Doctrine & Covenants 51-57 : Dr. Maclane Heward Part II
May 16, 2021
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Dr. Maclane Heward, an expert on the Doctrine and Covenants, dives deep into the transformative power of covenants and the Law of Consecration. Discover how Joseph Smith and Edward Partridge navigated their disagreements, and learn valuable lessons about stewardship and community. Heward highlights the struggles of early church members faced with personal tragedy and the importance of forgiving offenses, even those taken on behalf of others. This engaging discussion inspires a passion for discipleship and understanding of prophetic fallibility.
The historical context and experiences of early church leaders emphasize the need for obedience and sacrifice to prepare for divine presence and community growth.
The podcast highlights the importance of charity and selflessness in fostering a Christ-centered community through acts of service and genuine care for others.
Deep dives
Historical Background and Spiritual Experiences
The podcast delves into the historical context surrounding Section 52, highlighting instances of deception and spiritual experiences among early church leaders. It recounts an event involving Joseph Smith, where Lyman White claims to have seen God and Jesus, suggesting profound spiritual encounters akin to temple experiences. These moments are characterized by a strong emphasis on obedience to various laws, including the law of the gospel and the law of sacrifice, as necessary for the community to prepare for divine presence. The account stresses the significance of these encounters in relation to their future roles and responsibilities within the church.
Mission Calls and Personal Sacrifice
The episode discusses the mission calls issued to numerous individuals, illustrating their varying degrees of commitment and success in furthering the church's objectives. It describes the arduous journey faced by these missionaries as they traveled from Ohio to Missouri, which could stretch nearly a thousand miles, reflecting their dedication amidst significant challenges. The personal sacrifices made by figures like Edward Partridge, who was urged to sell his belongings for the cause of Zion, highlight the level of commitment required from the members. This discussion invites listeners to consider their own readiness to make sacrifices in the name of faith.
Confronting Deception and Maintaining Faith
A significant theme explored is the need for vigilance against deception within the church community, as evidenced by the experiences of early leaders like Lyman White. The podcast emphasizes the importance of staying connected to prophetic leadership and church ordinances to navigate the temptations and choices that can lead individuals astray. It highlights that even individuals with profound spiritual experiences, such as those who have witnessed divine manifestations, are not immune to becoming deceived. This underscores the expectation that church members must maintain constant awareness and dedication to their spiritual commitments to avoid falling into error.
The Role of Charity and Community
The discussion extends to the grace of charity and communal responsibility, emphasizing that spiritual growth often entails making sacrifices for the welfare of others. The podcast draws attention to a powerful call toward selflessness, where individuals are asked to genuinely care for their neighbors and demonstrate love to everyone in the community. By sharing examples from church history about member interactions and acts of service, it illustrates how living a Christ-centered life can manifest through simple, daily actions. The hosts question whether their audience is willing to engage in these acts of love, reinforcing the idea that unconditional charity is foundational for building a robust spiritual community.
In Part II we continue to discuss the power of covenants and the Law of Consecration. Dr. Heward also teaches us how Joseph Smith and Edward Partridge argue but resolve their differences and Ezra Booth leaves the Church due to being offended on behalf of someone else. Learn how to become a wise steward, grow the cause of Zion, and to forgive with this powerful and life-changing episode.
Show notes: https://followhim.co/episodes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FollowHimOfficialChannel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followhimpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcast
00:06 Historical Background to Section 51
04:08 The Lord is Preparing His People for a Temple
08:00 Emma and Joseph lose twins (and adopt twins)
11:32 Prophets are Fallible but Saints Don’t Believe It
14:52 How We Decide How Much is Our Surplus
18:56 The Lord Requires Profound Discipleship
20:44 Prophets are Wild Men Who Inspire Us to Do More
26:53 We Need Ordinances to Help Our Children Become Spiritual
29:28 If You Have Access to the Sacrament Regularly, You are One of the Elect
32:00 Edward Partridge Asks Joseph for Forgiveness
34:03 Lydia Partridge States Zion is Worth Every Sacrifice
40:11 Sister Craig’s Description of Zion
45:01 Struggling with Our Past and Understanding Compensatory Blessings
50:06 The Life Lesson of Ezra Booth and Being Offended for Someone Else
51:26 Dr. Maclane Heward’s Testimony
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