Dr. Kerry Muhlestein continues to discuss the restoration of the New and Everlasting Covenant, and they discuss the importance of personal revelation and corporal revelation. Hiram Page (who marries a Whitmer) has proclaimed he is having revelations for the entire Church. Emma’s confirmation is disturbed by riotous crowds, and the Joseph Smith Translation begins with Moses 1. The JST process is vastly different from the Book of Mormon translation and the word transformation (think: transfiguration). Join us as we discuss the sacrament, the Abrahamic Covenant, revelation, transformation, and how the Tabernacle Choir can be like a seer stone.

In the Church’s infancy,  Joseph receives the Vision of Moses as he begins what he calls the “new translation” of the Bible. Join Dr. Kerry Muhlestein, Hank, and John as we learn what happens when Joseph, Emma, Oliver, or others ask questions. We discover how the early Saints learn about the ordinance of the sacrament (do the emblems matter?), the power of the Abrahamic Covenant and how the Lord has much more in store for the entire human family via covenants via Elijah. Learn about our place in the Kingdom of God, why President Nelson constantly mentions the Gathering of Israel, and what great things the Lord has in store for His people.

Part II is a deep dive into Emma Hale Smith's personality, abilities, and role in establishing the early Church. Emma is educated, adept, and gifted. She completes Joseph and enables him to accomplish the Lord's work. We learn how Emma was consistently supported and encouraged by Lucy Mack Smith, who reminds us that Emma constantly and consistently served those around her. See a new side of Emma Hale Smith with our expert, Dr. Lisa Olsen Tait, as well as reviewing her better-known accomplishments of creating a hymnal, acting as scribe, and lending her abilities to establishing the Church in this dispensation.

Discover why Samuel Smith is as stalwart as William Smith is reticent with our guest Dr. Lisa Olsen Tait. Hank, John, and Dr. Tait introduce us to the first three branches of the Church and these early Saints’ efforts to carry their crosses, learn the will of the Lord, and begin to weary and wear out their lives in service. They examine the concept of common consent and the rights of women and voting in the early Church.

Joseph and his friends officially organized the Church on April 6, 1830,  in the Whitmer home. Hank, John, and Dr. Watkins return to discuss the importance of record-keeping in the early Church, the reality of the Lord bringing the Saints along gradually, and how the Prophet grows in understanding for what the Lord has in mind for His people. We, along with Joseph, learn to put aside our prejudices and preconceived notions to help the Lord establish His baptism, his covenants, and His Church.

How do we define church? Is it an organized group? Is it people with a common idea? Listen to John, Hank, and Dr. Jordan Watkins as we learn how the Church was organized,  how to define church, and are reminded to not argue with members of other religions. Learn how Joseph and Oliver develop the first “handbook,” why we shouldn’t conflate men with the priesthood, and we are reminded about this being a continual restoration. 

What happened when the Lord provided for the Three Witnesses to view the plates? Should we revere Egbert Grandin for assisting in printing the Book of Mormon or Martin Harris? We continue to discuss the exorbitant cost of printing the Book of Mormon, how the early Restorationists learn about church governance, and the concept of hell. Things get hot as we conclude our episode with Dr. Scott Woodward and Doctrine and Covenants 18-19.

Was the Priesthood restored in one event or over a series of time? Join us with Dr. Scott Woodward as we discuss the Book of Mormon foundation for the Church organization, learn that the goodness other churches provide, and we are reminded to never be weary in doing good. The Savior continues to teach and succor one by one in the early days of the Restoration and today.

We continue  Part II  with Dr. Griffiths and our discussion of the witnesses of the plates including: Lucy Mack, Mary Whitmer, and dozens of women who have been essential to Church History. We discuss the Nephite Interpreters, the breastplate, the plates, and how Joseph and the Lord love to share visions and experiences. The Restoration is not a one-man show.

We meet the Whitmers and follow the early Restoration Heroes as they travel and work between the Trifecta of Translation: Harmony, PA, Colesville, NY, and Palmyra, NY. Dr. Casey Griffiths explains the Whitmer family's closeness, shares a story of miraculous farming, and relates the early Saints' character.