Scripture Central

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.

On August 2, 1831 a group of saints gathered twelve miles west of Independence in Kaw township. Twelve men, representing the Twelve Tribes of Israel, laid a log as a “foundation in Zion.” Before Sidney Rigdon offered the dedicatory prayer, he asked the saints gathered there, Do you pledge yourselves to keep the laws of God on this land, which you never have kept in your own lands? [The audience responded,] “we do.” Do you pledge yourselves to see that others of your brethren who shall come hither do keep the laws of God? [Those present again said,] we do. After [the dedicatory] prayer [Elder Rigdon] arose and said, I now pronounce this land consecrated and dedicated to the Lord for a possession and inheritance for the Saints (in the name of Jesus Christ having authority from him). And for all the faithful servants of the Lord to the remotest ages of time. Amen” (Institute Manual, Church History, 107). From that time until October 1838, the Saints sought to build Zion in Missouri. Establishing a Zion society proved difficult. The Lord warned them in 1831 that Zion’s glory would only come “after much tribulation” (D&C 58:4). Are you ready for Zion? Join Lynne Hilton Wilson and special guest Professor Alex Baugh for this special edition of Come, Follow Church History. Professor Baugh is an expert on the time period in Missouri detailed in sections 51-59 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Thank you for joining us at Scripture Central! We hope that you have enjoyed this content.

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.

In this episode of Come, Follow Church History from Scripture Central, Lynne Hilton Wilson and guest Mark Staker talk about a variety of fascinating topics in Church history. The revelation to move to Ohio is received. Missionary efforts involving Oliver Cowdery, Peter Whitmer, Ziba Peterson and Parley P. Pratt result in the conversion of many Saints including Sidney Rigdon. Fascinating events from the beginning of the Church in Kirtland are explained. And the often overlooked story of an early African American revelator in the Church named Pete is described in detail. Don't miss this episode.

Discover the powerful stories of twelve women highlighted in the New Testament, who played crucial roles as witnesses during Easter. The discussion challenges societal norms that have often sidelined their contributions. From Mary Magdalene to Mary of Bethany, their faith and devotion illuminated the events of Jesus’s ministry. Uncover the unsung heroes of the Last Supper and the resurrection, as their courage and service transform traditional perceptions of leadership.

In this episode of Come, Follow Church History from Scripture Central, Lynne Hilton Wilson talks about the persecution of the Native Americans in early American history and the outreach by the Latter-day Saints to show kindness and proclaim the gospel. This is in contrast to the prevailing thoughts of the day and the Saints were persecuted because of it.