From Mockery to Miracle • followHIM Favorites • July 14 - 20 • Come Follow Me

Summary

Podcast Summary: "From Mockery to Miracle • followHIM Favorites • July 14 - 20 • Come Follow Me"

Episode Overview In this episode of the followHIM podcast, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway delve into Section 79 of the Doctrine Covenants, exploring its themes and applications through engaging storytelling and expert insights. Titled "From Mockery to Miracle," the episode presents a compelling narrative about missionary work, faith, and the transformative power of conviction within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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1. Introduction to Section 79

The episode opens with John and Matt Hinton introducing the focus on Section 79 of the Doctrine Covenants, which comprises a succinct yet profound set of four verses. This section emphasizes the calling of missionaries and the importance of their attire and presentation in their evangelistic efforts.

Matt Hinton [00:03]: "Welcome to Follow Him Favorites. John and I are sharing a single story to go with each week's lesson."

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2. The Story of Jared Carter and Lucy Mack Smith

John narrates a vivid account from Lucy Mack Smith's History of Joseph Smith, recounting an interaction between Lucy and Reverend Mr. Ruggles, a Presbyterian pastor skeptical of the Book of Mormon.

John [00:19]: "Lucy Mack Smith... must have been a fireball."

The dialogue highlights Lucy's unwavering faith and her bold proclamation of the Book of Mormon's divine origin, despite opposition.

John [01:00]: "Now, sir, let me tell you boldly that the Book of Mormon contains the everlasting gospel. And it was written for the salvation of your soul by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost."

Mr. Ruggles dismisses her claims, leading to Lucy's prophetic declaration that within three years, her faith would lead to significant conversions within his congregation.

John [02:30]: "Here comes the wrath of Lucy. Mark my words, as sure as God lives before three years, we will have more than one third of your church."

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3. Fulfillment of the Prophecy

John recounts the fulfillment of Lucy Mack Smith's prophecy through the successful mission of Jared Carter. After receiving a suit of superfine broadcloth—a detail emphasized for its symbolic and practical importance—Jared Carter embarks on his mission work.

John [03:12]: "I promised him. The next one who came to preach to them should be more genteel."

Jared Carter effectively converts seventy members of Mr. Ruggles' church, including the deacon Samuel Bent, who later becomes a high counselor in Nauvoo. The success is attributed not only to spiritual conviction but also to the respectful and polished presentation of the missionaries.

John [04:14]: "Go Jared Carter. And go Lucy Mack Smith."

Matt Hinton [04:17]: "So, Jared Carter, yeah, he shows up right there in section 79."

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4. The Importance of Presentation: Broadcloth

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the directive to dress in broadcloth, as suggested by Mr. Cooper, Jared's nephew from Detroit. The attire symbolizes respectability and helps missionaries gain favorable reception among potential converts.

John [03:44]: "But not until we had him fitted out, as I had promised Mr. Cooper, with a suit of superfine broadcloth."

Matt Hinton [04:28]: "The Lord didn't say anything about his clothes, but the members wanted him in broadcloth."

This emphasis on appearance underscores the balance between spiritual preparation and practical considerations in missionary work.

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5. Insights and Reflections

John reflects on the impact of steadfast faith and strategic presentation in overcoming skepticism and achieving miraculous outcomes. The story of Jared Carter serves as an inspiring example of how dedication and attention to both spiritual and worldly aspects can lead to significant spiritual growth and community transformation.

John [04:12]: "Go Jared Carter. And go Lucy Mack Smith."

Matt Hinton [04:34]: "That's fantastic."

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6. Conclusion and Encouragement

The episode concludes with an invitation to listeners to engage with the full followHIM podcast for more in-depth discussions and inspiring stories. Hosts encourage the audience to embrace both faith and practicality in their personal and collective spiritual journeys.

Matt Hinton [04:46]: "We hope you'll join us on our full podcast. It's called Follow Him. You can get it wherever you get your podcast."

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• John [00:48]: "But why, may I ask, do you call him a foolish, silly boy?"

• John [01:00]: "Now, sir, let me tell you boldly that the Book of Mormon contains the everlasting gospel."

• John [02:30]: "Here comes the wrath of Lucy. Mark my words, as sure as God lives before three years, we will have more than one third of your church."

• John [04:12]: "Go Jared Carter. And go Lucy Mack Smith."

• Matt Hinton [04:28]: "The Lord didn't say anything about his clothes, but the members wanted him in broadcloth."

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Final Thoughts

"From Mockery to Miracle" encapsulates the essence of effective missionary work by blending unwavering faith with thoughtful presentation. Through the historical account of Jared Carter and Lucy Mack Smith, listeners gain valuable insights into overcoming adversity, the power of prophetic declarations, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in evangelism. This episode serves as both inspiration and practical guidance for those preparing their Come, Follow Me lessons and striving to make their spiritual studies both meaningful and impactful.

