followHIM Podcast Summary

Episode: Doctrine & Covenants 94-97 Part 1
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Guest: Bro. Clint Mortensen
Aired: August 27, 2025
Focus: Insights and applications from Doctrine & Covenants 94–97, with an emphasis on correction, repentance, light, revelation, and the significance of temple building.

Episode Overview

This episode delves into Doctrine & Covenants sections 94–97, focusing on themes of divine correction, the necessity of repentance, embracing spiritual light, personal revelation, and the centrality of temples in Latter-day Saint worship. Bro. Clint Mortensen joins Hank and John to explore both historical context and modern application, drawing on contemporary prophetic counsel and personal experience. The tone is warm, humorous, and deeply encouraging, reflecting the supportive spirit of LDS youth and adult education.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Growing Influence of Seminaries and Institutes

Guest Background & Impact

• Bro. Clint Mortensen, a veteran in the Church Educational System, highlights global growth:
  • 900,000+ students in 124 countries, 38 languages ([05:16]).
  • 70,000 teachers worldwide, 95% are volunteers ([05:16]).
  • "The real miracle...is what's happening in the hearts of the students." ([05:16], Mortensen).
• Both Hank and John share personal and family conversion stories that started with simple invitations—power of inviting friends to participate ([10:00], Hank’s mother; [12:07], John’s father).

Memorable Moment:

• Statistic: Of non-members invited to seminary/institute, 1 in 3 are baptized ([13:39], Mortensen).

2. Divine Correction: Chastening in Love

Context:

• Early Saints were slow to follow the 1832 commandment to build a temple.
• The Lord chastens in D&C 95: “Whom I love, I also chasten…” ([20:36]).

Key Insights:

• Effective correction is rooted in love. “There has to be a basis of…I know this person chastening me…loves me.” ([23:28], Hank).
• Candid, loving feedback is a hallmark of true discipleship ([27:39], Mortensen anecdotes of correction from leaders and family).
• Christ Himself chastens out of a desire for our deliverance, not punishment ([24:00], Mortensen).

Notable Quote:

“I am so thankful for those who love me and love us enough that even in those difficult circumstances can correct us."
— Clint Mortensen ([27:39])

Practical Invitation:

• Ask someone you trust for feedback; trust that the Spirit will guide both the giver and receiver ([27:39]).

3. Responding to Correction: Repentance and Positive Action

Historical Reference:

• After being chastened, Hyrum Smith exemplifies a swift and humble response—becoming “the first at work” on the temple ([34:19]).

Insight:

• The language shift from “standing rebuked” in D&C 95–96 to “my friends” in D&C 94–97 reflects their repentance and restored relationship ([35:45]).

Memorable Quotes:

“You are my friends, if you do whatsoever I command you.”
— Jesus, John 15:14 ([35:45], Mortensen)

“Why did you leave me on read?”
— Hank Smith on modern communication paralleling delayed responses to God’s promptings ([36:54])

4. Walking in Light vs. Darkness at Noonday

Scriptural Focus:

• Despite living in times of spiritual abundance, the Saints are warned against “walking in darkness at noonday” (D&C 95:6,12) ([41:56], Mortensen).

Modern Application:

• Light as a symbol of Christ, knowledge, and personal revelation ([41:56], Mortensen draws from D&C 88).
• Elder Hales: “Are we walking in darkness at noonday by refusing to see by the light of modern prophecy?” ([41:56])
• The spiritual danger of a “spiritual eclipse”—letting anything block the light of Christ ([49:11], Mortensen).

Notable Quotes:

“When you face the Sun [Son], the shadows of discouragement fall behind you.”
— Helen Keller, adapted by John ([50:49])

"Why are we digging around in the garbage when the pantry is full?"
— Hank Smith’s wife, on choosing light ([53:31])

5. The Gift & Method of Personal Revelation

Scriptural Focus:

• D&C 97: The Lord repeatedly says "I say unto you..."
• Revelation is when the Savior, through the Spirit, teaches us individually ([54:18], Mortensen).

Prophetic Insights:

• President Nelson: “Hear Him” is not just for Joseph Smith but for all ([54:18]).
• Elder Uchtdorf: “God will speak to you…in a way that is unmistakable…” ([59:16]).

Practical Insight:

• Revelation is available daily if we “do the things in our lives to hear Him.” ([54:18])
• Take time to both ask and listen in prayer ([60:22], John & Mortensen).

Memorable Quote:

"The everlasting and almighty God...will speak to those who approach him with a sincere heart and real intent."
— Dieter F. Uchtdorf ([59:16])

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• [03:48] Mortensen outlines five themes for the episode:

  • Chastening/correction, light & darkness, power of revelation, commandment to build temples, President Nelson’s counsel on the greatest gift for the Lord.

• [23:28] Hank Smith: “There has to be a basis of...I know this person chastening me...loves me.”

• [32:59] Mortensen: “Sometimes you can say the right thing in the wrong tone and actually say the wrong thing.”

• [36:54] Hank Smith: "Why did you leave me on read?"—relating delayed response to God’s counsel to modern texting behavior.

• [40:24] John highlights: “Righteous just means you’re repenting. God doesn’t choose that status, we do.”

• [41:43] Hank shares Elder Renlund’s reassurance: “The moment we decide to try again, the atonement of Christ can help us.”

• [41:56] Mortensen: “Walking in darkness at noonday”—danger of failing to recognize God’s light in our lives.

• [50:49] John, quoting Helen Keller: “When you face the sun, the shadows of discouragement fall behind you.”

• [53:31] Hank: “Why are we digging around in the garbage when the pantry is full?”

• [59:16] Elder Uchtdorf’s promise that God will “speak in a way that is unmistakable and transcends human experience.”

Section-by-Section Structure & Flow

0:00–5:16 – Opening, Seminaries and Institutes Growth, Personal Invitations

5:16–16:01 – Power of Invitation, Stories of Conversion & Influence

16:01–20:36 – Historical Context in D&C 94–97, Church Centers and Poverty

20:36–34:19 – Chastening, Principles of Correction, Responding with Repentance

34:19–41:56 – Humble Repentance, Moving Into Favor with God

41:56–54:18 – Light vs Darkness, Modern “Noonday” Warnings

54:18–61:50 – Revelation: Hearing Him, God Speaks Individually

61:50–End – Transition to Part 2 & Teaser

Conclusion

This insightful episode encourages listeners to view correction as an act of divine love, highlights the blessings of living in a time of great spiritual light, and affirms the promise of ongoing personal revelation. Through stories, scriptures, and practical invitations, Hank, John, and Clint Mortensen help anchor the doctrines in everyday life and modern prophetic counsel. Listeners are left with hope, a sense of increased spiritual responsibility, and actionable ideas for embracing the light and voice of the Savior.

For Further Reflection:

• How do I respond to correction from the Lord or His servants?
• Am I seeking light or letting distractions cause a “spiritual eclipse”?
• What am I doing in my daily routines to “hear Him”?

For more resources and follow-up:
Show notes at followhim.co
YouTube: FollowHimOfficialChannel