on navigating faith and crisis!
The significance of spiritual gifts is emphasized as essential tools for strengthening faith and community amidst early church challenges and persecution.
Inclusivity within the church community is crucial, promoting love and acceptance for all individuals regardless of their backgrounds or struggles.
A focus on gratitude acts as a transformative power, encouraging joy and resilience in personal faith journeys against doubt and negativity.
Deep dives
Restoration and Vision in Kirtland
Joseph Smith's role as a prophet involved a significant restoration of doctrine and practice during a tumultuous period in Kirtland. Following the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, members experienced angelic visitations and believed they were witnessing the Second Coming. However, this peak was soon marred by internal strife and the apostasy of leaders within the church, leading to outright hostility towards Joseph. The episode highlights the balance between recognizing spiritual experiences and maintaining gratitude for restored knowledge, contrasting the early fervor with the subsequent drift into skepticism and discord.
Gifts of the Spirit and Their Importance
The podcast emphasizes the significance of the gifts of the Spirit, as highlighted in the context of navigating early church challenges. Joseph Smith and the early saints were guided to understand these gifts as tools for strengthening their faith and community amidst persecution. The concept of spiritual gifts goes beyond simple talents; it encompasses divinely appointed abilities intended for the benefit of the church and its members. The hosts encourage listeners to actively seek and utilize these gifts, reminding them of their intrinsic value during both prosperous and challenging times.
Inclusivity and Acceptance in Community
A key insight shared relates to the necessity of being inclusive and welcoming within the church community, regardless of individuals' backgrounds or appearances. The discussion underscores the importance of embracing all members and seekers while recognizing the challenges of maintaining an open environment. Stories are shared about the detrimental impact of exclusionary attitudes, emphasizing the need for kindness and patience in treating others. The overarching message is that everyone, regardless of their struggles, should feel loved and accepted within spiritual spaces.
Navigating Faith Crises and Cultural Challenges
Amidst lessons on faith and community, the episode addresses the reality of faith crises, both historically and in contemporary contexts. Listeners are reminded that uncertainty and doubt are not new phenomena but have always existed in the fabric of the church. The hosts posit that remaining grounded in faith and maintaining a community focused on Christ is essential despite personal questions. This discussion encourages individuals to recognize their doubts while also seeking support from fellow believers without fear of judgment.
The Transformative Power of Gratitude
Threaded throughout the conversation is the theme of gratitude and its transformative power in personal faith journeys. A call to remain thankful for the blessings and knowledge received from God serves as a protective measure against doubt and negativity. The hosts discuss the joy that comes from recognizing the goodness in one’s life, particularly in the context of restored doctrines and the plan of salvation. This perspective encourages active gratitude as a means of inviting joy and providing resilience in navigating life's difficulties.
How do we seek “the best gifts?” Professor Danny Ricks explores the Saints early days in Kirtland, the nature of spiritual gifts, and the importance of welcoming all to the Restored Church.
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TIMECODE 00:00 - Part 1 - Professor Danny Ricks 04:10 Bio of Danny Ricks 05:53 Come, Follow Me Manual 09:53 Gifts of the Spirit and persecution 12:29 Allowing all to attend 13:50 D&C 46:3-6 - Could the Lord be clearer? 14:50 D&C 35:17 - Jesus wants smokers, drinkers, and sexists. 18:48 You had better follow the Holy Ghost 21:34 Satan preys on Imposter Syndrome 27:36 A bishop in overalls 31:52 Meetings directed by the Spirit 35:11 Gratitude is a cure-all 39:17 Understanding comes with time 42:51 Seeking spiritual gifts 47:27 Administrative gifts 50:55 Elder Packer “Our Moral Environment” 53:15 A spiritual autopsy 55:47 The love of a comma 59:13 Nodding at Nephi 1:01:00 Given to believe 1:03:41 Varieties of gifts 1:07:17 End of Part I - Professor Danny Ricks
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 Heather Barlow: Communications Director
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