Do you ever feel that preparing for your weekly Come, Follow Me lesson falls short? Join hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway as they interview experts to make your study for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Come, Follow Me course not only enjoyable but original and educational. If you are looking for resources to make your LDS study fresh, faithful, and fun–no matter your age–then join us every Wednesday morning.
Why did the Lord repeat the Ten Commandments in these Sections? Have we been commanded to keep the Law of Consecration, just as these Saints in Ohio? John and Hank continue with Dr. Gardner to teach about work, love, consecration, grief, humor, temple worship, and testimony. Her testimony is brilliant, vigorous, and persuasive. Learn why Dr. Gardner loves the Lord and His Gospel.
Do you know how many revelations (now Sections of the Doctrine and Covenants) were revealed in Ohio? (HINT: IT is more than 64). Join John and Hank with Dr. Barbara Gardner Gardner as we learn along with the early Saints how the Lord was planning to build His Kingdom on the Earth by teaching His Saints to be teachers, priests, and priestesses that teach with power and His Spirit, as well as preparing them for upcoming trials. Dr. Gardner is one of our most engaging and requested guests and with these episodes, you will see why!
In Part II, John Bytheway asks us if we have ever had the nightmare where we wake up rich. The Saints, as they move to "the Ohio," are called to be separate, like leaving Babylon, and many Saints leave farms and, more importantly, family members. They build a thriving area for Saints, including a temple, in five short years, and we learn to follow their example in building a "great work." We also hear Dr. Black's testimony of the Restoration and the Savior.
Imagine growing up hearing the stories of Emma Hale Smith, Phoebe Carter, the Whitmers, Brigham Young, and Brother Joseph. This week’s guest, Dr. Susan Easton Black, didn’t grow up hearing fairy tales but true stories of bravery, faithfulness, betrayal, and courage. Dr. Black teaches us how the Lord taught His People that Zion and the Church were more than a place they visited on Sundays, how they received the command to “gather to the Ohio,” and how Joseph continued his New Translation of the Bible. Do we sacrifice as willingly for the Lord as our earliest Saints as we study Doctrine and Covenants 37-40?
Does missionary work scare you? We can help! In Part II, our Fantastic Four (and others, especially Orson Pratt and Edward Partridge) discover the “field is white and ready to harvest.” Dr. Robert Millet shares how we are 11th Hour Workers and the Lord of the Vineyard is with his Servants and this episode will excite and encourage you to “open your mouth” and share the Good News. Additionally, if you know a Bishop, you’ll want to learn how Edward Partridge is a hero we should celebrate for “wasting and wearing out” his life for the Lord. You will never see missionary work or Bishops the same way again.
Catch the excitement of the early days of missionary work as Dr. Robert Millet visits and reminds us why Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt, Peter Whitmer, and Ziba Peterson are the original Fantastic Four. Learn how their mission to the Lamanites didn’t go as expected but what the Lord had in mind was much more significant. These early missionaries teach us to get people to the Grove, share from the Book of Mormon, and remember our strength is our diversity.
We continue to discuss Holy Week and unpack all four Gospels and their accounts. Dr. Hilton shares why Holy Saturday has applications to uplift and enrich our lives, especially in times of trial. Discover why the story of the Road to Emmaus teaches us about expectations, doubt, and faith.
Do you tend to jump right past the cross when studying Holy Week? Dr. John Hilton III shares why looking at the entirety of Jesus’s last week, including his suffering on the cross, will deepen our understanding and appreciation. This episode will exceed your expectations. Join us!
Dr. Sweat reminds us why we should reconsider if we teach that Lucifer wanted to save everyone. Hank, John, and Dr. Sweat continue to teach how the Lord's Atonement and His confidence in us can sustain us in the Last Days (which are now!). This episode reminds us we don't need to fear the Last Days due to the protection of His Spirit, our covenants, and God's grace. This is an episode that will help every teacher, parent, and member remember why they love their membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and why they love the Savior.
Dr. Anthony Sweat returns (due to popular demand) and explains why Section 29 is a favorite section regarding a broad scope of the Lord’s work and vision. Dr. Sweat also gives teachers the idea of a Scriptural and Historical Scavenger Hunt in Section 29. Not all sections are created equal and Section 29 illuminates the Premortal Existence, the Creation, the Fall, the Atonement, the Second Coming of Jesus, the Millenium, and the rationale for building Zion. Jesus intends to gather Israel and He uses Section 29 to teach His people about His elect. On God’s team, you get to choose to be a part--your choices matter and these concepts were revelatory to the Church membership.