116 - D&C 37-40 CFM - Gathering to Build Zion - E17 - April 21-27
Apr 15, 2025
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Dive into the rich history of Zion as a symbol of community and holiness. Discover the compelling command to gather that shaped the early church in Ohio, featuring key figures like Sidney Rigdon. Explore the emotional challenges faced by early Saints during their migration, drawing parallels with biblical exodus narratives. Uncover the evolution of gathering concepts from the 19th century to today, and delve into James Coville’s personal faith journey, reflecting on themes of agency and choice in divine relationships.
The concept of Zion transcends a singular city, emphasizing the creation of multiple holy communities globally in divine alignment.
The command for saints to gather in Ohio underscores the importance of forming a cohesive church community following divine instructions.
James Covel's story illustrates the crucial role of personal agency and the necessity of action in one's spiritual journey and commitments.
Deep dives
The Significance of Zion and the Gathering
Enoch not only ascended to heaven but also established a city of holiness called Zion, and this concept is pivotal in the teachings discussed. There is anticipation for another holy city, Zion, which is foretold to usher in a millennium of peace on Earth. This idea connects biblical archetypes of covenant and promised land, hence fostering a mindset of creating networks of holy cities globally rather than perceiving Zion simply as a singular city. The discussions on Doctrine and Covenants chapters 37 through 40 highlight this vision and reaffirm the importance of gathering as part of God's unfolding narrative.
The Command to Gather in Ohio
Sections 37 and 38 of the Doctrine and Covenants contain the revelations pertaining to the command for saints to gather in Ohio, emphasizing the formation of a cohesive church community. The revelations build on the outcomes of the Lamanite mission, showcasing how the church's membership in Ohio quickly expanded with the conversion of influential leaders like Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge. This gathering was not only a relocation but also a divine command aimed at strengthening the church and preparing them for future revelations and responsibilities. The uncertainties surrounding this command reflect the sacrifices the early saints had to make to follow God's directives amidst their fears and doubts.
God's Assurance and the Vision of Enoch
God’s assurances to the saints prior to their move to Ohio in section 38 align closely with Enoch's prophecy, portraying a vision of a righteous people gathered to receive divine blessings. He reassures them of His presence and the inevitability of their protection against adversarial forces, framing their gathering as part of a larger divine plan where Enoch’s city serves as both a historical reference and a prophetic model. The Lord speaks of their need to purify themselves to qualify for His blessings, alluding to crucial connections between righteousness and establishment of Zion. This link between the past and present resonates deeply, indicating that the gathering is an essential precursor to further divine work in their lives.
James Covel's Received Revelation and Rejection
The narratives in sections 39 and 40 examine James Covel, a Methodist minister, who initially accepts the gospel but succumbs to doubt and returns to his former beliefs. The first section reveals his potential as a leader and the invitation to join the saints in Ohio, but highlights his internal struggles with worldly cares and persecution. Despite having seen the truth and made a covenant, Covel's lack of resilience against temptation underscores the theme that belief alone isn’t sufficient; action is paramount. Ultimately, his decisions reflect the crucial dynamic of agency and choice in the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and the condition of every individual’s relationship with God.
The Underlying Theme of Agency and Obedience
The story of James Covel ultimately illustrates broader themes of personal agency and the choices each individual must make in their spiritual journey. God acknowledges Covel's initial righteousness but also highlights the fickleness of human commitment in the face of worldly distractions. The revelation emphasizes that while God foresees all, individuals still hold the power to choose their path, with ramifications for both their earthly and eternal lives. Joseph Smith's record of Covel’s eventual rejection underscores the melancholic truth that many face similar challenges, yet it reinforces the divine nature of choice in pursuing a covenant relationship with the divine.
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 & Covenants 37-40, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history.
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