Scripture Central

In this inspiring episode, host Lynne Hilton Wilson dives deep into the Book of Abraham, one of the most profound and revelatory texts in Latter-day Saint scripture. With a warm and faithful perspective, Lynne explores the incredible doctrines revealed through this ancient record—truths about the divine nature of men and women, our premortal existence, and our eternal standing as beloved children of God. Lynne also highlights the groundbreaking research of Dr. John Gee, renowned Egyptologist at BYU, whose decades of study on hundreds of Egyptian facsimiles shed new light on Joseph Smith’s inspired translation. His work provides fascinating insights that support and enrich our understanding of how the Book of Abraham connects ancient symbols with eternal truths.

In this episode of Come Follow Church History with Lynne Hilton Wilson, Dr. Wilson sits down with historian Dr. Janiece Johnson to explore one of the most complex and often misunderstood chapters in Latter-day Saint history—the introduction of plural marriage in Nauvoo. Together, they discuss the deep faith, sacrifice, and obedience of early Saints who strove to follow what they sincerely believed was a divine commandment revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Despite the personal heartache and social challenges that came with practicing plural marriage, figures like Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and many faithful women and men sought to live this principle with devotion, humility, and integrity. Dr. Wilson and Dr. Johnson also delve into the eternal perspectives behind the doctrine of eternal marriage, exploring how the Saints in Nauvoo viewed family, sealing, and covenant relationships as essential parts of God’s plan of salvation. Though plural marriage was a defining test of faith for the early Church, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not practice this principle today. This episode invites viewers to look at this sensitive topic with empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the faith and courage of those who lived it.

Join host Lynne Hilton Wilson as she dives deep into the inspiring story behind the creation of the Relief Society, the women’s organization established by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in March of 1840. In this episode, Lynne explores how a small group of faithful women in Nauvoo, Illinois, under the direction of Joseph Smith, came together with a divine purpose—to serve, uplift, and strengthen one another in both temporal and spiritual ways. Through her thoughtful commentary and historical insights, Lynne reveals how the Relief Society became one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations in the world, dedicated to faith, compassion, and unity. Discover the remarkable beginnings of this sacred sisterhood and how its founding principles continue to bless lives today.

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.