Scripture Central

Join host Lynne Hilton Wilson and special guest Susan Easton Black, one of the foremost experts on Nauvoo, Illinois, for a captivating episode exploring the creation of one of the most remarkable cities in early Latter-day Saint history. In this groundbreaking podcast, they uncover new insights and fascinating details about how the Saints transformed a swampy stretch of Mississippi River shoreline into the thriving “City Beautiful.” Together, Lynne and Susan dive into Nauvoo’s spiritual, social, and architectural legacy—from the vision behind its city planning and the building of the majestic Nauvoo Temple to the stories of the faith-filled people who made it all possible. Viewers will discover how Nauvoo became a center of innovation, faith, and community—and why its legacy still inspires members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today.

In the winter of 1838–1839, the Prophet Joseph Smith and several Church leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were imprisoned in Liberty Jail, Missouri — a cold, cramped dungeon that became a “prison-temple” of revelation. Doctrine and Covenants sections 121, 122, and 123 capture Joseph’s heartfelt cries to God and the Lord’s powerful response about enduring adversity with faith, patience, and charity. This episode explores the intense persecution of the Saints in Missouri, the unlawful imprisonment of Church leaders, and the spiritual lessons that arose from one of the darkest times in early Church history. As Joseph faced betrayal, loss, and despair, God taught eternal truths about priesthood, humility, and the refining power of trials. Join us as we uncover how these revelations can help you face your own Liberty Jail moments — finding strength when everything seems turned against you, and trusting that “all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.”

In this episode, we explore Doctrine and Covenants sections 115 through 120—some of the most defining revelations in the history of the early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These revelations, given in 1838, officially establish the divinely revealed name of the Church, emphasizing that it must bear the name of Jesus Christ to clearly identify whose Church it is. The Lord also directs the Saints to build up the sacred gathering place of Adam-ondi-Ahman in Missouri—a site tied to ancient prophecy and the future return of the Savior. Through these commands, the Saints are reminded that their work is not only about organizing a church but about preparing a people and a place for the coming of Christ. Sections 119 and 120 introduce the law of tithing, a principle that would bless both individual Saints and the Church collectively. This revelation set a divine pattern of sacrifice and stewardship, where the faithful contribute one-tenth of their increase to sustain the Lord’s work on earth. These sections show how the Lord guides His people in both spiritual and temporal matters—establishing identity through His name, unity through sacred gathering places, and consecration through the law of tithing. Together, these revelations reflect the growing maturity of the restored Church and the Lord’s ongoing pattern of preparing His Saints for Zion.

The story of the early Latter-day Saints in the 1830s is one of both trial and triumph. In Kirtland, Ohio, the Saints faced a heartbreaking financial crisis with the collapse of the Kirtland Safety Society Bank. Hopes of building Zion seemed threatened as many lost money, and critics pointed to the failure as evidence against Joseph Smith and the Church’s future stability. It was a season of doubt, testing, and refinement for the faith of the Saints. Yet, at the very same time, remarkable success unfolded across the Atlantic. Missionaries sent to England began preaching the restored gospel with such power that entire congregations were converted. In less than a year, over 1,600 baptisms took place—an astonishing outpouring of faith that infused the struggling Church with new life and strength. In this episode with professor Lynne Hilton Wilson, listen to details about how both the trials of Kirtland and the miracles in England shaped the destiny of the Church. The failures of man stood in stark contrast to the Lord’s triumphs, showing how God’s hand continued to guide His people through opposition, ultimately moving the work forward in miraculous ways.

Section 107 of the Doctrine and Covenants is a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith that lays out the organization and structure of priesthood authority in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It explains the two priesthoods—the Melchizedek Priesthood and the Aaronic Priesthood—detailing their offices, responsibilities, and governing councils. The revelation establishes the presiding quorums, such as the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Seventy, and gives instruction on their roles in guiding and administering the Church. It also highlights the principle that all Church leaders are to act in righteousness, humility, and under the direction of revelation. The section further emphasizes the eternal nature of the priesthood, teaching that it was first given to Adam and passed down through his posterity, continuing in an unbroken line of authority. It underscores the order, unity, and accountability required in priesthood service and notes that bishops serve as judges in Israel, caring for the temporal and spiritual welfare of members. The revelation concludes with a call for diligence, urging all who serve in the priesthood to learn their duty and act with exactness, promising that those who do so will magnify their callings and bring honor to God’s work.

