Church History Matters Podcast Summary Episode 120 - D&C 46 CFM - Seeking & Discerning Gifts of the Spirit - E20 May 12-18
Release Date: May 8, 2025
Host/Author: Scripture Central

Introduction

In Episode 120 of the Church History Matters podcast, hosts Scott and Casey delve into Doctrine and Covenants Section 46, exploring the discernment and seeking of spiritual gifts within the Latter-day Saint Church. This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of how early church members in Kirtland navigated the challenges of spiritual manifestations and established guidelines to ensure doctrinal purity and effective church administration.

Context and Background

The episode begins by setting the stage in early 1831 Kirtland, Ohio, a pivotal time when the Latter-day Saint Church was less than a year old. New converts were grappling with the influx of spiritual experiences and gifts of the Spirit. Scott and Casey emphasize that these early revelations from Joseph Smith were responses to both internal spiritual manifestations and external challenges, such as conflicts among missionaries.

Casey [00:00]:
"You have gifts. You have unique gifts that will be a particular blessing to the people you're called to serve... Lean into the gifts that God has given you and watch what heaven can do through you."

Inclusion in Church Meetings (Section 46)

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the tension between inclusivity and exclusivity in church meetings. John Whitmer highlights the early church's struggle with whether non-believers should attend their gatherings.

Scott [02:34]:
"Section 46 is dealing with who should come to our meetings."

Casey and Scott explore the balance between welcoming earnest seekers and managing disruptive individuals, referencing both Moroni 6:7 and 3 Nephi 18:22 to illustrate the scriptural foundation for inclusion.

Casey [05:24]:
"Generously allow people to come to church, but manage disruptions appropriately without violating scriptural directives."

Spiritual Gifts: Definition and Purposes

The hosts delve into the nature of spiritual gifts, emphasizing their purpose to benefit others and avoid deception. They discuss how gifts are meant to complement one another within the church body.

Scott [14:09]:
"The Lord isn't saying that you just automatically have these gifts. He says that you seek the gifts."

Casey reinforces that spiritual gifts are tools to draw closer to God and assist others, highlighting their communal benefit.

Casey [15:36]:
"Does it help you draw closer to God? Does it help you be in a better position to help others draw closer to God? If you can, answer yes to those, this is probably from God."

Specific Spiritual Gifts Explored

1. Testimony of Jesus Christ (Verse 13)

Scott and Casey discuss the fundamental gift of knowing and bearing testimony of Jesus Christ. They reference Elder Richard G. Scott's interpretation, emphasizing the certainty and personal impact of this testimony.

Casey [20:03]:
"The gift of knowing that Jesus is the Son of God... It felt like crucial to salvation."

2. Faith to Heal (Verses 19-20)

The episode recounts historical accounts, such as Elsa Johnson's healing in Hiram, Ohio, illustrating the practical application of faith-based healing.

Scott [37:12]:
"To believe that Jesus is the Son of God and to have the faith to continue faithful."

3. Differences of Administration & Diversity of Operations (Verses 15-16)

These gifts involve discerning appropriate roles and services within the church, ensuring that each member's unique abilities are utilized effectively.

Casey [25:02]:
"Differences of administration pertains to understanding how those ordained to the priesthood should be directed in their duties."

4. Word of Wisdom & Word of Knowledge (Verses 17)

Scott and Casey differentiate between wisdom and knowledge, drawing from Elder Stephen L. Richards' definitions to explain their interconnected roles in spiritual leadership.

Scott [35:20]:
"Wisdom is knowledge properly applied... It's a blessing to work with people dedicated to learning."

5. Working of Miracles (Verse 21)

The discussion highlights that God continues to perform miracles, countering the notion that the age of miracles has ended. Historical anecdotes, such as Levi Curtis's near-death experience, are shared to illustrate ongoing miraculous events.

Casey [36:20]:
"Miracles require eyes to see. If you have that, we can see miracles happening around us all the time."

6. Prophecy (Verse 22)

Prophecy is explored beyond predicting the future, encompassing bearing testimony of Christ's divinity and role as Redeemer.

Casey [44:40]:
"Prophecy is not just about telling the future... it's about affirming the divinity and mission of Jesus Christ."

7. Discernment of Spirits (Verse 23)

A critical gift discussed is the ability to discern whether spiritual manifestations are divine or deceptive, essential for maintaining doctrinal integrity.

Scott [46:25]:
"Discerning spirits is being able to know when something genuinely comes from God and when it doesn't."

8. Speaking with Tongues & Interpretation (Verses 24-25)

The controversial gift of speaking in tongues is examined, with historical context provided about its prevalence in early church history versus its rarity today. The necessity of purposeful use and interpretation is emphasized to prevent confusion and misuse.

Casey [53:18]:
"If it's not happening with a purpose... it can be a snare and can prove an injury."

Controversies Addressed

Spiritual Gifts in Non-Members

Scott and Casey address whether individuals outside the Church can possess spiritual gifts, citing examples like Karl G. Maeser and Joseph Smith's translation of the Book of Mormon without formal church affiliation.

Casey [55:28]:
"Gifts of the Spirit can be accessed by all who believe in God and seek Him sincerely."

Completeness of the List of Gifts

The podcast discusses varying interpretations among church leaders regarding whether Section 46 provides an exhaustive list of spiritual gifts. They cite Bruce R. McConkie and Marvin J. Ashton, who affirm that spiritual gifts are numerous and not limited to those listed scripturally.

Casey [55:28]:
"If you don't have anything listed in scriptures, don't despair. You have a gift."

Consequences and Applications

Inclusivity in Meetings:
Embracing the principle of "visitors welcome" while maintaining order and doctrinal purity in church gatherings.

Discernment Practices:
Encouraging leaders to utilize their gift of discernment to evaluate spiritual manifestations and ensure they align with divine teachings.

Encouraging Gift Seeking:
Motivating members to seek spiritual gifts to both benefit themselves and uplift others, fostering a cohesive and supportive church community.

Casey [62:28]:
"Our friends and neighbors are always welcome but not expected to take the sacrament... seek to make newcomers feel wanted and comfortable."

Conclusions

Episode 120 of Church History Matters provides an insightful exploration of Doctrine and Covenants Section 46, emphasizing the importance of seeking and discerning spiritual gifts within the church. Scott and Casey effectively bridge historical context with contemporary application, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of how early church revelations continue to guide modern church practices. The episode underscores the communal purpose of spiritual gifts, advocating for their thoughtful and purpose-driven use to enhance both individual and collective spiritual journeys.

Notable Quotes:

• Casey [00:00]:
  "Lean into the gifts that God has given you and watch what heaven can do through you."

• Scott [02:34]:
  "Section 46 is dealing with who should come to our meetings."

• Casey [05:24]:
  "Generously allow people to come to church, but manage disruptions appropriately without violating scriptural directives."

• Scott [14:09]:
  "The Lord isn't saying that you just automatically have these gifts. He says that you seek the gifts."

• Casey [15:36]:
  "Does it help you draw closer to God? Does it help you be in a better position to help others draw closer to God? If you can, answer yes to those, this is probably from God."

• Scott [35:20]:
  "Wisdom is knowledge properly applied... It's a blessing to work with people dedicated to learning."

• Scott [46:25]:
  "Discerning spirits is being able to know when something genuinely comes from God and when it doesn't."

• Casey [55:28]:
  "Gifts of the Spirit can be accessed by all who believe in God and seek Him sincerely."

For a deeper dive into Section 46 and to continue the discussion on Sections 47 and 48, stay tuned for Part Two of this episode.