Church History Matters Podcast
Episode 139: D&C 84 CFM - The Power of Godly Living
Released: July 22, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 139 of the Church History Matters podcast, hosted by Scripture Central, Scott and Casey delve into Doctrine and Covenants Section 84 (D&C 84), exploring its profound implications for the Latter-day Saint Church. This episode, titled "The Power of Godly Living," offers an in-depth analysis of the revelation's context, content, controversies, and enduring impact on church history and contemporary practice.

Context of D&C 84

Historical Background

D&C 84 was received by Joseph Smith in September 1832 in Kirtland, Ohio, during a tumultuous period for the early Church. The revelation emerged after a series of significant events:

• Mob Attacks: Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon endured severe mob violence in Hiram, Ohio, leading to their relocation back to Kirtland. Sidney Rigdon, in particular, suffered debilitating head injuries that affected his leadership capabilities.

• Missionary Return: The revelation was prompted as missionaries returned from their missions, bringing back reports of their stewardship in the Lord’s vineyard. This convergence of returning missionaries and ongoing church challenges set the stage for the reception of D&C 84.

Scott's Insight (00:57):

"You receive the servants, which means you receive Jesus Christ, which means you receive the Father. And if you do that, you receive all that the Father has. Like, that's the Gospel boiled down to just a few simple verses."

Structure of D&C 84

Three Interrelated Revelations

D&C 84 is extensive, comprising approximately 120 verses that Scott and Casey categorize into three distinct but interconnected revelations:

1. First Revelation (Verses 1-42):
   Focuses on the theological foundations of the priesthood and the temple, establishing the relationship between the Church, the temple, and the restoration of priesthood authority.

2. Second Revelation (Verses 43-102):
   Addresses missionary work, providing commandments, insights, and promises to those serving missions. It also contains stern warnings to members complacent in their faith, particularly those in Missouri.

3. Third Revelation (Verses 103-120):
   Offers practical guidance for missionary practices, including handling donations and organizing church offices, while reinforcing earlier themes of priesthood and temple significance.

Casey's Observation (18:00):

"It's got to be one of the clearest explanations in the whole Doctrine and Covenants as to why the Lord has established this church. It's to restore God's people, to gather His Saints to the city of New Jerusalem. Stunning."

Key Themes and Discussions

1. The Priesthood and Temple

Understanding the Priesthood

D&C 84 marks the first explicit revelation detailing the restoration of both the higher (Moses) and lesser (Aaron) priesthoods. Casey highlights the intricate relationship between these priesthoods and their roles within the Church and temple ordinances.

Notable Quote (10:31):

"You are the people I'm talking about. Which solves some major mysteries in the Doctrine and Covenants."

Temple Significance

The revelation underscores the temple's central role in the restoration, linking it directly to priesthood authority. Despite historical setbacks, such as the unfulfilled prophecy to build the New Jerusalem Temple in Missouri within that generation, the foundational doctrines remain integral to church theology.

Scott's Explanation (20:32):

"Due to circumstances that are going to be dealt with in future Revelations, the temple in Missouri was never built during that generation. [...] the doctrinal explanation about the relationship between the temple and the priesthood in the verses that follow is still really, really pertinent to us."

2. Missionary Work

Divine Commissioning

Verses 43-102 provide a robust framework for missionary work, emphasizing the global need for the Gospel and the role of missionaries in combating spiritual darkness.

Casey's Insight (55:51):

"This is directly about missionary work. So why serve a mission? Because the world needs you. Because the world needs the light and the truth and the Spirit that you can bring into that darkness and help people to get on the path to receiving the oath and covenant that the Father has to make with them."

Promises and Warnings

The revelation offers both promises of divine support and stern warnings against complacency and apostasy. Scott underscores the balance between blessings and responsibilities tied to priesthood reception.

Notable Quote (46:42):

"He that receiveth my servants receiveth me."

3. Practical Guidance for Missionaries

Early Church Practices

The third part of the revelation outlines practical instructions for missionaries, including handling donations and living solely by divine providence without personal possessions.

Scott’s Commentary (64:12):

"The system of funding missionaries wholly from spontaneous donations and kind of like impromptu generosity is really different from what we do today."

Elder and Deacon Roles

Scott and Casey discuss how D&C 84 elucidates the distinct roles of church officers within the priesthood, drawing parallels to modern-day practices of mentoring and training within the Church.

Casey's Explanation (34:22):

"The ordinance here refers to both laws and rituals. [...] So in 1832, this is how they're thinking about priesthood."

Controversies Addressed

Sidney Rigdon's Decline

The revelation addresses internal challenges, including Sidney Rigdon's declining leadership due to his injuries, which left Joseph Smith to navigate church governance with diminished support.

Warnings to Missouri Saints

D&C 84 contains direct admonitions to the Saints in Missouri, urging repentance and adherence to Gospel principles to avoid divine condemnation. This was a precursor to the severe persecutions that would soon escalate in Missouri, culminating in the 1838 Extermination Order.

Notable Quote (48:42):

"But verily I say unto all those to whom the kingdom has been given from you, it must be preached unto them, those who don't have it, that they shall repent of their former evil works."

Consequences and Historical Impact

Immediate Effects

Following the reception of D&C 84, church leaders in Kirtland acted on its counsel by commissioning letters urging Missouri members to repent and adhere to Gospel teachings, linking scripture directly to immediate pastoral actions.

Long-Term Implications

The theological underpinnings of D&C 84 have had lasting effects on the Church's understanding of priesthood authority, temple significance, and missionary responsibilities. The revelation’s emphasis on divine support in missionary endeavors continues to inspire and guide modern missionary work.

Scott’s Reflection (75:11):

"We're watching this in real time almost here in section 84. Play out out, line upon line."

Enduring Lessons

Personal Reflection and Application

Scott and Casey encourage listeners to reflect on their own adherence to Gospel principles, drawing parallels between the early Saints' experiences and contemporary faith practices. They stress the importance of not merely professing faith but actively living it through obedience to commandments and participation in church ordinances.

Casey's Challenge (75:30):

"How am I doing it? Taking seriously what the Lord has given us? Do I take the Book of Mormon seriously? Do I take the other commandments that he's given in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants seriously?"

Conclusion

Episode 139 of Church History Matters offers a comprehensive exploration of D&C 84, highlighting its foundational role in defining priesthood authority, temple doctrine, and missionary work within the Latter-day Saint tradition. Through meticulous analysis and reflective discussion, Scott and Casey illuminate the revelation's profound theological depth and its enduring relevance to both early Church history and modern faith practice.

Final Thoughts (75:30):

"There's a lot to digest in this situation and as we're reading through it I just realized how many little verses especially from the missionary section get taken out and shared with missionaries on a regular basis to kind of inspire them to know how to do and have hope and do what they do that God's angels go with missionaries and help them in their labors."

Stay tuned for the next episode, where Scott and Casey will delve into the controversies surrounding D&C 84 and their consequences in the Church's history.