Podcast Summary: followHIM – Doctrine & Covenants 45 Part 1 with Prof. Shima Baughman

Release Date: April 30, 2025
Duration: Approximately 72 minutes

Introduction and Guest Background

Hosts: Hank Smith and John Bytheway
Guest: Professor Shima Baughman

In this episode of followHIM, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway welcome back Professor Shima Baughman to delve into Doctrine & Covenants Section 45, titled "The Promises Shall Be Fulfilled." Building on their previous collaboration on a true crime-themed episode, Hank and John aim to explore the intersection of Shima's legal expertise and her insights into the LDS study materials.

Notable Quote:

• Hank Smith [00:41]: "But let's just remind everyone. Give us some background."

Overview of Doctrine & Covenants Section 45

Shima provides a comprehensive overview of Section 45, highlighting its relevance both historically and in contemporary times. She draws parallels between ancient revelations and modern-day challenges faced by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), emphasizing themes of advocacy, preparation for the Second Coming, and spiritual nourishment.

Notable Quote:

• Shima Baughman [01:47]: "What it has in common with a celebrity gossip magazine that I used to read."

Personal Testimonies and Stories

Shima shares a poignant testimony from a man in a Utah prison branch, illustrating the profound impact of hearing and hearkening to the Savior's voice. This story underscores the personal and transformative power of faith during times of despair.

Notable Quote:

• Shima Baughman [05:54]: "This, my friends, that is hearing him, hearkening to him, believing on his name to truly understand who he is and what he's done for us."

Themes Explored

1. Advocacy and Jesus Christ as Our Advocate

Shima and the hosts delve into the concept of advocacy, both divine and human. They explore how Jesus Christ serves as an advocate before the Father, pleading for humanity's salvation. Shima further discusses practical ways members can emulate this advocacy in their daily lives, such as obeying laws, showing up for others, and believing in the transformative power of Christ.

Notable Quotes:

• Shima Baughman [35:08]: "Jesus Christ, our advocate and as a lawyer. This is one of my favorite descriptors."
• Hank Smith [25:39]: "We willfully indulge in spiritual anorexia."

2. The Harvest and Preparation for the Second Coming

Using agricultural metaphors, Shima explains the significance of "harvest" in spiritual terms. She relates the seasons of planting, summer struggles, and the joyful harvest to the process of preparing for Christ's Second Coming. Personal anecdotes from her time in Peru illustrate the importance of being prepared and attentive to spiritual signs.

Notable Quotes:

• Shima Baughman [13:25]: "The Lord can do both. He can speak to the saints in 1831 and to the saints in 2025 in one revelation."
• Shima Baughman [16:24]: "Am I aware of what season we're in? Are we looking for the signs?"

3. Enoch and Spiritual Preparation

Shima draws connections between the account of Enoch in Section 45 and external historical texts like the Book of Giants. She emphasizes the relevance of Enoch's teachings in modern spiritual preparation, highlighting Joseph Smith's revelations and their alignment with ancient records.

Notable Quotes:

• Shima Baughman [55:10]: "It's strikingly similar to the 1948 discovery of the Book of Giants."
• Shima Baughman [58:13]: "I like to see evidence and mark it when it's there."

4. Being Strangers and Pilgrims on Earth

The discussion extends to the concept of believers being "strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Shima shares her personal struggles and triumphs in maintaining faith and spiritual nourishment, illustrating how regular temple attendance and covenant renewal foster a sense of divine identity and purpose.

Notable Quotes:

• Shima Baughman [61:54]: "The more regularly I was in the house of the Lord, I could delight in hearing God's voice."
• John Bytheway [71:12]: "Being where the Holy Ghost is, he is the agent of change."

Practical Applications

Shima offers actionable insights on how listeners can apply the teachings of Section 45 in their lives. Emphasizing the importance of consistent spiritual nourishment, she suggests practices such as daily scripture reading, prayer, and actively supporting others through advocacy and presence.

Notable Quotes:

• Shima Baughman [26:00]: "We often act as if there's this eternal grace period, but it comes to an end at some point."
• John Bytheway [34:29]: "What comes to mind?"

Insights and Conclusions

The episode concludes with reflections on the universality of personal struggles and the shared journey toward spiritual growth. Shima's narratives bridge personal experiences with doctrinal teachings, reinforcing the message that despite imperfections, divine advocacy and community support pave the way for redemption and fulfillment of promises.

Notable Quotes:

• Hank Smith [34:14]: "I can't imagine letting my daughter go, but she let me go visit my grandma in a bus ride 20 hours away."
• Shima Baughman [71:15]: "Absolutley."

Closing Remarks and Teasers for Part Two

Hank expresses gratitude for Shima's heartfelt contributions, acknowledging the deep personal and universal resonance of the stories shared. The hosts tease the continuation of the discussion in the next part, promising further exploration of Doctrine & Covenants Section 45.

Key Takeaways:

• Advocacy: Emulating Christ's role as an advocate involves obeying laws, supporting others, and embodying integrity and compassion.
• Spiritual Seasons: Understanding spiritual metaphorical seasons aids in preparing for the Second Coming, emphasizing vigilance and readiness.
• Enoch's Relevance: Enoch's teachings offer valuable insights that align with ancient texts, reinforcing the authenticity and eternal relevance of LDS revelations.
• Strangers on Earth: Embracing a divine identity requires rejecting worldly distractions and fostering a close relationship with God through regular spiritual practices.
• Personal Transformation: Continuous spiritual nourishment and community support are vital for personal growth and overcoming struggles.

Connect with followHIM:

• Show Notes: followhim.co
• YouTube: FollowHimOfficialChannel
• Instagram: @followhimpodcast
• Facebook: followhimpodcast

The followHIM Podcast is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The opinions expressed on episodes represent the views of the guest and podcasters alone.