For further resources and to join the conversation, visit the followHIM website or follow them on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

Transcript

[John]

Foreign.

[Matt Hinton]

Welcome to Follow Him Favorites. John and I are sharing a single story to go with each week's lesson. John, come follow me. This week, Section 77 of the Doctrine Covenants through 80. You've told me you have a story. I think it's for section 79.

[John]

That's right. In fact, section 79 is very short. It's like four verses. And it called Jared Carter to go on a mission. Lucy Mack Smith has a story about Jared Carter and one of these missions. I actually heard this first from a line upon line video that our friends at Living Scriptures make. I laughed out loud. It's Lucy Mack Smith. I mean, she must have been a fireball.

[Matt Hinton]

I heard she was what, 4, 11 or something and could command the house.

[John]

This is in History of Joseph Smith by his mother. This is Lucy Mack Smith writing. Mr. Widermore introduced me to the Rev. Mr. Ruggles, pastor of the Presbyterian Church to which he belonged. I can't make fun of names. My name is, by the way, but Mr. Ruggles sounds like a teddy bear. Mr. Ruggles, the pastor of the Presbyterian Church to which he belonged. And you, Mr. Ruggles, upon shaking hands with me, are the mother of that poor, silly, foolish boy, Jill Smith, who pretended to translate the Book of Mormon. Wow. I looked at him steadily in the face and replied, I am, sir, the mother of Joseph Smith. But why, may I ask, do you call him a foolish, silly boy? Because, said his Reverence, that he should imagine he was going to break down all the churches with that simple Mormon book. Did you ever read that book? I inquired. No, said he, it is far too beneath me to be worthy of my notice. Then I think, sir, I said, you do not abide by that scripture which saith, search all things. Now, sir, let me tell you boldly that the Book of Mormon contains the everlasting gospel. And it was written for the salvation of your soul by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. Pooh. Said the minister. Nonsense. But I have no fears of any members of my church being led away by such dogmatism, for they have too much intelligence. Now, Mr. Ruggles said I, and I spoke earnestly, for the spirit of God was upon me. Here comes the wrath of Lucy. Mark my words, as sure as God lives before three years, we will have more than one third of your church. And, sir, whether you believe it or not, we will take the very deacon too.

[Matt Hinton]

Okay.

[John]

Whoa. This produced a hearty laugh from the company at the expense of the revered minister. Not to be tedious, I will say that I remained in this section of the country about three weeks after our brethren left me, making my whole stay four weeks, during which time I labored incessantly for the truth's sake and gained the hearts of many believers, among whom was David Dort and his wife. These were anxious to have me use my influence to have an elder sent into that region of the country, and they pledged that the men who came should not lack for anything. Just as I embarked for home, Mr. Cooper, my nephew of Detroit, said if we would dress our elders in broadcloth instead of homespun, it would add greatly to their influence.

[Matt Hinton]

Okay.

[John]

I promised him. The next one who came to preach to them should be more genteel. I arrived home in a few days in perfect health and safety, finding my family well, and at first opportunity mentioned the state of things where I had been to Joseph. He seemed pleased that I had succeeded in preparing the way for a minister of the gospel and sent Brother Jared Carter to labor in that country. But not until we had him fitted out, as I had promised Mr. Cooper, with a suit of superfine broadcloth.

[Matt Hinton]

Broadcloth, okay.

[John]

He went unto the midst of Mr. Ruggles church and converted 70 of his best members. And as I said, he took the deacon, too. For although I did not know anything about the situation of his church, he had a very intelligent deacon by the name of Samuel Bent, who is now a high counselor in Nauvoo. And he told me the last time I saw him, which was not a week since, that he had never forgotten my prophecy upon his head. Wow.

[Matt Hinton]

That's awesome.

[John]

Go Jared Carter. And go Lucy Mack Smith.

[Matt Hinton]

So, Jared Carter, yeah, he shows up right there in section 79. That my will, my servant, Jared Carter, should go again into the eastern countries, he said, straight out of the Colesville branch.

[John]

Yeah. The Lord didn't say anything about his clothes, but the members wanted him in broadcloth.

[Matt Hinton]

I need a little more broadcloth. Very important. Can't have this. Non broadcloth. That's fantastic. Hey, we hope you'll join us on our full podcast. It's called Follow Him. You can get it wherever you get your podcast. We're with Dr. Matt Hinton this week. Matt and I have been friends since the 1900s. He does an incredible job with these sections. You're gonna love it. And then come back next week. We'll do another Follow him favorites.