Podcast Summary: followHIM Episode – Doctrine & Covenants Section 1 Part 2 with Dr. J.B. Haws

Episode Details:

• Title: Doctrine & Covenants Section 1 Part 2 • Dr. J.B. Haws • January 6 - January 12 • Come Follow Me
• Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
• Guest: Dr. J.B. Haws
• Release Date: January 1, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the followHIM podcast, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway are joined by Dr. J.B. Haws to delve deeper into Doctrine and Covenants Section 1, specifically focusing on verses 20 through 35. This segment, titled Part 2, explores the profound themes of divine authority, human weakness, the nature of God, and the evolving truth within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).

Distributing Divine Authority and Embracing Human Weakness

The conversation begins with an exploration of verses 20-24, where the Lord emphasizes that "every man might speak in the name of God" (John, 00:20). Dr. Haws connects this to the vision of Moses and the concept of a "kingdom of priests", highlighting the universalizing impulse of the Restoration. This principle asserts that divine power and authority are widely distributed, enabling all members to access and utilize God's power.

Notable Quote:

John Bytheway (00:20): "This fits with that really beautiful universalizing impulse of the restoration, this vision that everyone can be involved in this, that faith also might increase in the earth..."

Encouragement for the Listener: Hank Smith emphasizes that this message is particularly uplifting for those who feel insignificant or powerless, reassuring them that "the Lord can use you" (Hank, 01:11). This sentiment is further reinforced by anecdotes of church leaders like President Spencer W. Kimball, who despite feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities, found strength in their faith.

God’s Use of Imperfect Individuals in Church History

The discussion transitions to how God operates through flawed individuals, making His work glorious despite human imperfections. Jamison notes that Doctrine and Covenants 1:24 underscores that commandments are given to servants "in their weakness" and "in the manner of their language" (Dr. Haws, 03:16). This approach ensures that divine communication is understood and accessible, adapting to cultural contexts and linguistic nuances.

Notable Quote:

Dr. J.B. Haws (03:43): "These commandments are of me. They were given unto my servants in their weakness... just so you know, this is me."

John Bytheway elaborates on how historical figures like Joseph Smith tailored revelations using the cultural tools and language of their time, such as seer stones and divining rods. This adaptability is seen as a testament to the ongoing process of understanding and revelation within the Church.

The Church as a True and Living Entity

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing verse 30, where the Church is described as "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth" (Hank, 10:14). This statement is contrasted with the commonly used phrase "the Church is True," emphasizing that the Church is not only factually accurate but also actively evolving.

Notable Insights:

• Kate Holbrook's work highlights that the Church embraces all truth and is "perpetually becoming true," integrating ancient and modern revelations.
• Elder Ezra Benson and Elder Orson F. Whitney underscore that God works through multiple peoples and cultures, viewing the Church as a collaborative effort that includes non-members contributing to its mission.

Notable Quote:

John Bytheway (13:50): "The church teaches its members to seek and embrace all truth and that it calls us into true relationships with one another."

This perspective aligns with Lorenzo Snow's analogy of the Church as a living organism, constantly growing, learning, and adapting to meet the needs of its members and the broader world.

Scriptural Literacy and Personal Revelation

Dr. Haws emphasizes the importance of scriptural immersion, using Joseph Smith's deep familiarity with the Bible as an exemplar. This extensive scriptural knowledge enables individuals to be open to revelation and divine guidance.

Notable Quote:

John Bytheway (31:02): "Joseph Smith was drenched in the Scriptures. He had just grown up with the Bible being the air he breathed."

Hank Smith shares a personal anecdote about a professor named Sterling Hilton, who exemplified the principle of meeting individuals where they are to facilitate understanding—a teaching method resonating with the episode's themes.

The Nature of God and Forgiveness

The conversation delves into verses 31-32, where the Lord declares "I cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance," yet emphasizes that repentance is always possible. This duality highlights the high moral standards while simultaneously offering hope and redemption.

Notable Quote:

John Bytheway (24:31): "We cannot read these two clauses independently... the Lord is promising and reassuring forgiveness and his Isaiah 1."

Dr. Haws introduces Heber C. Kimball's perspective on God's nature, portraying Him as cheerful, pleasant, and good-natured, reinforcing the compassionate and loving aspect of the divine.

Prophecies, Promises, and Continuous Revelation

In verse 37, the Lord underscores the fulfillment of prophecies and promises, encouraging members to seek and trust in divine assurances. This leads to a broader discussion on the ongoing nature of revelation within the Church.

