Doctrine & Covenants 10-11 Part 2 • Sis. Chelsea Chipman • February 10 - 16 • Come Follow Me

Summary

Podcast Summary: followHIM – Doctrine & Covenants 10-11 Part 2 with Sis. Chelsea Chipman

Episode Information:

Title: Doctrine & Covenants 10-11 Part 2 • Sis. Chelsea Chipman • February 10 - 16 • Come Follow Me
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Guest: Professor Chelsea Chipman
Release Date: February 6, 2025

Introduction to Doctrine & Covenants Sections 10-11

In this episode of the followHIM podcast, hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway delve into Doctrine and Covenants Sections 10-11, focusing particularly on the life and legacy of Hyrum Smith. Featuring insights from guest Prof. Chelsea Chipman, the discussion offers a profound exploration of Hyrum’s unwavering loyalty, his role in the early Church, and the broader spiritual lessons applicable to listeners today.

Hyrum Smith: A Pillar of Integrity and Loyalty

Chelsea Chipman begins by sharing her personal experience attending a church history tour with Anthony Sweatt and his group, highlighting the significance of visiting sacred sites from the beginnings of the Restoration. She emphasizes the profound impact of visiting Carthage Jail, where both Joseph and Hyrum Smith met their martyrdoms.

[00:17] Chelsea Chipman: "Carthage jail was one of the most sacred moments for me in just recognizing not only the gift that Joseph gave of his life for the truth, but his brother Hyrum, who was always by his side, always literally to the end."

Chelsea paints a vivid picture of Hyrum’s sacrifice, describing the heartbreaking scene where Hyrum is struck first, sealing his testimony with his blood. She lauds Hyrum's integrity and steadfast faith, noting his role as one of the eight witnesses of the Book of Mormon and his service as a patriarch of the Church.

[03:16] Chelsea Chipman: "In the short space of 20 years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon... built a great city, gathered thousands of Latter Day Saints... he lived great and he died great in the eyes of God and his people."

Personal Stories Illustrating Hyrum’s Character

John Bytheway shares a touching anecdote from Hyrum’s childhood, recounting how Hyrum tenderly cared for his younger brother Joseph after a leg surgery. This story mirrors the eventual roles they would play in the Church, with Joseph supporting Hyrum in his final moments.

[03:16] John Bytheway: "Here's two little boys, and I have four boys. Here's a little brother in so much pain. And here's his older brother, just a few years older than him, squeezing that part of his leg just to give him a little bit of relief."

This narrative seamlessly transitions to Carthage Jail, illustrating the perpetual bond between the brothers, both in life and death.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 11: Seeking and Obtaining the Word

The conversation shifts to Doctrine and Covenants Section 11, where Hyrum Smith is counseled to seek the Lord’s guidance before actively declaring the Word. Chelsea Chipman explores the themes of desire, patience, and preparation embedded in the scripture.

[10:11] Chelsea Chipman: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me, so it shall be done unto you... you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation."

Chelsea relates these verses to the listeners' personal journeys, encouraging them to seek divine guidance and prepare themselves spiritually before stepping into roles of service. She underscores the importance of obtaining the Word first, allowing the Spirit to guide actions effectively.

[12:13] Chelsea Chipman: "Appeal unto my spirit... Be patient until you shall accomplish it."

Repentance: A Process of Transformation

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing repentance, inspired by President Nelson’s talk titled "We Can Do Better and Be Better." Chelsea Chipman breaks down the Greek origins of the word "repentance," explaining its deeper meaning as a total transformation of mind, knowledge, spirit, and even breath.

[18:52] Chelsea Chipman: "Repentance is not an event, it is a process. It is the key to happiness and peace of mind."

She emphasizes that repentance involves daily incremental changes aimed at becoming more sanctified in Christ, advocating for a positive and joyful approach rather than viewing repentance as punitive.

