Recently a listener to the podcast brought this question to a message board: What was going on with the Levites during all these different apostasies? Are they the priests that are willingly sacrificing to false idols? I have read that the Levite lineage has been preserved to some degree inContinue Reading

D&C 106 Directions to Warren A. Cowdery About 8 months before this revelation was received, the Prophet Joseph Smith was on a mission in New York in March of 1834. It was at this time that Joseph established the Freedom, New York branch. Joseph Smith documented that on “Sunday, MarchContinue Reading

D&C 84 September 22-23, 1832 Historical Background Garrett and Robinson give the following insightful commentary to set up the historical background of this section: After spending two weeks in Missouri “sitting in council with the Saints,” organizing the Missouri branch of the united firm, and providing for the establishment ofContinue Reading

Doctrine and Covenants 81-83 Quotes and Notes D&C 81 Presidency of the High Priesthood – Frederick G. Williams Section 81 was received March 7, 1832, just days before Joseph Smith is brutally attacked on the night of March 24, 1832 outside of the Johnson family farm in Ohio. As thisContinue Reading

Jesus calls the Twelve Apostles, commanding that they heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out devils.  I can imagine the weight they must’ve felt, being first hand witnesses to the power that the Savior had to do great miracles.  From the text we read: These twelve Jesus asentContinue Reading

This discussion of Alma’s authority contains links to a few books that have helped me understand the context and content of the scriptures. As an Amazon Affiliate, I do earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you). Click here to see all of my favorite booksContinue Reading

Recently I had this question brought to me from one of my online students: I’ve always found the baptisms of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to difficult to understand how it all happened, is there someplace you’d recommend going to find out more about this?  How does one baptize withoutContinue Reading

Oliver Cowdery’s Charge to the Twelve The following charge was given to the newly called Twelve Apostles by President Oliver Cowdery on 21 February 1835. Dear Brethren—Previous to delivering the charge, I shall read a part of a revelation. It is known to you, that previous to the organization ofContinue Reading

This question has been asked a few times in classes that I have taught over the years and I thought it would be good to share Joseph Fielding Smith’s thoughts on this question. The following is from Answers to Gospel Questions, volume 2, p. 132: The Authority of Jesus Question:Continue Reading