Podcast Summary: followHIM Episode: Doctrine & Covenants 77-80 Part 1 • Dr. Matthew Hinton
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Guest: Dr. Matthew Hinton

Introduction and Guest Introduction

In this episode of followHIM, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway welcome their guest, Dr. Matthew Hinton, to delve into Doctrine & Covenants sections 77 through 80. The discussion centers around Joseph Smith's revelations, the symbolism within the Book of Revelation, and their implications for understanding God's character and the Plan of Salvation.

Hank Smith [00:37]: "John, Matt, we are looking at sections 77 through 80 today... But we're moving on now."

Dr. Matthew Hinton [05:40]: "Dr. Matthew Hinton. He's been employed with seminaries and institutes... He has four beautiful daughters..."

Exploring Doctrine & Covenants 77-80

The conversation begins with an exploration of Doctrine & Covenants (D&C) sections 77-80. The hosts reference previous discussions on sections 45 and 76, setting the stage for a deeper dive into these chapters.

John Bytheway [02:03]: "It's just crazy. Yeah. Why don't we just study the Scriptures today with Joseph Smith and the Lord as one does?"

Dr. Matthew Hinton [02:30]: "These are some rich, rich sections relative to some prophetic emphasis of President Nelson being prepared for the second coming in 77."

Symbolism in the Book of Revelation

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the symbolic language of the Book of Revelation. The hosts draw parallels between the apocalyptic literature and Joseph Smith's revelations in the D&C.

John Bytheway [21:44]: "Apocalyptic, like we've been talking as kind of a language... It's in code. People... don't know what to do."

Hank Smith [17:45]: "Book of Revelation is very symbolic. If you don't know your Old Testament, you're going to be lost."

Understanding God's Character and Motives

The trio delves into the attributes of God as revealed through these scriptures. They emphasize God's omniscience, benevolence, and His intentional involvement in the lives of His children.

John Bytheway [26:10]: "President Nelson would say, lazy learners... When you have that experience, you go back... It's the words that you're hearing from heaven."

Dr. Matthew Hinton [51:26]: "He is involved. I keep thinking of Elder Kieran saying, he is in relentless pursuit of us."

Joseph Smith's Revelations and the Plan of Salvation

Dr. Hinton outlines how Joseph Smith's questions in D&C 77 serve as a framework for understanding the Plan of Salvation, revealing God's overarching design from beginning to end.

Hank Smith [63:01]: "When I look at section 77 initially, I might just see a bunch of random questions... But, Matt, as you're laying this out, I'm seeing the first four questions..."

John Bytheway [64:25]: "We've discovered it before, is every once in a while, there are things that are hidden in plain sight."

Application to Current LDS Practices and Hope Amidst Challenges

The hosts connect the scriptural insights to contemporary LDS practices, such as temple building, missionary work, and the emphasis on gathering Israel. They also touch upon finding hope and joy amidst personal and collective challenges.

John Bytheway [66:18]: "We have temples and gathering, and President Nelson says... But God is working. A marvelous work and a wonder."

Hank Smith [43:03]: "How much nicer to have some expectations, to be able to look around and go, whoa, yep, that was supposed to happen."

Personal Stories Enhancing the Message

Hank shares a heartfelt story about his sister's struggles with diabetes, highlighting how a strong relationship with Jesus Christ can provide joy and resilience in the face of adversity.

Hank Smith [42:07]: "I have a sister who passed away two years ago... She just wasn't. She had a relationship with Jesus Christ and an understanding of a bigger picture..."

Key Insights and Conclusions

Throughout the episode, the discussion underscores the importance of intensive scripture study, asking meaningful questions, and fostering a Christ-centered approach to understanding God's revelations.

Dr. Matthew Hinton [66:48]: "It's always been there, but you've never seen it before. We just saw a sequence, an orderliness. I like this word, sometimes an elegance to some of the ways that God reveals things."

John Bytheway [45:07]: "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, in His Son, Jesus Christ."

The hosts conclude by appreciating the structured and purposeful nature of Joseph Smith's revelations, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with the scriptures to uncover hidden truths and gain a comprehensive understanding of God's plan.

John Bytheway [66:35]: "We have an outline of the gospel, the simplicity of the gospel. This is beautiful."

Notable Quotes

• John Bytheway [02:03]: "Why don't we just study the Scriptures today with Joseph Smith and the Lord as one does?"

• Dr. Matthew Hinton [05:40]: "He's trying to help these saints really come to grips with who he is, what his ultimate goals are."

• Hank Smith [26:10]: "Intense scripture study is like going to the gym... It can be difficult. It's so much easier to grab my phone and scroll."

• John Bytheway [28:31]: "President Nelson says, lazy learners."

• Hank Smith [58:50]: "He looks to see a lion, but he doesn't see a lion."

• John Bytheway [62:16]: "These are not random questions. They're an outline of the gospel, the simplicity of the gospel. This is beautiful."

Final Thoughts

This episode of followHIM offers listeners a profound exploration of Doctrine & Covenants sections 77-80, intertwining historical context, symbolic interpretation, and personal application. Through the insightful contributions of Dr. Matthew Hinton and the engaging dialogue between Hank and John, the episode provides a comprehensive understanding of the scriptures and their relevance to both ancient and modern-day members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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