Podcast Summary: followHIM - Doctrine & Covenants 60-63 Part 2 • Dr. Scott Esplin

Episode Overview

In this enlightening episode of the followHIM podcast, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway engage in a profound discussion with Dr. Scott Esplin, delving into Doctrine and Covenants sections 60-63. Released on June 4, 2025, this episode focuses on interpreting and applying scriptural insights to contemporary faith practices, particularly within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ “Come, Follow Me” study course.

Key Themes and Discussions

1. The Recording of Testimonies and Forgiveness of Sins

   The conversation kicks off with an exploration of Doctrine and Covenants Section 60, Verse 3. Dr. Esplin explains the profound implication that our testimonies are recorded in heaven, bringing joy to angels and resulting in the forgiveness of sins.

   John (00:00): "Whoever does the recording, it doesn't necessarily say that the angels do the recording... Maybe they're my old young men's leaders or seminary teachers that I had that might rejoice up in heaven."

2. Application of Testimonies in Personal and Communal Settings

   John shares a personal anecdote about taking notes during testimony meetings, which later comforted him during funerals. This practice underscores the importance of recording and cherishing testimonies for both personal growth and community support.

   John (01:46): "I love that we get this insight into. This is important."

3. Understanding and Building Zion

   A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to unpacking the concept of Zion as both a people and a place. Dr. Esplin reflects on historical attempts to establish Zion in Kirtland and the challenges faced by early church members.

   Scott (07:58): "Zion is both a people and a place. Zion is a process."

4. Sign Seeking vs. Faith

   The hosts and Dr. Esplin discuss the balance between seeking signs as proof of faith versus developing faith that naturally leads to experiencing signs. They reference both scriptural passages and historical accounts, including a story involving Joseph Smith prefiguring the dangers of sign seeking.

   Scott (13:18): "Faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe."

   John (16:00): "They say, I'll believe you when you show me something. But faith should precede the signs."

5. Balancing Speed and Haste in Divine Missions

   The trio explores the delicate balance between advancing faith initiatives rapidly and avoiding reckless haste. They emphasize the importance of measured progress in building Zion, ensuring actions align with divine timing.

   Hank (21:49): "I'm one who gets a little too excited, pushes the gas pedal and smashes the car."

   Scott (27:58): "I've been blessed with a lot of really good people who model these principles for me."

6. Personal Contributions to Building Zion

   Dr. Esplin outlines practical ways listeners can contribute to building Zion today, such as paying tithes and offerings, living a consecrated life, and supporting those appointed to lead within the church.

   Scott (20:57): "I can build Zion by paying my tithes and offerings, whether it be little or whether it be much."

7. Internal vs. External Challenges in Building Zion

   The discussion transitions to the internal challenges faced by individuals and communities in embodying the principles of Zion, referencing Doctrine and Covenants Section 105. They emphasize that true Zion-building stems from personal obedience, charity, and unity.

   Scott (41:17): "Zion can't be built unless I learn to be obedient, unless I learn to impart of my substance to the poor, unless I learn to become united."

8. Faith and Trust in Church History

   Addressing concerns about the integrity of church history, Dr. Esplin reassures listeners of the divine hand in historical events, encouraging them to seek faith through diligent study and prayer.

   Scott (50:41): "I believe that faith is a gift and if we pray for it, we might be able to see pray for the gift of faith."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• John (00:30): "I just hope that sort of thing we can apply to our testimony meetings."

• Scott (01:54): "There’s power that comes in a testimony, in sharing it."

• Hank (04:50): "I'm going to go back up there on Fast and Testimony Meeting one because it's been way too long."

• John (07:24): "What a beautiful idea, John."

• Scott (13:51): "Sign seeking and adultery, which you might not automatically think, oh, those two would be sister sins."

• John (30:06): "I've seen the overruling almighty hand of God."

• Hank (44:08): "What are my unz behaviors?"

• Scott (53:10): "These are not just Joseph’s words, these are in the Revelations."

Conclusions and Insights

The episode serves as a deep dive into understanding and applying foundational scriptures to foster personal and communal growth within faith contexts. By intertwining historical perspectives with contemporary applications, the discussion highlights the perpetual relevance of scriptural teachings in guiding believers towards building a Zion-like society. Key takeaways include:

• Testimonies Hold Eternal Significance: Sharing and recording personal testimonies not only strengthens individual faith but also contributes to a collective spiritual history cherished by celestial beings.

• Faith Precedes Signs: Developing genuine faith should be the foundation upon which signs and miracles naturally follow, rather than seeking signs to validate faith.

• Balanced Progress in Faith Initiatives: Moving forward with faith requires a balance between enthusiasm and patience, ensuring that actions are thoughtful and aligned with divine timing.

• Personal Contributions Matter: Building Zion begins at home and within the individual, through acts of obedience, charity, and fostering unity.

• Faith Through Study and Prayer: Engaging deeply with church history and scriptures, coupled with sincere prayer, can strengthen faith and reveal the divine hand in life's events.

Final Thoughts

This episode of followHIM masterfully bridges historical scripture with modern-day faith practices, offering listeners actionable insights into building a Zion-like society. Dr. Scott Esplin’s expertise enriches the conversation, providing a nuanced understanding of Doctrine and Covenants sections 60-63 and inspiring believers to embody the principles of Zion in their daily lives.

Further Resources

• Show Notes: followHIM.co
• YouTube Channel: FollowHim Official Channel
• Social Media:
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