Mormon FAIR-Cast

Nine Years: Why God Lets Good People Wait for Answers by Autumn Dickson This is a message for anyone who feels that they have found God and love Him, but also carry around a doctrine or policy that doesn't make sense to them; this is for anyone who is having a difficult time reconciling the idea of a loving God (with whom they've had good experiences) with doctrines that don't seem loving to them. For this week, we are studying Section 137 and 138. It's important to understand that Section 137 is not in chronological order. It was placed next to Section 138 because doctrinally, they fit together really well. It's actually really important to understand that Section 137 is out of chronological order for a number of reasons. In order to understand what I want to talk about today, let's talk about the chronological order of a few more things. When Joseph was young, he struggled with which church to join. His mother was Methodist, and his father aligned more closely with the ideas of a unitarian. His father didn't believe that God would send someone to hell because they hadn't been baptized into a particular church. Joseph received the First Vision and over time, he learned more and more of what it meant to have the restored church of Jesus Christ. Alvin died in 1823, a few years after the First Vision, before the authority to baptize had been restored. I wonder if Joseph was leaning towards his father's views that Alvin wouldn't go to hell just because he hadn't been baptized. After all, Joseph was taught that the true church was not upon the earth. Maybe Alvin wasn't in hell. In 1829, Joseph received the authority to baptize. Joseph learned that baptism was essential, and it hadn't been done with the right authority for a long time. Think, for just a moment, about what this means to Joseph. He rejoiced in the restored church. In fact, he was overwhelmed with joy after baptizing his father. But I also want you to think about the perspectives that Joseph was operating under at this period in time. He knew that authority to baptize was essential. He knew that his brother wasn't baptized at all, let alone by any needed authority. For a long time, I believe that Joseph still thought Alvin had gone to hell. It wasn't until 1832 that Joseph learned there were different kingdoms in heaven. Can you imagine the relief that Joseph felt knowing that Alvin wasn't burning up in eternal flame? But can you also imagine the pain that Joseph still felt when he believed he had still lost Alvin? There were some conflicting emotions there; Alvin wasn't in hell, but were they still going to be separated? Joseph received a vision of Alvin in the Celestial Kingdom in 1836. Here is part of that vision. Doctrine and Covenants 137:5-6 5 I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my mother; my brother Alvin, that has long since slept; 6 And marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had not been baptized for the remission of sins. Joseph marveled to see Alvin in the Celestial Kingdom; he was surprised. This is part of the reason for my assumptions. For three years (not including the time before the priesthood was restored), Joseph believed Alvin was still burning up in hell. For four years, Joseph carried around the wound from his beliefs that he would be separated from Alvin. There is an important implication from this timeline. Joseph loved God. More than most, Joseph knew that God was real and that there was truth and that you had to be baptized and that there was specific authority. He knew this. Joseph had good experiences with God, but Joseph also carried around this painful wound that something felt tragically unfair. Despite his knowledge of God, I wonder if Joseph ever still struggled with questions. How could a loving God do this? How could required baptism and authority be congruent with a fair God who loves all of His children? How could God have let Alvin die before the church was restored? What about all the other people who suddenly don't qualify because the authority wasn't on the earth? And perhaps the question most of us have related to at one point or another in our lifetime, “If God is truly so loving, how is this His perfect plan?” It doesn't make sense. Joseph knew that God is perfect and just and fair and loving, but for a long time, Joseph was also operating under the assumption that God was going to let those who were unbaptized just suffer. How did Joseph reconcile this? Did he ever reconcile this or did he just hold on anyway? Do you carry around anything that doesn't seem congruent with a God who is perfect and just and fair and loving? Have you also had experiences with God and you have felt that He loves you and is leading you along here? Are you having a difficult time reconciling these two facts: that God is good but He also allows “xyz?” I promise you two things. There is an answer, and there is also Christ's atonement. Joseph was a prophet who received plenty of revelation, but God chose not to give that particular revelation for a while. Despite Joseph's close relationship with God and despite his near constant influx of restored information, it took nine years for Joseph to learn that Alvin wasn't going to be punished for dying before Joseph received the proper authority to baptize. Take a page out of Joseph's book. We don't know everything yet. Is it really so implausible that God knows what He's doing, that He has a plan that will take care of everything that you're worried about? This isn't said to negate any pain that you're feeling trying to deal with this. Rather, it's meant to give you hope in the midst of it. There is an answer and beyond that, there is the atonement of Jesus Christ. I don't know why Joseph had to wait 9 years to learn about Alvin. You would think that Christ could have slipped that in at some point, but Joseph waited. And Joseph was blessed. God is perfect and is handling everything beautifully. Beyond just a perfect answer, Christ suffered deeply so that He can carry us through the pain while we wait for those answers. There are answers. If you hold on and rely upon the atonement of Jesus Christ and all of His adjacent promises, you will find answers and you will find joy. Not to mention, everything you're experienced shall be for your good. The difficulty you're wading through will transform you into exactly what you were meant to become. I testify that God has a perfect plan. I testify that He truly is loving and perfect and fair and just. I testify that He is good and is handling everything beautifully. You don't have to carry this. He's got this. I also testify that beyond having a perfect plan, Christ paid for the plan and suffered what you suffer so He can run to you and comfort you. Autumn Dickson was born and raised in a small town in Texas. She served a mission in the Indianapolis Indiana mission. She studied elementary education but has found a particular passion in teaching the gospel. Her desire for her content is to inspire people to feel confident, peaceful, and joyful about their relationship with Jesus Christ and to allow that relationship to touch every aspect of their lives. Autumn was the recipient of FAIR's 2024 John Taylor Defender of the Faith Award. The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 137–138 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Joseph Smith's Vision of the Celestial Kingdom; Joseph F. Smith's Vision of the Spirit World (D&C 137–138) by Mike Parker (Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don't conform exactly to the Come, Follow Me reading schedule, so they will be shared here where they fit best.) Class Notes Additional Reading and Videos Joseph Smith, Journal, 21 January 1836 (pp. 136–37); recorded by Warren Parrish. Read the original entry in Joseph's journal that was canonized in 1976 and became Doctrine and Covenants Section 137 in 1981. Joseph F. Smith, “Status of Children in the Resurrection,” Improvement Era 21, no. 7 (May 1918): 567–74. In this address given in the Salt Lake Temple—given only eight months before his vision that is now section 138—President Smith taught about the status of the spirits of children who die and how they will be resurrected. George S. Tate, “‘The Great World of the Spirits of the Dead': Death, the Great War, and the 1918 Influenza Pandemic as Context for Doctrine and Covenants 138,” BYU Studies 46, no. 1 (2007): 4–40. Tate gives the historical background and context in which Joseph F. Smith received his vision of the redemption of the dead. Mary Jane Woodger, “From Obscurity to Scripture: Joseph F. Smith's Vision of the Redemption of the Dead,” in You Shall Have My Word: Exploring the Text of the Doctrine and Covenants, ed. Scott C. Esplin, Richard O. Cowan, and Rachel Cope (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center at Brigham Young University / Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2012), 234–54. Mike Parker is a business and marketing analyst with over twenty years' experience in the financial services and cellular telephone industries. He holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management Information Systems from Dixie State University (now Utah Tech University) of St George, Utah. He also has eight years' experience in corporate training and currently teaches an adult religion class in southern Utah. Mike and his wife, Denise, have three children. The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 137–138 – Mike Parker appeared first on FAIR.

