Scripture Central

The leaders of the Church in Missouri grew troubled. Saints were gathering there by the hundreds. Relatively few of them were obeying the law of consecration when they arrived. “Have you all fulfilled the law of the church,” William Phelps wrote to them in the Church’s newspaper, “which saith: Behold thou shalt consecrate all thy properties, that which thou hast, unto me, with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken? Meanwhile, in Ohio, the community of Saints continues to grow in size. Efforts to build a city of believers moves forward. However, challenges abound as the two communities enter into competition with each other generating some problems between the groups. Another revelation to Joseph from the Lord outlines one of the gifts of the Spirit that Joseph often mentioned as being the most important: the understanding of spirits. At the same time, one of Joseph Smith's most compelling prophecies was released: The prophecy on the American Civil War, recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 87. It outlines a future conflict beginning in South Carolina, escalating into a global war, and involving slaves rising against their masters. It also mentions the involvement of Great Britain and other nations. This prophecy, given on December 25, 1832, has been interpreted as a prediction of the American Civil War and subsequent global conflicts. But how well known was the prophecy? Was it easy to manufacture because of events going on in the nation at the time? Did Joseph tell people about it in advance or wait until the war started and conveniently say he had received a prophecy? The truth will surprise you. Join Dr. Lynne Hilton Wilson as she explores these exciting moments in LDS Church History.

In this engaging discussion, Janiece Johnson, an expert on the Doctrine and Covenants, unpacks the transformative revelations of priesthood described by Joseph Smith. She explores the expansive and inclusive nature of priesthood power, highlighting its significance for both men and women. Key topics include the historical evolution of priesthood concepts, the importance of oaths and covenants, and how they shape adult spiritual practices. The conversation also challenges contemporary norms regarding gender roles within the priesthood and emphasizes the value of community service.

Doctrine and Covenants 81-83 represents the restoration at work—addressing immediate historical needs while establishing eternal principles. They demonstrate that revelation is not abstract doctrines, but universal divine truths that can be applied to specific circumstances. The progression from individual calling in section 81 to community organization in section 82 to institutional responsibility in section 83 mirrors the development of both individual discipleship and Church organization. Divine revelation addresses all aspects of human experience—personal, economic, social, and spiritual—as integrated elements of the restored gospel rather than separate spheres of concern. Join Dr. Lynne Hilton Wilson and guest Janiece Johnson as they discuss the impact of the Book of Mormon on early Latter-day Saints. The restoration was signal to the world that the heavens were now open and that God was speaking to His children. How did this affect new members of the Church who were raised believing that the heavens were closed? Did the early Saints cherish the Book of Mormon as much as we do today?

The Book of Revelation is known as Apocalyptic literature and has fascinated scholars for centuries, each giving his or her own interpretation. It wasn’t until the Restoration, though, that we received the keys to understand its message. With the help of Joseph Smith’s questions and the Lord’s answers, we learn that the Book of Revelation discloses vital information about the last days. It is filled with God’s direction for Jesus’ Second Coming and the end of the earth. The keys to understand it were given in the day it was needed. It is a book for our day. Join Dr. Lynn Hilton Wilson as she unfolds the keys of the Book of Revelation that help decipher its teachings and prophetic direction.

One of the most prolific visions in Church history unfolds to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon in 1832. Lasting an amazing 90 minutes, the pair see God the Father, Christ, Satan and the three degrees of heavenly glory. The revelation meant so much to the prophet that he reworked it as a beautiful poem and included it in a letter to W.W. Phelps, with whom he shared correspondence. To others though, this revelation signified the end of their relationship with the prophet. But why? Join Dr. Lynn Hilton Wilson as she tackles some of the tough questions surrounding one of the most significant revelations of the Restoration. Were there any witnesses to this amazing vision or was it explained to members of the Church at a later date? Was the content of the vision accepted by members of the Church or did it create controversy? How similar were the revelations that Joseph received to the teachings of other Christian leaders of the time?

As the work on the Book of Commandments continues, opposition comes knocking. Two former members of the Church turn from their covenants and seek to destroy it. Symonds Ryder and Ezra Booth each concoct several devious methods to stop the Restoration. Meanwhile, Joseph Smith begins to make minor changes to previous revelations and draws criticism from detractors who accuse him of trying to cover up folk magic and the use of previous editors. From this work comes a key question that members now and in the past must grapple with. Why did Joseph make Changs to God's word? Join Dr. Lynn Hilton Wilson as she takes a critical look at these changes to revelation in the early Church. With point by point instruction and several detailed examples, viewers will examine specific stories, details and history behind this challenging period of Church history. This is an episode not to be missed.

Modern-day revelation is a contentious topic among Christians. Does God continue to reveal His will to His prophets or have His followers received all they need as found in the Bible? Joseph Smith went against the prevailing thoughts of the day by helping God restore a Church with an open canon of scripture. For this belief there was much persecution. In this episode, viewers will discover the history of the coming forth of the Doctrine and Covenants. Understand the problems modern-day revelation created for the early Saints and why persecution could be found both inside and outside of the Church.

How is it possible that some early Church members could be eyewitnesses to the miracles of the Restoration but still lose their testimonies and fall away from the Church? Join Lynn Hilton Wilson and special guest Steven C. Harper, Church History professor at BYU, for a frank discussion about the keys to maintaining a strong testimony in the gospel. Lynne and Steven will examine the lives of some of the early Saints and share their stories. What miracles did they see? What revelations were given to them specifically? Why did they choose to leave even though they witnessed some of the strongest spiritual manifestations on record? Don't miss this discussion, it may help someone you love or strengthen your own testimony.

The Doctrine and Covenants is filled with directions to help us for the Lord’s Second Coming. Twenty percent of the sections include some detail about the Second Coming or a call to assist the Lord in preparing for a Zion society. Two of these are sections 63 and 65, wherein the Lord references the parables of the Ten Virgins and the Marriage of the Bridegroom in conjunction with Jesus’ Second Coming. Join Lynn Hilton Wilson as she explains the symbolism involved in these parables to facilitate a deeper understanding in the modern references. Are you prepared? What is one of the central pillars necessary for the return of the Savior? Find out in this episode.

"Zion" refers to something that has multiple meanings: Zion can be a place, a people, and a state of heart. It signifies a perfect society, where God dwells with his people, they are united in love and righteousness, and share all things equally. A Place: Zion can be understood as a physical location, like the ancient city of Jerusalem or the New Jerusalem, which will be built in Jackson County, Missouri. A People: Zion also refers to the Lord's people who are of one heart and mind, dwelling in righteousness and sharing all things in common. A State of Heart: Zion is a spiritual quality, a unified society of Latter-day Saints, metaphorically gathered as members of the Church of Christ. A Divine Ideal: Zion represents an ideal society, a "city of holiness" where the Lord's people live in harmony, love, and righteousness. A Call to Action: Latter- day Saints are encouraged to "bring forth and establish the cause of Zion" by building unity, spiritual strength, and righteousness in their homes, communities, and the church. The concept of Zion emphasizes the importance of unity, love, and righteous living as the path to establishing a Zion-like society, both physically and spiritually. Join Lynne Hilton Wilson and special guest Professor Alex Baugh for this episode of Come, Follow Church History. Professor Baugh is an expert on the time period in Church History covering sections 58-59 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Thank you for joining us at Scripture Central! We hope that you have enjoyed this content.