followHIM: A Come, Follow Me Podcast

Episode: Moroni 7-9 Part 1 • Dr. Mark Ogletree
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Guest: Dr. Mark Ogletree
Release Date: December 4, 2024

Introduction and Context

In this engaging episode of the followHIM podcast, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway welcome Dr. Mark Ogletree to delve into the concluding chapters of the Book of Moroni, specifically chapters 7 through 9. As they near the end of their study, the discussion promises to unpack profound teachings on faith, hope, charity, and the complexities of maintaining spiritual integrity in a world rife with wickedness.

Notable Quote:
Hank Smith [00:32]: "We're also here with our guest, Dr. Mark Ogletree... As we are hitting these final chapters Today, Moroni, 7, 8, and 9, what are you thinking about? What's coming to mind?"

Overview of Moroni 7-9

Dr. Ogletree begins by highlighting the significance of Moroni chapters 7-9 within the Book of Mormon. He references Monty Nyman's assertion that Mormon's sermon in chapter 7 is among the greatest, surpassed only by the Savior's teachings. These chapters focus on essential Christlike attributes such as faith, hope, charity, and the impact of their absence on society.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Mark Ogletree [01:43]: "Here in Chapter 7 ranks as one of the greatest, surpassed only by the Savior... We'll talk about family and children in chapter eight and then in chapter nine, what happens to a society when they lose the spirit."

Faith, Hope, and Charity

A central theme of the episode is the exploration of faith, hope, and charity as outlined in Moroni 7. The hosts discuss how these attributes are not only theological concepts but also practical virtues that guide behavior and decision-making.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Mark Ogletree [08:41]: "Now, think about what Mormon may be telling us. He's telling us that it was miraculous... But I think what's important is that despite how wicked the world is... that we can still have peace in this life."

The Light of Christ and Righteous Judging

The discussion delves into Moroni 7:16-19, where the "light of Christ" is described as a divine gift enabling individuals to discern good from evil. Dr. Ogletree emphasizes the importance of using this light to make righteous judgments, contrasting Godly persuasion with the adversary's attempts to lead people astray.

Notable Quotes:
Hank Smith [35:55]: "Would it be fair to say that maybe a movie or a television show or a website, A child, a teenager might say, well, that doesn't do either. It doesn't take me to Christ. It doesn't persuade me to do evil."

Dr. Mark Ogletree [32:53]: "For everything which inviteth to do good and to persuade to believe in Christ is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ."

Agency, Opposition, and the War in Heaven

The conversation touches upon the eternal conflict between good and evil, referencing the "war in heaven." Dr. Ogletree clarifies misconceptions about Satan's intentions, explaining that Satan's true aim was to eliminate agency by proposing universal salvation, thereby negating personal choice.

Notable Quotes:
John Bytheway [25:40]: "But what you just read from the Bible dictionary was no, Satan was proposing some sort of universal salvation... That's a different thing. It never sat right, this idea that Satan was trying to force us to do good."

Dr. Mark Ogletree [27:55]: "From the Bible dictionary the war in heaven refers to the conflict that took place in the premortal existence among the spirit children of God."

Role of Angels

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to understanding the role of angels as outlined in Moroni 7:30-31. Dr. Ogletree shares personal anecdotes and teachings from church leaders to illustrate how angels serve as messengers and protectors, guiding individuals toward repentance and covenant fulfillment.

Notable Quotes:
Dr. Mark Ogletree [53:08]: "The office of their ministry is... to call us to repentance, to fulfill and do the work of the covenants of the Father... to bear testimony of Him."

Hank Smith [54:17]: "It reminds me of our executive producer and our founder Shannon and Steve Sorensen. They love that song angels among us."

Meekness and Leadership

Exploring Moroni 7:44, the hosts and Dr. Ogletree discuss the attribute of meekness, distinguishing it from weakness. They reflect on Elder Bednar's teachings, emphasizing that meekness involves being teachable, humble, and willing to follow divine guidance—even in leadership roles.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Mark Ogletree [59:09]: "Meekness is the quality of being God fearing, righteous, teachable, patient and suffering, and willing to follow gospel teachings."

Personal Stories and Applications

Throughout the episode, the hosts and Dr. Ogletree intertwine scriptural insights with personal experiences. For instance, Hank shares a poignant moment of loss and how his faith provided peace amidst grief, illustrating the practical application of the discussed principles.

Notable Quote:
Hank Smith [17:04]: "Mark, an experience comes to mind... I lost my brother, then a close friend of mine, and then my dad, all within 90 days. ... What I do know makes a significant difference in the peace I feel."

Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

As the episode wraps up, Dr. Ogletree hints at the continuation of their profound discussions in Part 2, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the exploration of additional teachings from Moroni 7-9.

Notable Quote:
Hank Smith [66:42]: "Coming up in part two of this."

Key Takeaways

1. Importance of Christlike Attributes: Faith, hope, and charity are essential for personal growth and societal well-being.
2. The Light of Christ: An inherent divine gift that aids in discerning good from evil, crucial for making righteous judgments.
3. Agency and Opposition: Understanding the balance between free will and the adversary's attempts to undermine it.
4. Role of Angels: Angels play a pivotal role in guiding individuals toward repentance and fulfilling divine covenants.
5. Meekness in Leadership: True leadership embodies humility, teachability, and a willingness to follow divine guidance.
6. Practical Applications: Personal experiences underscore the application of scriptural principles in navigating life's challenges.

Quotes with Timestamps

• Hank Smith [00:32]: "We're also here with our guest, Dr. Mark Ogletree... As we are hitting these final chapters Today, Moroni, 7, 8, and 9, what are you thinking about? What's coming to mind?"

• Dr. Mark Ogletree [01:43]: "Here in Chapter 7 ranks as one of the greatest, surpassed only by the Savior... We'll talk about family and children in chapter eight and then in chapter nine, what happens to a society when they lose the spirit."

• Hank Smith [08:27]: "We hope everyone will go check out Mark's podcasts. John, what are they again?"

• Dr. Mark Ogletree [08:41]: "Now, think about what Mormon may be telling us. He's telling us that it was miraculous... But I think what's important is that despite how wicked the world is... that we can still have peace in this life."

• Hank Smith [17:04]: "Mark, an experience comes to mind... I lost my brother, then a close friend of mine, and then my dad, all within 90 days. ... What I do know makes a significant difference in the peace I feel."

• Dr. Mark Ogletree [32:53]: "For everything which inviteth to do good and to persuade to believe in Christ is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ."

• John Bytheway [25:40]: "But what you just read from the Bible dictionary was no, Satan was proposing some sort of universal salvation... That's a different thing. It never sat right, this idea that Satan was trying to force us to do good."

• Dr. Mark Ogletree [53:08]: "The office of their ministry is... to call us to repentance, to fulfill and do the work of the covenants of the Father... to bear testimony of Him."

• Dr. Mark Ogletree [59:09]: "Meekness is the quality of being God fearing, righteous, teachable, patient and suffering, and willing to follow gospel teachings."

• Hank Smith [66:42]: "Coming up in part two of this."

This episode of followHIM provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Moroni 7-9, blending scriptural exegesis with personal anecdotes and practical applications. Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of essential gospel principles and the enduring relevance of these teachings in today's world.