The Spirit World is Already Here by Autumn Dickson We have the opportunity to read two revelations this week. Despite the different times in which they were given, the two revelations were placed together in the Doctrine and Covenants, and they hold more power in that manner. The first recorded vision was received by Joseph Smith, and the second recorded vision was given to Joseph F. Smith. I want to share a couple of verses from the section given to Joseph F. Smith regarding the spirit world. Doctrine and Covenants 138:22-24 22 Where these (the wicked, unrepentant, rebellious) were, darkness reigned, but among the righteous there was peace; 23 And the saints rejoiced in their redemption, and bowed the knee and acknowledged the Son of God as their Redeemer and Deliverer from death and the chains of hell. 24 Their countenances shone, and the radiance from the presence of the Lord rested upon them, and they sang praises unto his holy name. These verses talk about the spirit world on the other side of the veil. It gives us a glimpse into what life holds depending on how you chose to live your life and how those choices affected who you became. Taking the time to imagine what it will be like is powerful, especially when you've lost someone you love. But rather than read it from the perspective of the spirit world, I want you to read it again as if it's speaking about where we dwell now. Despite its insight into the spirit world, it can also be a very accurate description of the mortal life we're living in. In the fallen mortality where we dwell, there are people who want nothing to do with the Savior and His gospel. There are many who want the exact opposite of what He stands for and believe the Savior to be oppressive. In those specific places and hearts, darkness reigns. God doesn't necessarily send darkness or make their world terrible; it's what they've invited into their lives. Important tangent here. This gets slightly tricky because I don't believe all non-Christians are dark people. Rather, I believe that at any given moment, we are inviting or shunning darkness. There are a lot of people who accept so much of Christ's gospel even if they do not yet accept Him personally. They have invited portions of light into their lives by living their lives in a Christlike manner. So not immediately accepting Christ doesn't mean you live in utter darkness and allow it to reign over you. I do believe they're missing out on light, but that doesn't mean I assume they are voluntarily inviting darkness to rule their lives. Let's keep going on with reading the description of the spirit world and mortality.. So there are people who don't want Christ and voluntarily shun Him. They want the darkness. They like it. They don't see any reason to change. In other places, sometimes very nearby, there are Saints who are living in the same space but find themselves rejoicing in their redemption. They love the Savior and trust Him. They acknowledge Him and worship Him. Then, of course, there is a whole spectrum between these groups of people. Even on that spectrum, we're finding ourselves moving back and forth depending on what we're inviting and focusing on. Despite the fact that we can find people all along that spectrum, I want to bring your attention to one other grouping: there are Saints who are trying to live the gospel but still have not found the reason to rejoice. They don't always feel hope or peace. They don't feel the radiance of the Lord shining down on them. We believe in Christ and the gospel, but have we found salvation? We read this in Alma. Alma 34:31 Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you. Immediately. Not just in the spirit world. Immediately. If you truly find Christ, the plan of redemption is brought immediately. Today can be the day of your salvation if you repent and don't harden your heart. Immediately, you can find yourself in the same state as those dwelling in spirit paradise. You can rejoice in the Redeemer who freed you from hell and any aspects of it that you may still be clinging to. The radiance of the presence of the Lord can shine upon you. If you do not yet feel these aspects of salvation, I have a small warning for you. Dying and going to the other side does not immediately bring about those feelings. Dying has very little to do with it. Experiencing spiritual paradise stems from your relationship with Christ. Dying happens somewhere along the way for good reason, but experiencing salvation doesn't necessarily wait for death. It's just waiting for you. When was the last time you let yourself rejoice in Christ? When was the last time you chose to trust Him so deeply that it swallowed up your pain and carried it for a while? When was the last time you chose gratitude for His promises even if you couldn't choose gratitude for what was directly going on in your life? Spiritual paradise is a choice, not just a destination on the other side. What happens there is just a continuation of what happens here. You don't change on the other side unless you go through the same process of changing that you have to experience on this side. I love the verse from Alma 34 because it doesn't say, “Follow the Law of Moses perfectly and then you will experience salvation immediately.” It says, “Repent and soften your heart and then you will experience salvation immediately.” Change! Soften! Trust! He loves you and is mighty to save. When you find it within yourself to say, “I'm going to try putting weight on these promises,” you'll find solid ground. Even if everything comes to disaster in mortality, there is solid ground in Christ. I testify that trusting Christ and taking Him at His word was one of the most joyful decisions I ever made. Though I obviously fluctuate in that trust as I move about life, continually spending time with Him every day has made that trust more consistent. Spending time with Him every day has forced me to remember His promises. As I've moved about my daily life and run into new challenges and all of the pitfalls of mortality, I have found rejoicing alongside my pain. It didn't come from living the gospel more perfectly; it came from trusting Him more perfectly. I testify that spirit paradise or allowing darkness to reign are choices we make on a daily basis; they're not just destinations in the spirit world. I testify that the day of your salvation, the day you find rejoicing in Christ, can be today, and you don't even have to die in order to find it. You just have to trust. Autumn Dickson was born and raised in a small town in Texas. She served a mission in the Indianapolis Indiana mission. She studied elementary education but has found a particular passion in teaching the gospel. Her desire for her content is to inspire people to feel confident, peaceful, and joyful about their relationship with Jesus Christ and to allow that relationship to touch every aspect of their lives. Autumn was the recipient of FAIR's 2024 John Taylor Defender of the Faith Award. The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 137–138 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

