Scripture Central

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.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Alex Baugh, a specialist in early Missouri Church history, shares insights on the challenges faced by early Saints striving to establish Zion. They explore the pivotal pledges made during the land's dedication and the trials that tested the community's faith. Baugh delves into the law of consecration, the importance of stewardship, and the legacy of figures like W.W. Phelps. Additionally, the conversation highlights the educational needs of the community and the divine guidance shaping missionary work, all underscoring the complexities of building a Zion society.

Don't miss this special episode of Come, Follow Church History with Doctor Lynne Hilton Wilson about the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. Join Lynne as you asks some hard questions about Jospeh's work on the Bible and the most significant verses he translated. Joseph Smith’s translation (JST) of the Bible did not start with its original languages of Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) as technical translations do. In this way, the JST is more of a revision of certain passages. Many passages Joseph was inspired to add or change—especially in early chapters of Genesis. For other portions, the JST modernized the grammar or clarified the text. Some changes came from revelation after asking questions, and others from his own preferences and understanding.

In this exciting episode of Come, Follow Church History with Doctor Lynne Hilton Wilson, Church historian and researcher Mark Staker joins Lynne for a deep dive into the world of spiritual gifts. Using historical context, personal experiences and scriptural references, Lynne and Mark help viewers understand what spiritual gifts are and how they are used. Find out if Joseph Smith just copied the religious practices of his colleagues or were his revelations different and unique? Does section 46 of the Doctrine and Covenants just copy 1st Corinthians 12? And why are the gifts of the spirit so mysterious? And upon what principles do they operate?

In this episode of Come, Follow Church History from Scripture Central, Lynne Hilton Wilson dives much deeper into the law of Consecration. Are the members of the Church still bound by this law of heaven? Does tithing cover the covenants that are made in the temple? Find out how the law of consecration applies to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the modern era.

In this episode of Come, Follow Church History from Scripture Central, Lynne Hilton Wilson and guest Steve Harper talk about "the law" of God's kingdom, the law of Consecration. Find out how the early saints tried to live this challenging law and what led them to success and failure. Discover who was valiant in keeping the commandment and who went back on their promises. Most of all, find out about our stewardship as Latter-day Saints and how we can live the law of Consecration right now in preparation to entering God's kingdom. Don't miss this episode.