D&C 135 – John Taylor reports the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith Historical Context Steven Harper gives the following historical background to D&C 135: It was “a deliberate political assassination, committed or condoned by some of the leading citizens of Hancock County.”[1]Dallin H. Oaks and Marvin S. Hill, CarthageContinue Reading

Section 41 Doctrine and Covenants 41 is of special importance because it restored the office of bishop in the Church of Christ. Though it would not be until the Church had established itself in the Salt Lake Valley that bishops would function in wards as they do in our day,Continue Reading

D&C 30-36 There is quite a bit to cover in this segment of scripture. The context (at least in Joseph Smith’s life) is that of Joseph’s early work in the Bible translation, something we introduced back in our podcast covering D&C 29. Section 30 is given to David, Peter andContinue Reading

In this podcast, we will cover Section 25 first, examining three ways to interpret and apply this scripture. In the subsequent podcast we discussed sections 23, 24, and 26. The Show Notes reflect an overall view of all of these sections. D&C 23-26 Show Notes D&C 23 April 1830 revelationContinue Reading

Seven of the eleven witnesses of the Book of Mormon were members of the Whitmer family by blood or marriage. The Book of Mormon translation was finished at the Whitmer home in Fayette; near it the Three Witnesses saw Moroni and the plates; there the organization of the Church andContinue Reading

D&C 12 is given to Joseph Knight Sr., at Harmony, Pennsylvania, May 1829 Who was Joseph Knight and what was his association with the Prophet Joseph Smith? How is D&C 12 like other revelations? How does this section of scripture apply to us? Joseph Knight (1772-1847, dies at Mount Pisgah,Continue Reading

An Overview of the Doctrine and Covenants The Doctrine and Covenants begins with many sections on how the Lord communicates and works with mankind: 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 19 [all early sections outlining his work]. Section 2 is a beautiful yet short overview of the entire purpose ofContinue Reading

Ether 12-15 Show the two paths available to mankind: The Way of Life and the Way of Death These chapters show the two paths available to mankind: the path of leading unto life (Ether 12-13), and the path leading unto death (Ether 14-15). Both of these blocks of scripture useContinue Reading

Formal Witneses The Three Witnesses The Eight Witnesses Informal Witnesses David B. Haight Emma Smith Harrison Burgess John Henry Smith Joseph F. Smith Lorenzo Snow Lucy Mack Smith Mary Whitmer Oscar McConkie William Smith Richard Lloyd Anderson analyzes the witnesses to the Book of MormonContinue Reading