An Underrated Section: How to Become Zion…and Heaven by Autumn Dickson With Joseph and Hyrum martyred, Brigham Young was now the prophet. After the Saints were expelled from Nauvoo, Brigham was in charge of finding them a permanent home in the mountains of the west. Though the westward movement of the Saints was among the most impressive immigrations of Americans, it did not start out that way. The Saints were starving and freezing along the trail. Muddy quagmires kept the Saints from reaching their goal to plant crops ahead of everyone coming. Brigham described feeling like he was dragging around a 25 ton weight. He felt like he had a large family with no way of taking care of them. At Winter Quarters in Nebraska, he turned to the Lord for guidance. The Lord told Brigham how to organize the company, but He taught Brigham much more important things that would turn the tide for the Saints' ability to make it to their destination. Here is the verse that introduces the important concept that turned things around. Doctrine and Covenants 136:2 Let all the people of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and those who journey with them, be organized into companies, with a covenant and promise to keep all the commandments and statutes of the Lord our God. The Saints were to be organized into companies that would stick together, and they entered into those companies by making covenants to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord. There were two major principles at work here that changed the game. Principle one. When people normally made their way across towards the west (Saints and non-Saints alike), it was done very loosely with every man vying for his own family. They often travelled together for safety, but companies broke apart and came together with different members more than once. That is the first principle: Brigham Young organized them into companies with leadership at different levels, and each company was expected to stick together throughout the entire journey. If one made it, they were all going to make it. The second principle was to focus on spirituality again. Not only were they to focus on the eternal nature of their work, but they were to focus on the fact that they believed in the same God who helped many groups of people travel to new destinations, the God of Israel. This becomes even more significant when you recognize what the Lord was preparing Brigham for. In 1877, Brigham Young organized the priesthood structure of the church. After travelling around Utah, he found that there were many people scattered and not enrolled in wards. There were overlapping authorities where spiritual jurisdictions were confusing, and it was unclear who would have the responsibility of showing their stewardship to the Lord. There were bishops who had never been ordained, and this was setting the stage for people to become more vulnerable as they were travelling the covenant path. The Saints had now grown large enough that they needed to be organized or two things would happen: losing people and losing the doctrine that had been restored with such difficulty. So that's what Brigham did. Under the direction of the apostles, Saints scattered across Utah were better organized into stakes and wards. Bishops were set apart. Every member found themselves in a ward with a leader who would watch over them. Priesthood roles were clarified so that everyone understood what they were in charge of. This would lessen the gaps in which people could fall through with no one to watch over them, and it would also serve to help the Lord speak to His entire church when He revealed something rather than sending word out and hoping everyone was able to receive it. It's hard to overstate the unglamorous importance of what Brigham did. Let's tie it back to what we talked about in the beginning, and let's talk about it from the perspective of an imaginary Saint who could have lived it A widow is trying to get her kids across the plains to gather with the Saints. Her oldest child is 10 years old and he helps, but he is still only 10. She started out with one company as she began her journey across the plains only to have fallen behind and found herself in a new company. As she tries to nurse her sick baby back to health, they fall behind again as the 10 year old can only get the wagon going so far. She finds herself in a new company once again. At this point, she is simply hoping that she gets to their destination before she reaches the end of the line of companies. Organizing the Saints into companies that cared for each other changed the game. No one got left behind. This is powerful for the widow, but it's also powerful for the ones who are watching out for the widow. It's powerful for the entire company who works together, mourns together, lifts one another. If you can cry with someone, you are very likely to rejoice with each other as well. Everything changes when you're not alone. The widow cries as she holds her baby and a 16 year old from another family has stepped up to drive her wagon along. Her 10 year old looks up at the 16 year old with something akin to hero-worship. This is the beginning of hope. The widow finds renewed faith in her ability to make it, and the 16 year old is changed too. This doesn't even mention the fact that all of this hope and change invites the Lord to rain down manna on the heads of the Saints. Now let's fast forward. The Saints are in the valley, and it is now 1877. There is a young family whose father has broken his leg in a wagon accident. Mother and teenage daughter are doing everything they can to keep the farm and home running, but it's not going well. What will winter look like if they can't finish the work? But then a man shows up and knocks on their door. He sees the ragged family and introduces himself as their bishop. Over the course of the next few weeks, there are rotations of brethren coming in to harvest the family's crop. There are young women who come in and help mother prepare the crop to last through the winter. This is all good and beautiful and