Podcast Summary: followHIM – Doctrine & Covenants 46-48 Part 1 with Prof. Danny Ricks

Episode Information:

• Title: Doctrine & Covenants 46-48 Part 1
• Host/Author: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
• Guest: Prof. Danny Ricks
• Release Date: May 7, 2025
• Description: In this episode of the followHIM podcast, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway delve into Doctrine & Covenants sections 46-48 with the expertise of Prof. Danny Ricks from BYU Idaho. The discussion focuses on spiritual gifts, early church history, persecution, and the enduring relevance of these scriptures in contemporary LDS study.

Introduction to Doctrine & Covenants 46-48

Hank Smith welcomes listeners and introduces the episode's focus on Doctrine & Covenants (D&C) sections 46-48. Hank humorously acknowledges John Bytheway's multifaceted talents before introducing Prof. Danny Ricks, a seasoned religious educator with over two decades of experience.

Notable Quote:

• Danny Ricks [00:03]: “What's better than the plan of salvation? There's not one thing I've ever heard in my life that lights my soul on fire like the plan of salvation.”

Understanding Sections 46-48

Danny Ricks highlights the uniqueness of each section within D&C 46-48, emphasizing their individual applications rather than a continuous theme. He underscores the importance of context to fully appreciate the nuggets of wisdom each section offers.

Hank Smith [02:33]: “We're in sections 46, 47, and 48 today, actually. Not a lot of verses to cover compared with some other lessons we've had.”

Early Church Challenges and Spiritual Gifts

The conversation transitions to the early days of the LDS Church in Ohio, discussing the immense growth and simultaneous internal challenges faced by Joseph Smith and early members. Danny Ricks paints a vivid picture of a community grappling with spiritual manifestations and frequent persecutions.

Notable Quotes:

• Danny Ricks [07:18]: “They have multiple appearances. Maybe we're in the millennium.”
• Hank Smith [10:46]: “The church isn't even a year old. March 8, 1831.”

Persecution and Inclusivity in the Early Church

Hosts explore the theme of persecution as detailed in the scriptures, reflecting on incidents where early church members faced hostility. John Bytheway shares historical anecdotes illustrating the challenges missionaries encountered, such as violent attacks and societal rejection.

Notable Quote:

• Danny Ricks [12:56]: “The Lord's pretty clear on what the answer is, though. And look at the language.”

Modern Applications: Embracing Inclusivity and Avoiding Judgment

Shifting to contemporary relevance, the discussion emphasizes the importance of inclusivity within the church. Danny Ricks advocates for an open-hearted approach, inspired by scriptural commands not to cast anyone out. He relates this to personal experiences and modern-day scenarios where members might inadvertently exclude others.

Notable Quotes:

• Danny Ricks [16:06]: “Jesus wants everybody. Jesus wants everyone, regardless of your problems.”
• Hank Smith [18:48]: “Maybe ask around before jumping up and doing that. Maybe ask a couple.”

Personal Stories and Emotional Reflections

John Bytheway and Danny Ricks share poignant personal stories illustrating the impact of exclusion versus acceptance. These narratives highlight the long-term emotional consequences of feeling unwelcome and the transformative power of kindness and understanding.

Notable Quote:

• John Bytheway [21:42]: “I go back to there is a God and he loves you. Instead of the topic in the manual that day. We never got to dress and grooming.”

Spiritual Gifts: Definition and Importance

The hosts delve deep into the concept of spiritual gifts as outlined in D&C 46-48. Danny Ricks distinguishes between general talents and specific spiritual gifts bestowed by the Holy Ghost, emphasizing their purpose in building God's kingdom and serving others.

Notable Quotes:

• Danny Ricks [40:02]: “It's a gift. It is given.”
• Hank Smith [55:19]: “As you study these gifts, please remember, how can I use this gift that I have?”

Doctrine, Gratitude, and Humility

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the intertwining of doctrine with personal virtues like gratitude and humility. Danny Ricks references President Eyring's teachings, explaining how gratitude for God's forgiveness fosters genuine charity and love towards others.

Notable Quotes:

• Danny Ricks [16:52]: “Gratitude for the remission of sins is the seed of charity, the pure love of Christ.”
• John Bytheway [35:06]: “Boundaries are set for what we do in the church.”

Application of Spiritual Gifts in Leadership and Community

The episode further explores how spiritual gifts manifest in leadership roles within the church. Danny Ricks discusses the importance of recognizing and utilizing these gifts to effectively administer programs and support congregational needs.

Notable Quotes:

• Danny Ricks [62:58]: “Paul is saying that the gifts are varied and they show up in different kinds of service and different kinds of activities...”
• Hank Smith [66:57]: “Coming up in part two of this episode.”

Conclusion and Takeaways

The hosts conclude by reinforcing the importance of seeking and embracing spiritual gifts, fostering an inclusive community, and adhering to doctrinal principles to avoid deception. They encourage listeners to apply these lessons in their personal and communal lives, ensuring that the spirit of unity and service prevails.

Key Takeaways:

• Seek and Utilize Spiritual Gifts: Embrace and use the spiritual gifts bestowed by the Holy Ghost to serve others and build God's kingdom.
• Foster Inclusivity: Avoid casting anyone out; instead, welcome all individuals, recognizing their inherent worth as children of God.
• Practice Gratitude and Humility: Cultivate gratitude for God's blessings and forgiveness to nurture genuine love and charity towards others.
• Understand Contextual Leadership: Apply spiritual gifts in leadership by understanding and adapting to the unique needs and conditions of those you serve.

Final Notable Quote:

• Danny Ricks [56:38]: “Jesus knows what he's talking about. He's good.”

Additional Resources:

• Show Notes: https://followhim.co
• YouTube Channel: FollowHimOfficialChannel
• Instagram: Instagram.com/followhimpodcast
• Facebook: Facebook.com/followhimpodcast

Disclaimer: 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.