[24:43] Chelsea Chipman: "Repentance means to come back or to turn or return... we can breathe out in gratitude... praising God, strengthening those around me instead of tearing others down."

The Holy Ghost: Continuous Presence and Guidance

The hosts explore the role of the Holy Ghost in daily life, debunking the misconception that spiritual feelings are only occasional or dramatic. Chelsea Chipman shares personal experiences and quotes from church leaders to illustrate how the Holy Ghost is meant to be a constant companion, guiding individuals to do good, judge righteously, and walk humbly.

[29:40] Chelsea Chipman: "Sometimes we need to ask Heavenly Father to teach us how he speaks to us personally."

She highlights how recognizing and trusting the Spirit’s promptings can lead to profound personal and spiritual growth, urging listeners to discern and embrace these divine influences in their daily actions.

[30:59] Chelsea Chipman: "Nothing more liberating... to do good things with the Holy Ghost."

Becoming a Christ-Centered Gospel Teacher

Transitioning to the theme of teaching, John Bytheway asks Chelsea Chipman for guidance on becoming an effective gospel teacher. Chelsea emphasizes the necessity of being Christ-centered and scripture-based, underscoring the correlation between personal scripture study and the ability to teach powerfully.

[42:42] Chelsea Chipman: "If someone wants to be a great Gospel teacher... we need to be studying. It is part of the preparation of teaching His Gospel."

She shares her experiences from Snow College, illustrating how daily scripture study and prayer fortified her abilities both spiritually and physically, preparing her for effective teaching and missionary work.

[50:23] Chelsea Chipman: "My morning scripture study and prayer... 'study, Study, study.'"

Legacy of Hyrum Smith and Personal Testimonies

As the episode concludes, Chelsea Chipman reflects on the enduring legacy of Hyrum Smith, drawing parallels between his dedication and the roles of modern-day Church members. She shares heartfelt testimonies about her own journey, the influence of her family in nurturing her faith, and the importance of persistent scripture study.

[55:35] Chelsea Chipman: "Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God... you are children of a Loving God. He knows you by name."

Her final remarks are a powerful affirmation of Christ’s personal relationship with each individual, reinforcing the message that divine guidance and support are ever-present.

Concluding Thoughts

John Bytheway and Hank Smith wrap up the episode with gratitude towards Chelsea Chipman, acknowledging her profound impact as a teacher and her embodiment of the principles discussed. They reinforce the episode’s central themes of seeking the Word, embracing repentance, and cultivating a continuous relationship with the Holy Ghost.

[58:26] Hank Smith: "Thank you, Steve."

[57:59] John Bytheway: "Harold B. Lee said, you cannot light a fire in another soul unless it is burning in your own."

The episode serves as an inspirational guide for listeners aiming to deepen their faith, enhance their spiritual practices, and follow the exemplary paths of early Church leaders like Hyrum Smith.

Notable Quotes:

Chelsea Chipman [00:17]: "Hyrum's gonna fall first. He's gonna seal his testimony with his blood."
Hyrum's Legacy [03:16]: "He lived great and he died great in the eyes of God and his people."
On Repentance [18:52]: "Repentance is not an event, it is a process. It is the key to happiness and peace of mind."
Holy Ghost Guidance [29:40]: "How do you discern the feelings that come? What if you're a huge feeler, how can you discern?"
Becoming a Gospel Teacher [42:42]: "We need to be studying. It is part of the preparation of teaching His Gospel."
Final Testimony [55:35]: "You are children of a Loving God. He knows you by name. He is Jesus Christ, the Son of God."

Conclusion:

This episode of followHIM provides an enriching exploration of Doctrine and Covenants Sections 10-11, weaving together historical insights, personal testimonies, and practical spiritual guidance. Through Chelsea Chipman’s heartfelt narratives and the hosts' thoughtful inquiries, listeners are encouraged to emulate Hyrum Smith’s dedication, embrace repentance as a transformative process, and cultivate a continuous, Christ-centered relationship with the Holy Ghost.