inspiring, but I want to fast-forward again. We are accustomed to living in wards and stakes with leadership that enables lightning fast communication from our beloved prophet to each member. If there is a change wanted by the Lord, it is implemented overnight if that's what He wants. We are organized, and we enter into a covenant in order to become part of the organization. It changes the game when this kind of organization is used effectively. It didn't do much good if the companies that were travelling the plains stayed in the same geographical area but still found themselves laboring alone. When was the last time you looked around your ward and saw a family? When was the last time you made a valiant attempt to make it a ward family? When was the last time you ministered to make sure no one was lost out on the plains, physically or spiritually? When it comes to the Lord's work, it's not just about the widow who is being served. It's about how we change when we forget our own problems, and we all work together towards common purposes. Picture the vast difference between the beginning of the Saints journey towards Utah and the end of it. That's the difference we will find in our own lives if we recognize what the Lord has given us in His organization of the church. I testify that wards and stakes and leadership and priesthood organization are gifts from the Lord. I don't believe we recognize the full power of what we've been given. I worry that we won't recognize the full power until we're ready to bring everyone along the covenant path together. Zion is available everywhere; we do not have to wait. The Lord wants us to experience those blessings today, but He can't force us to find them. He can simply offer the opportunity and wait for us to step into those blessings. I testify that He loves us and gave us organizations to protect us and lift us. Autumn Dickson was born and raised in a small town in Texas. She served a mission in the Indianapolis Indiana mission. She studied elementary education but has found a particular passion in teaching the gospel. Her desire for her content is to inspire people to feel confident, peaceful, and joyful about their relationship with Jesus Christ and to allow that relationship to touch every aspect of their lives. Autumn was the recipient of FAIR's 2024 John Taylor Defender of the Faith Award. The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 135–136 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Martyrdom of Joseph & Hyrum Smith; Brigham Young led the Saints west (D&C 135–136) by Mike Parker (Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don't conform exactly to the Come, Follow Me reading schedule, so they will be shared here where they fit best.) Class Notes Additional Reading and Videos Alexander L. Baugh and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, “‘I Roll the Burthen and Responsibility of Leading This Church Off from My Shoulders on to Yours': The 1844/1845 Declaration of the Quorum of the Twelve Regarding Apostolic Succession,” BYU Studies 49, no. 3 (2010): 4–19. Dallin H. Oaks, “The Suppression of the Nauvoo Expositor,” Utah Law Review 9, no. 4 (Winter 1965): 862–903. Oaks argued that the Nauvoo city council's action to destroy the Expositor press was legal within the understanding of the law in Joseph's time. (This article was published twenty years before he became an apostle.) Joseph L. Lyon and David W. Lyon, “Physical Evidence at Carthage Jail and What It Reveals about the Assassination of Joseph and Hyrum Smith,” BYU Studies 47, no. 4 (2008): 4–50. Mark Lyman Staker and LaJean Purcell Carruth, “John Taylor's June 27, 1854, Account of the Martyrdom,” BYU Studies 50, no. 3 (2011): 25–62. D. Michael Quinn, “The Mormon Succession Crisis of 1844,” BYU Studies 16, no. 2 (Winter 1976): 187–233. Quinn argued that Joseph did not leave clear directions on who should succeed him and this spurred a crisis that was resolved only when the majority of the Saints threw their support behind Brigham Young and the Twelve. Ronald K. Esplin, “Joseph, Brigham and the Twelve: A Succession of Continuity,” BYU Studies 21, no. 3 (Summer 1981): 301–41. Esplin countered Quinn's article by arguing that the path of succession was clear from Joseph's statements and the canonized revelations. Russel R. Rich, “Nineteenth-Century Break-offs,” Ensign, September 1979, 68–71. Rich described some of the schismatic groups that broke away from the restored Church during the Prophet Joseph's life and after his death. R. Jean Addams, “Aftermath of the Martyrdom: Aspirants to the Mantle of the Prophet Joseph Smith,” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship 62 (2024): 335–402. Addams examines the individuals who claimed the mantle of the Joseph Smith, their motives, and the churches or organizations they founded in the decade following the death of the Prophet. Road to Carthage: A Joseph Smith Papers Podcast is an eight-part documentary miniseries that explores the history of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith in 1844. The episodes focus on the historical events that led to the assassination of the Prophet and his brother by a mob, as well as the aftermath of that tragic event. Series host Spencer W. McBride interviewed historians and Church leaders for this podcast. LaJean Carruth, “Brigham Young on Brigham Young: His Life, Conversion, and Faith, in his Own Words,” 2024 FAIR Conference. Daniel C. Peterson, “Appreciating Brother Brigham,” 2024 FAIR Conference. Mike Parker is a business and marketing analyst with over twenty years' experience in the financial services and cellular telephone industries. He holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management Information Systems from Dixie State University (now Utah Tech University) of St George, Utah. He also has eight years' experience in corporate training and currently teaches an adult religion class in southern Utah. Mike and his wife, Denise, have three children. The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 135–136 – Mike Parker appeared first on FAIR.

