Podcast Summary: "Don't Miss This Study"
Episode: IN SO GREAT A CAUSE
Hosts: Emily Freeman & David Butler
Date: October 27, 2025
Main Theme
This episode focuses on revelations in Doctrine & Covenants sections 125–128, exploring how God’s attention to individual needs, particular circumstances, and trials ultimately brings grace, preparation, and hope. Emily and David reflect on providence, God’s kindness, and the doctrines—especially baptism for the dead—that support and uplift believers even amid adversity.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Context: Nauvoo and Church History
- David and Emily reminisce about their visit to Nauvoo, discussing how places like Nauvoo represent both joy and hardship in Church history.
- David: “The history of the whole church is almost like the history of somebody's life... sad moments... awesome, happy moments too.” (00:26)
- Nauvoo becomes a metaphor for preparation for difficult times ahead, such as the martyrdom of Joseph Smith and the trek west.
2. God’s Attention to the Individual (& Section 125)
- Drawing parallels between personalized gifts at a training (see 05:09) and God’s individualized care, they discuss how Section 125 shows God’s personal concern for the Saints in Iowa—often overlooked in Church history.
- David: “Section 125 is a reminder that God sees them. And God has particular direction and specific kinds of gifts and help for the Iowa saints too.” (08:21)
- Practical application: Even if we feel overlooked, God is aware of and preparing us for what’s ahead.
3. Personalized Revelation and Trust (Section 126 & Brigham Young)
- Section 126: A direct revelation for Brigham Young, beginning, “Dear and well beloved brother.”
- Emily: “That is really easy to...say and not mean. ...But the Lord, in fact, does [mean it].” (12:06)
- God sees “your labor and your toil in these journeys.”
- Emily relates to her nephew’s school experience to highlight how being recognized for genuine efforts changes how we see ourselves (14:38).
- David: "It wasn't a perfect offering, but it's one that the Lord accepted." (16:01)
- They encourage listeners to look for and appreciate the “dear and well beloved” in others.
4. Dealing with Hardship: Joseph Smith in Hiding (Sections 127–128)
- Joseph Smith, pursued and falsely accused post-Liberty Jail, writes letters instead of sermons.
- David: "Joseph is actually in hiding during 127 and 128... can you just imagine what that feels like?" (21:18)
- Discuss principles for enduring recurring trials:
- See tribulation with an eternal perspective—“Deep water is what I want to swim in.” (23:27)
- Keep the work going despite distraction or adversity—“Let your diligence and your perseverance and your patience... be redoubled.” (25:43)
- Recognize God’s promises and triumph—“I shall triumph over all my enemies, for the Lord hath spoken it.” (28:02)
- Emily: “Sometimes it's okay for us to give ourselves permission... to say... I have absolutely no idea why this is happening.” (24:08)
- Joseph’s attitude is one of resilience: doubling down on goodness when life gets tough.
5. Restoration of Baptism for the Dead (Section 128)
- Joseph receives deeper revelation about baptisms for the dead while in hiding, prompted by personal trial.
- Emily: “That we believe in a God who never runs out of giving chances. A God who wants to do absolutely anything he possibly can to help as many of his children as he possibly can.” (33:01)
- The process is “particular” (35:18): God requires exactness in record-keeping and ordinances because each soul matters.
- David: “Being particular is a love language... because they're people and they matter.” (36:41)
- Applying the doctrine: Take time to consider the individual behind each ordinance.
6. Practical Applications & Invitations
- Letter activity: Write a “dear and well beloved” letter to someone, then replace their name with your own to realize God's love (37:04).
- List your own "glad tidings"—what moments in your life fill you with joy and gratitude for God’s goodness (45:09).
7. Culminating Encouragement (Section 128:22)
- Joseph’s list of “what do we hear in the gospel?” is described as a powerful summation of hope and gladness.
- David: “Shall we not go on in so great a cause? ...Courage on to the victory. Let your hearts rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing.” (42:29)
- The hosts urge listeners to "cheer" for the cause and to focus on the good God has given even in hard seasons.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (w/ Timestamps)
- David: “I just feel like you look at the whole span of church history and you're just like...look at these glorious moments...then they're interspersed by Zion's Camp and the trek west... The history of the whole church is almost like the history of somebody's life...” (00:26)
- Emily: “God will speak to us personalized and individualized. ...He truly trusted those saints. ...He knew that they would come to the rescue when other people needed them the most.” (09:39)
- David: “Being particular is a love language.” (36:41)
- Emily: “That we believe in a God who never runs out of giving chances.” (33:01)
- David (on Joseph’s resilience): “The devil's coming, but he got nothing on me.” (28:02)
- David: “Shall we not go on in so great a cause? ...Go forward and not backward. Courage on to the victory. Let your hearts rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing.” (42:29)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Nauvoo & Church History Framing: 00:26–02:16
- About Individualized Revelation, Section 125: 05:09–11:46
- Section 126, Brigham Young & Being Seen: 11:46–17:00
- Joseph Smith in Hiding, Lessons from Trials (Sections 127–128): 20:37–30:29
- Doctrinal Focus: Baptisms for the Dead, the Value of Particularity: 30:29–37:04
- Letter Exercise & Practical Faith Invitations: 37:04–42:29
- Joseph's Anthem on Glad Tidings, Culminating Encouragement: 42:29–47:06
Tone & Language
The hosts maintain an enthusiastic, warm, and personable tone—peppered with humor, vulnerability, and spiritual encouragement. They blend doctrinal discussion with everyday application, always pointing back to the kindness and attentiveness of God.
Summary Conclusion
This episode of “Don’t Miss This Study” is a moving exploration of God’s personal care, seen through revelations to overlooked Saints, leaders, and the entire church in times of trial. Emily and David expertly weave history, doctrine, and relatable stories, urging listeners to recognize and cherish God’s particular love—especially in the ordinances and opportunities to help others. Their invitation is clear: double down on goodness, notice the glad tidings in your life, and take courage in “so great a cause.”