Notable Insights:

• John Bytheway cites President Nelson's emphasis on stretching spiritually to receive continuous revelation, aligning with Article of Faith 9 that proclaims ongoing divine communication.
• Dr. Haws connects this to Elder Quentin L. Cook's teachings on seeking wisdom, suggesting that active pursuit of understanding invites personal and collective spiritual growth.

Notable Quote:

John Bytheway (22:09): "The Spirit will bear record to us that this is true. So I think about a talk that President J. Reuben Clark gave back in the 50s when he asked the question is, when are the words of church leaders entitled to the designation of Scripture?"

Embracing Diversity and Universal Compassion

The hosts and Dr. Haws explore the idea that the Church embraces all truth and works collaboratively with other faith traditions and cultures. This inclusivity reflects the Lord's universal compassion and His desire for all humanity to partake in His work.

Notable Quote:

John Bytheway (19:36): "God is using more than one people for the accomplishment of his great and marvelous work."

This perspective is further supported by references to Elder Ezra Benson and Elder Orson F. Whitney, who advocate for the collaboration between the LDS Church and non-members to fulfill divine purposes.

Conclusion: Encouragement and Affirmation of the Restoration

As the episode wraps up, Hank Smith and John Bytheway invite listeners to engage deeply with the Doctrine & Covenants, emphasizing the importance of searching and studying scripture for personal and spiritual growth.

Notable Quote:

Hank Smith (28:45): "These verses can be motivating. Pep talk. Great, great way of thinking of this."

Final Thoughts: Dr. J.B. Haws offers a heartfelt affirmation of the Restoration, praising the ongoing miracles and the active role of revelation in modern times. He encourages members to immerse themselves in scripture, adopt the principle of continuous learning, and recognize the dynamic and living nature of the Church.

Notable Quote:

John Bytheway (35:43): "After all these years of studying Joseph's life, I believe now more than ever, that's what I would say to all of us. Is that a fearlessness to say that studying more church history... only deepens our wonder and our marveling and seeing God's hand."

The episode concludes with Hank Smith and John Bytheway expressing gratitude to Dr. J.B. Haws, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the podcast and encouraging listeners to explore further resources provided by the Maxwell Institute.

Key Takeaways

1. Divine Empowerment in Human Weakness: God distributes authority broadly, empowering all members to act in His name despite their imperfections.
2. Adaptive Revelation: Divine communication adapts to cultural and linguistic contexts, ensuring understanding and relevance.
3. True and Living Church: The Church is not only accurate but also continuously evolving, embracing all truth and adapting to meet the needs of its members.
4. Scriptural Literacy: Deep engagement with scripture facilitates personal revelation and a closer relationship with God.
5. Nature of God: God is compassionate, cheerful, and loving, offering forgiveness and redemption while maintaining high moral standards.
6. Continuous Revelation: Revelation is ongoing, inviting members to seek wisdom and stretch spiritually to receive divine guidance.
7. Inclusivity and Collaboration: The Church collaborates with diverse faith traditions and cultures, reflecting God's universal compassion and inclusive mission.
8. Encouragement to Study: Members are encouraged to immerse themselves in scripture and church history to deepen their faith and understanding.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• John Bytheway (00:20):

  "This fits with that really beautiful universalizing impulse of the restoration, this vision that everyone can be involved in this..."

• John Bytheway (01:11):

  "As President Monson put it so well, whom the Lord calls, he qualifies."

• Dr. J.B. Haws (03:43):

  "These commandments are of me. They were given unto my servants in their weakness..."

• John Bytheway (13:50):

  "The church teaches its members to seek and embrace all truth and that it calls us into true relationships with one another."

• John Bytheway (24:31):

  "We cannot read these two clauses independently... the Lord is promising and reassuring forgiveness and his Isaiah 1."

• John Bytheway (22:09):

  "The Spirit will bear record to us that this is true..."

• John Bytheway (35:43):

  "After all these years of studying Joseph's life, I believe now more than ever..."

Final Notes

This episode of followHIM provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of Doctrine and Covenants Section 1, exploring the interplay between divine authority and human vulnerability, the dynamic nature of the Church, and the ever-present opportunity for personal and collective growth. Through the expertise of Dr. J.B. Haws and the thoughtful guidance of Hank Smith and John Bytheway, listeners are encouraged to embrace their roles within the Church, seek continuous revelation, and appreciate the living, breathing nature of their faith.

For further exploration, listeners are encouraged to visit the followHIM website and Maxwell Institute resources, as highlighted by the hosts.