You Don't Have to be Ready, Just Willing by Autumn Dickson Joseph Smith was 38 years old when he was murdered in Carthage Jail. He received the First Vision at age 14. He began translating The Book of Mormon at age 21, and he completed it at age 24. The Church was also organized when he was 24. The Kirtland temple was built, the Nauvoo temple began, temple ordinances were restored, the work of salvation for the dead was set in motion, numerous revelations were received, and missionaries were sent abroad. He had the vision at age 14, and he was taught annually by Moroni, but his true ministry began at the age of 21 as he started translating The Book of Mormon. His ministry was 17 years. Here is a verse in the Doctrine and Covenants that was written in the announcement of his death. Doctrine and Covenants 135:3 Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord's anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated! Could anyone else do what Joseph did? I don't know. I believe that the Lord can enable anyone to do anything if they're willing, but were any of us willing? I really don't know. I believe so, but I don't know. I think of great men like the apostles who stood with Christ during his ministry. I think of Old Testament prophets and New Testament missionaries. I think of the stripling warriors who learned from their own mothers and followed in obedience. I think of pillars of faith in latter-day church history. I think of other men who were placed in different roles who were willing to do what God has assigned them to do, men like Martin Luther King Jr. Beyond that, I think there are a great number of quiet individuals who went about doing the Lord's will in their own lives even though it brought about no acclaim. I know plenty of women who are likewise incredible if that was the organization that the Lord had chosen. But He chose Joseph. I'm not sure why God places us in the roles that He does. I'm sure there are many reasons for His decisions, but I'm not sure what they are. He probably doesn't explain Himself because the reasons are situational. For example, He had specific roles that needed to be filled, and perhaps there were multiple people who could have filled those roles, but He also looked at us as individuals. What were the lessons we needed to learn in order to become what He wanted us to become? If we want to learn what the Lord wants us to learn and if we want to bless the world in the most powerful way available to us, there are a couple of characteristics of Joseph's that we can develop. The number one characteristic that came to my mind today is the willingness to follow His will no matter where it takes us. I believe that all the other attributes we could possibly develop in order to be prepared to fulfill our roles here on earth can all contribute to this one significant characteristic: we follow Heavenly Father and what He wants for us. If we can stand before God, (or better yet, kneel), and tell Him, “I'm not sure what you want me to do. I don't know what I need to learn in order to do it. I don't know who I need to become in order to do it, and I'm sure there will be many times that I feel that I can't do it. And yet, I want Thou to show me the way and make me who I need to be. Lead me. I will follow.” You don't have to be ready for your various roles yet. I repeat, you don't have to be ready. You just have to be willing. He can take care of the rest. The only thing you can truly give Him is your willingness to follow Him and do what He asks. He is capable of speaking to you in a way that you can understand and helping you know what you need to know. He can help you develop the specific testimonies you're going to need to carry you through. He can mold you. Sure, you'll make mistakes, but that's why we start today. We give Him time to work with us so we have had time to practice what we need to be. I was thinking of some grand moment in which you could promise God to follow Him, and yet, many of us already made that promise a long time ago at 8 years old. Some of us made that promise when we were a bit older, and maybe some of us have yet to make that promise. Perhaps we have already made the promise, but we are only just now feeling prepared to truly hand over our will. Lucky for us, we have this thing called the sacrament where we renew those promises every single week. How powerful could we become if we simply whispered to the Lord (and to ourselves) each week that we were willing to follow wherever, willing to learn what was necessary, willing to become what God wanted for us? When I think of Joseph's willingness, I don't think it was just one decision. I think it was a million decisions. When he would look at the vast amount of work he needed to do, he would turn to the Lord for guidance about what to prioritize. Then he would have faith that the Lord would enable him to do what was absolutely necessary. There was so much that needed to happen to restore Christ's church upon the earth; there is only so much he could accomplish with the time he was given on earth. So it wasn't about accomplishing everything; it was about just doing what God had for him each day. I love and honor Joseph Smith for his willingness to jump in and devote his time and life to what God wanted, whether that was building an impressive temple or living in squalor for four months in a prison. Most of all, I love and honor Joseph because he set the foundation a long time ago for me to find Christ. Joseph did more, save Jesus only, to save mankind. I think it's important to note that Jesus was the one who did the most. And wasn't this His defining characteristic? He was willing to do what the Father sent Him here to do. His ministry was only four years, He spent some of that time playing with children or taking quiet time to Himself. You would think that having only four years available to change the world would make someone rush a bit more, but that's not what the Father needed. Christ simply did what the Father wanted and because of that, His four year ministry changed everything. I testify that each of us have roles in the work of salvation. I testify that the Lord is capable of helping you fulfill that role if you simply tell Him that you're willing and ask Him to lead you along. I testify that you don't have to be capable or incredible, just willing. I testify that He is more than capable, loves you, and wants to include you. Autumn Dickson was born and raised in a small town in Texas. She served a mission in the Indianapolis Indiana mission. She studied elementary education but has found a particular passion in teaching the gospel. Her desire for her content is to inspire people to feel confident, peaceful, and joyful about their relationship with Jesus Christ and to allow that relationship to touch every aspect of their lives. Autumn was the recipient of FAIR's 2024 John Taylor Defender of the Faith Award. The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 135–136 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Leaving Babylon, Building Zion by Autumn Dickson At one point in time, the call to gather Zion was a physical one. The Lord commanded those who were getting baptized to come and gather with the rest of the Saints. That commandment changed to a spiritual one as the needs of the Saints likewise changed. It […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 133–134 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Eternal marriage & plural marriage (D&C 132; Official Declaration 1) by Mike Parker (Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don't conform exactly to the Come, Follow Me reading schedule, so […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 132 – Mike Parker appeared first on FAIR.