Join host Lynne Hilton Wilson and expert guest Steven Harper as they explore one of the most miraculous and thrilling chapters in Latter-day Saint history—the dedication of the Kirtland Temple in 1836. Often called a modern “Day of Pentecost,” this sacred event was filled with spiritual outpourings, visions, and manifestations that confirmed the hand of God in the lives of the early Saints. Lynne and Steven dive into the rich history of how the temple came to be, the sacrifices made by the Saints, and the joy they experienced as heaven and earth seemed to meet within its walls. From angels appearing and the Savior Himself being seen, to the rushing of spiritual power that many compared to the day of Pentecost in the New Testament, this conversation brings to life the extraordinary events surrounding the opening of the first temple in this dispensation. With Lynne’s engaging questions and Steven’s deep expertise, viewers will gain not only historical understanding but also spiritual appreciation for why the Kirtland Temple remains a cornerstone of faith and miracles in the story of the Restoration.

Explore the gripping journey of Zion's Camp, where over 230 individuals marched to aid displaced Saints in Missouri. Discover the revelations that led to this mission and the intense hardships they faced. The discussion dives into the mysterious tale of Zelph's bones—were they real or merely a fantasy? Uncover the archaeological debates surrounding these remnants and their implications for Church history. Join the conversation about faith, leadership, and the lessons learned from a pivotal moment in Latter-day Saint history.

Independence, Missouri, was to be the culmination of the Saints' dreams and revelations for the establishment of Zion in the last days. Many were obedient and gave everything they had to create Zion and others were disobedient and lacked Faith. A number of mistakes were made by the Saints and the Missourians. The results were tragic. What went wrong in Missouri? Was the prophet Joseph Smith wrong about the revelations he received? Why did the Lord send the Saints to Independence, if he knew they would fail? If the failure of the establishment of Zion was due to sin, what sins did the Saints commit that brought them such horrible troubles? As relations between the Saints and the Missourians soured, Jackson County leaders demanded a meeting. At the July 20th meeting, the Jackson County leaders gave the Saints a list of demands: 1) No more Mormonites could settle in Jackson County. 2) Those already in the county must sell their property and leave as soon as possible. 3) Printing of 'The Evening and the Morning Star' must stop immediately. 4) The church storehouse and shops must close as soon as possible. Not knowing exactly what to do and needing to seek the prophet's counsel, Bishop Edward Partridge asked for three month stay to communicate with the Prophet in Ohio. The Missouri leaders refused. In the end, they gave the Bishop fifteen minutes to decide to accept the terms. His unwillingness to obey the order led to him being tarred and feathered in front of the Independence courthouse. The expulsion of the Saints from Missouri had begun. Join Lynne Hilton Wilson and professor Janiece Johnson as they discuss the details behind this exciting and tragic period of Church History. Thank you for joining us at Scripture Central! We hope that you have enjoyed this content.

With the Saints in Independence struggling to fulfill the Lord's command to build a temple, the Saints in Kirtland, Ohio, get the invitation from the Lord to build a temple there. The Saints in Kirtland dig in and begin construction as the miracles start to commence. Join Lynne Hilton Wilson and special guest Steven C. Harper, Church History professor at BYU, for the stories, insights and experiences surrounding the construction of the first temple of God in the latter days. In addition to learning about the historical events related to the construction of the Kirtland Temple, Professor Harper offers a deep dive into how the temple is designed to prepare us to return to our Heavenly Father. Thank you for joining us at Scripture Central! We hope that you have enjoyed this content.

The Lord points to the purpose of the revelation as soon as His commentary begins on John’s record. D&C 93:19 explains what he wants to teach Saints what is needed to receive the Father’s inheritance: “I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness” (93:19) Interestingly, the etymology of our word “worship” comes from an Old English and West Saxon word that means “condition of being worthy.” Thus, we can increase our worship when we increase our worthiness. We then worship more as we become more like our Savior.