Podcast Summary: followHIM Episode - Doctrine & Covenants 29 Part 1 • Brother Eric Richards • March 31 - April 6 • Come Follow Me

Release Date: March 26, 2025
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Guest: Brother Eric Richards

Introduction

In this episode of the followHIM podcast, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway delve into Doctrine & Covenants Section 29 with their guest, Brother Eric Richards. The discussion aims to unpack the profound and sometimes challenging revelations found in this section, offering listeners insightful perspectives on its themes of salvation, gathering, and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Understanding Doctrine & Covenants 29

Eric Richards opens the conversation by acknowledging the complexity and intensity of Section 29, describing it as "a plan of salvation type section" that provides "truth and knowledge far beyond what we ask" (02:09). The hosts emphasize the section's uniqueness, noting its departure from more straightforward doctrinal teachings.

Significance of Verse 1: The Voice of Jesus Christ

John Bytheway highlights the beauty of the opening verse:

"Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your redeemer, the Great." (02:35)

He elaborates on how this verse serves as a direct testimony of Christ, aligning with the fundamental principles of the gospel that center on Jesus' life, atonement, and resurrection. John shares an interesting etymology of the word "worship," connecting its original meaning of "worthy of shipping" to the contemporary practice of dedicating time and effort to worship Christ.

The Gathering of Israel

The discussion shifts to the metaphor of a hen gathering her chicks, as described in verse 2:

"He who will gather his people, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings." (08:05)

John explores the imagery of protection and nurturing, paralleling it with Christ's invitation to gather His followers. They reference Malachi 4:1 to discuss the urgency and severity of the times leading up to the Second Coming, emphasizing the increased prevalence of wickedness, particularly sexual immorality.

Hank shares inspiring missionary stories, illustrating how individual talents and Christ-centered actions can lead to meaningful conversions and community growth. These anecdotes underscore the podcast's theme of declaring the gospel with the sound of rejoicing.

Christ as Our Advocate

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to understanding Jesus Christ's role as an advocate. Eric Richards references Elder Holland's book, A Witness for His Names, to explain the concept:

"When you think of an advocate, there's at least three parties involved. Jesus Christ is advocating on your behalf before the Father." (17:42)

He connects this to 1 John 2:1, highlighting the assurance that Jesus intercedes for those who sin, reinforcing the hope and mercy available through the atonement.

The Second Coming and Its Signs

The conversation progresses to the signs preceding the Second Coming. John discusses how the Lord has equipped prophets with knowledge to discern these signs, emphasizing that while destruction is foretold, it serves a cleansing purpose rather than mere punishment. They explore the metaphorical and possibly literal interpretations of verses describing plagues and devastation, contemplating whether these events are instantaneous or drawn out processes.

Hank and Eric engage in a thoughtful dialogue about the nature of these prophecies, considering technological advancements and their potential role in fulfilling these signs. They acknowledge the inevitability of Christ's return, noting that no one knows the exact time:

"No man knoweth the day, nor the hour." (44:32)

The Millennium: A Time of Renewal

When discussing the millennium, the hosts paint a vivid picture of a transformed world:

• Resurrection and Eternal Life: They elaborate on the resurrection, referencing Elder Holland's description of loved ones being resurrected with perfected bodies and minds (40:03).

• Technological and Social Advancements: John envisions unprecedented technological progress and societal harmony, where even daily activities continue seamlessly in this renewed state.

• Peace and Prosperity: The conversation highlights the eradication of suffering, death, and sorrow, aligning with scriptures like Isaiah 65:17 and Revelation 21:4.

Overcoming Wickedness: The Role of Mindset

A critical theme revolves around combating wickedness through a celestial mindset. John and Eric discuss how adopting Christ-centered thoughts fortifies individuals against prevalent worldly ideologies that oppose divine principles. They draw parallels to Isaiah's prophecies about moral decline and the importance of scripture study, temple attendance, and gospel living as safeguards.

Eric emphasizes:

"Whatever we think on, we ultimately become." (55:25)

This underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with truth and maintaining a focus on eternal principles to resist the pervasive "beast" mentality.

Hope and Eternal Family Reunions

The episode concludes on a deeply hopeful note, focusing on the promise of eternal family reunions. John and Eric share personal reflections and testimonies about losing loved ones, expressing the anticipation and joy of being reunited in the celestial realm. They reference Joseph Smith and Elder Brooks P. Hales to reinforce the doctrine of resurrection and eternal life.

John affirms:

"No family is perfect. If anyone has children that are struggling, wondering about the Gospel, the thing that's going to bring them home is that unconditional love." (67:20)

This segment reinforces the podcast's overarching message of hope, love, and the relentless pursuit of God to bring His children back into His embrace.

Conclusion and Teaser for Part 2

As the episode wraps up, Hank Smith encourages listeners to hold onto the promise of eternal life and to live in anticipation of the Second Coming. He invites the audience to join them for Part 2 of the discussion, promising to delve deeper into the remaining verses of Doctrine & Covenants Section 29.

Notable Quotes

• John Bytheway (02:35): "Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your redeemer, the Great."

• Eric Richards (17:42): "When you think of an advocate, there's at least three parties involved. Jesus Christ is advocating on your behalf before the Father."

• John Bytheway (55:25): "Whatever we think on, we ultimately become."

• Eric Richards (67:20): "The thing that's going to bring them home is that unconditional love."

Timestamps

• 00:00 - 00:42: Introductory banter and guest introduction.
• 01:06 - 01:43: Overview of Eric Richards' background.
• 02:09 - 02:27: Introduction to Doctrine & Covenants 29.
• 03:59 - 04:15: Eric Richards' background and connection to the church.
• 06:10 - 07:44: Reading from the Come Follow Me manual and initial discussion.
• 08:05 - 11:08: Detailed analysis of verses on gathering.
• 11:55 - 12:22: Discussion on Jesus Christ’s mission as outlined in Luke 4.
• 12:23 - 16:39: Emphasis on focusing on healing rather than impressing others.
• 17:29 - 19:41: Exploring Christ as an advocate and its implications.
• 19:41 - 23:44: Missionary stories illustrating gospel declarations.
• 23:44 - 32:02: Transition to the Second Coming and its signs.
• 32:02 - 38:24: Discussion on the millennium and its promises.
• 38:24 - 50:43: Examination of prophetic signs and their meanings.
• 50:43 - 62:02: Strategies to maintain a celestial mindset and overcome wickedness.
• 62:02 - 69:40: Hopeful reflections on eternal life and family reunions.
• 69:40 - End: Conclusion and invitation to Part 2.

Join us next week on followHIM as we continue our exploration of Doctrine & Covenants Section 29, delving deeper into its prophetic teachings and practical applications for our lives today.

Note: This summary captures the key discussions and insights from the transcript provided. For full context and additional nuances, listeners are encouraged to tune into the episode directly.