The Second Coming: Is the World Righteous Enough? by Autumn Dickson In the readings for this week, Joseph Smith helps us glimpse into eternity so we can see a portion of what it looks like. Understanding what eternity looks like can help us more fully take advantage of what the Lord has given us with this […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 129–132 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Doctrinal Developments in Nauvoo by Mike Parker (Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don't conform exactly to the Come, Follow Me reading schedule, so they will be shared here where […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 129–131 – Mike Parker appeared first on FAIR.

Is Exaltation Blasphemous or Worship? by Autumn Dickson In case it was ever in question, we believe in exaltation. As I worked on this post, I felt like I was addressing a non-member even though it's usually members who look up Come Follow Me posts. In the end, I decided to keep it that way. Even […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 129–132 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Redoubling Works or Effort: A Lesson on Faith in God's Timing by Autumn Dickson There is a verse in this week's readings that always jumps out to me. It came at a time when I was praying about what I needed to do. I had started my blog, and then a while later, I found […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 125–128 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Deep Water: Lessons from Joseph Smith and a Croatian Free Diver by Autumn Dickson Context for this week: Joseph Smith and his companions were freed from prison by sympathizing guards during a transfer. Though they returned to their families, persecution rendered it necessary for Joseph to go into hiding. Some of what we read this […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 125–128 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Choosing Faith Through Failure: God's Timetable for Zion by Autumn Dickson Because of an extermination order, the Saints were driven out of Missouri and into Nauvoo. In Doctrine and Covenants 124, the Lord excuses His people from building the temple in Missouri after they had been driven out. Doctrine and Covenants 124:49 Verily, verily, I […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 124 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Establishment of Nauvoo; Baptism for the Dead & the Endowment by Mike Parker (Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don't conform exactly to the Come, Follow Me reading schedule, so […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 124–128 – Mike Parker appeared first on FAIR.

“Controversies in Joseph Smith's Polygamy: New Evidences and New Observations Indicate Fawn Brodie Should Have Done More Research” by Brian C. Hales at the 2010 FAIR Conference Why did Joseph Smith practice plural marriage? There are three different places we could go for answers. We can go to the naturalists—like Fawn Brodie—and the cynics, which are […] The post Classic FAIR – Why Did Joseph Smith Practice Polygamy? – Brian Hales, 2010 appeared first on FAIR.

An Unchanging God, Individualized Grace by Autumn Dickson In August of 1840, Joseph Smith delivered a sermon that introduced the concept of baptisms for the dead. People rejoiced and began being baptized for their kindred dead shortly thereafter. The Mississippi River was often the choice of setting for these sacred ordinances. In January of 1841, […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 124 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

There is Love in the Lack that God Gives by Autumn Dickson In my last message, I shared some of the words of Joseph Smith when he spoke to the Lord. Those words have been canonized as part of Section 121. For this message, I want to share something similar from the same time period […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 121–123 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

The “Mormon War” of 1838; Joseph Smith's letter from Liberty Jail by Mike Parker (Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don't conform exactly to the Come, Follow Me reading schedule, […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 121–123 – Mike Parker appeared first on FAIR.

Three Truths to Transform Your Prayers by Autumn Dickson Context. Joseph stayed in a frigid prison with some of his companions for four months. It was one of the coldest winters on record in Missouri. They didn't have sufficient clothing to keep them warm; the food was scarce and rotten. On at least four occasions, […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 121–123 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Rejoicing During Failing by Autumn Dickson We are in an interesting section of church history here. This portion of history is often very difficult for some people because it calls Joseph's prophetic calling into question…again. While the Saints were living in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph encouraged the Saints to invest in the Kirtland Safety Society. The […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 115–120 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

When You Covet What You Have by Autumn Dickson The Saints began to flee Kirtland in January 1838 because of religious persecution and mounting debts. A majority of them went to Far West, Missouri. When July came around, Newel K. Whitney and William Marks were still in Kirtland. They had originally been left behind to […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 115–120 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Mistakes Were Part of the Plan by Autumn Dickson The church is running into some issues. They have incurred heavy debts, and leaders are growing increasingly worried. There was a member, Brother Burgess, who spoke of a widow who had left behind a lot of money hiding in her cellar. Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 111–114 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

End of the Kirtland period; revelations in Missouri, 1838 by Mike Parker (Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don't conform exactly to the Come, Follow Me reading schedule, so they […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 111–112, 114–115, 117–120 – Mike Parker appeared first on FAIR.

The Power of Conversion: Healing Through Christ by Autumn Dickson Thomas B. Marsh was frustrated with Joseph Smith for calling two of the apostles on missions without consulting him. He received a revelation that helped him repent and gave him spiritual counsel. Within the counsel he receives, there are two phrases that are found next […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 111–114 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Building the Kingdom in Diapers and Day Jobs by Autumn Dickson The Saints have built the Kirtland temple. This week we read about the dedication event, including the revealed prayer from the Lord, and we read about the Lord restoring priesthood keys within the temple. Here is one of the verses from the prayer that […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 109-110 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Your Body as a Temple: Surprising Lessons from the Kirtland Temple by Autumn Dickson We have been asked to liken the scriptures unto ourselves. Oftentimes, I look at this from the perspective of studying the people who lived at the time of the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants. As I study the events surrounding […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 109-110 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Priesthood Privilege by Autumn Dickson Disclaimer. I want to talk about the priesthood this week, but the more I dive into it, the more I realize that I know hardly anything about it. There is so much; it's rather overwhelming. I have done my research. I have tried very hard to understand, but it's also important […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 106-108 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

What are Priesthood Keys? by Autumn Dickson The Lord restored the priesthood to mankind some time ago, and yet, He did not reveal the structure in which He wanted everything to be organized. There were many who had received callings and knew their responsibilities, but putting it together in a structural whole would serve to […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 106-108 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Prevail Against Mine Enemies by Autumn Dickson The Saints were driven from their homes and living as refugees in Clay County, Missouri. Joseph Smith and other church leaders received letters with news regarding what had happened. Besides the letters, Joseph also received a revelation from the Lord with this declaration: Doctrine and Covenants 103:6 Behold […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 102-105 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Did the Lord Fail? by Autumn Dickson To give a bit of content for what we're reading about this week, the Saints have been driven from their homes in Missouri, and Joseph Smith received a revelation that talked about gathering a group of Saints to go and win back their homes. After marching towards Jackson […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 102-105 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

To Become Like Him by Autumn Dickson We read about many stories in the scriptures where someone is a type of Christ. We seek to be a type of Christ. We seek to pattern our lives after Him. There is a verse in Doctrine and Covenants that puts forth a similar idea. Doctrine and Covenants 101:4 […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 98-101 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

The Lord's people & secular governments by Mike Parker (Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don't conform exactly to the Come, Follow Me reading schedule, so they will be shared […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 98–99, 102, 106, 108, 134 – Mike Parker appeared first on FAIR.

In Peace and Trouble by Autumn Dickson The Saints in Missouri were experiencing tremendous persecution at this time. The leaders of the mob wanted the Saints to promise that they would leave Missouri by spring, and they wanted the Saints to promise it within 15 minutes of demanding that they do so. The situation was […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 98-101 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Unclean by Autumn Dickson The Lord is giving instructions about things He wants built in Kirtland, Ohio. The verses I'm about to share describe a building that was meant to be a meeting place for the First Presidency to carry out their work, but it was never built. The Lord gave some pretty specific instructions […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 94-97 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

The Kirtland Temple by Mike Parker (Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don't conform exactly to the Come, Follow Me reading schedule, so they will be shared here where they […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 2, 94–97, 109–110 – Mike Parker appeared first on FAIR.

Building the Temple by Autumn Dickson One of the most impressive accomplishments made by the early Saints of this dispensation was to build the Kirtland temple. Many Saints didn't have much to begin with, and many of them abandoned what they had in order to gather in Kirtland, Ohio. Brigham Young recorded that some of […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 94-97 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

This podcast series features past FAIR Conference presentations. This presentation is from our 2024 conference. If you would like to watch all the presentations from our 2025 conference held last month, you can still purchase the video streaming. This audio podcast version has been made available for convenient listening. If you would like to watch […] The post FAIR Conference Podcast #84 – Ahmad S. Corbitt, “Prophets of the Past, Faithfulness in the Present” appeared first on FAIR.

“What I Learned about Life, the Church, and the Cosmos from Hugh Nibley” by Boyd Petersen at the 2005 FAIR Conference February 24, 2005 was one of those beautiful false-spring days when we all leave our coats at home and venture out in shirt sleeves, despite the fact that we all know that winter will […] The post Classic FAIR – “What I Learned about Life, the Church, and the Cosmos from Hugh Nibley” – Boyd Petersen, 2005 appeared first on FAIR.

Glory of God by Autumn Dickson Section 93 is full of truth that revolves around how eternity works. It speaks of light, knowledge, and application. It speaks of our eternal nature. Here is one important, eternal principle. Doctrine and Covenants 93:36 The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth. Here […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 93 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

A Type of Christ by Autumn Dickson Doctrine and Covenants 93 teaches us about the character of God and our Savior who came to the earth. Here is just a little of what is taught to us. Doctrine and Covenants 93:12 And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 93 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

The Destroying Angel by Autumn Dickson There is a reference to an Old Testament record found in Doctrine and Covenants 89, and it can give us insight about the power of the Word of Wisdom in our day. Doctrine and Covenants 89:21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that the destroying angel […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 89-92 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

This podcast series features past FAIR Conference presentations. This presentation is from our 2025 conference held earlier this month. If you would like to watch all the presentations from the conference, you can still purchase the video streaming. This audio podcast version has been edited to make it easier for listening. If you would like […] The post FAIR Conference Podcast #83 – Daniel C. Peterson, “Brigham Young and Slavery” appeared first on FAIR.

The Word of Wisdom (D&C section 89) by Mike Parker (Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don't conform exactly to the Come, Follow Me reading schedule, so they will be […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 89 – Mike Parker appeared first on FAIR.

For the Weakest Saint by Autumn Dickson The Word of Wisdom is a gift. Some view this advice as ridiculous and unnecessary. Honestly, it reminds me of when my son thinks it's ridiculous and unnecessary for him to wear shoes and a helmet when he rides his dirt bike. Sure, he may ride his dirt […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 89-92 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Accepting Christ's Gift by Autumn Dickson I love when the scriptures give us more insights into how the relationship between the atonement of Jesus Christ and our works come together. I think it's a relationship that needs to be studied thoroughly if we are to understand how to enjoy Celestial Glory. For while we believe […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 88 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

“I Don't Have a Testimony of the History of the Church” by Davis Bitton at the 2004 FAIR Conference I don't have a testimony of the history of the Church. That is why I can be a historian and also a believing Latter-day Saint. I will expand on this idea, but first let me address […] The post Classic FAIR – I Don't Have a Testimony of the History of the Church – Davis Bitton, 2004 appeared first on FAIR.

“The Olive Leaf”; the divine natures of God and man (D&C sections 88, 93) by Mike Parker (Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don't conform exactly to the Come, Follow […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – 88, 93 – Mike Parker appeared first on FAIR.

by Scott Gordon at the 2025 FAIR Conference History of FAIR In 1997, I logged in to America Online Mormonism message board 1 expecting to find friends. Instead, I found critics. I was quickly surprised by the sheer volume of vitriol and criticism of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Common claims included: You can't add to […] The post FAIR's history and impact appeared first on FAIR.

Receiving Joy by Autumn Dickson There are eternal truths in this world that spill over in the world to come. Whether we fight against those truths determines what we're going to enjoy. The Lord said this: Doctrine and Covenants 88:32 And they who remain shall also be quickened; nevertheless, they shall return again to their […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 88 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Prophecy of war; expulsion from Independence; Zion's Camp (D&C sections 87, 90, 100–101, 103, 105) by Mike Parker (Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don't conform exactly to the Come, […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – 87, 90, 100–101, 103, 105 – Mike Parker appeared first on FAIR.