Unshaken Saints

While in hiding from enemies, a prophet writes two of the most doctrinally explosive letters in scripture. How can we make sense of the work of salvation for the dead, and what does it have to do with the "fullness of times"? D&C 127 and 128 reveal the magnificent scope of God's work, which binds heaven and earth together.

Summary: This episode explores D&C 125–128, focusing on lessons in discipleship, divine priorities, and the eternal cause of redemption. D&C 125: Saints in Deed. The Lord gives direction to the Saints in Iowa Territory, asking if they are merely "Saints in name only" or truly "essaying to be my saints." The call is to gather and live up to the Book of Mormon standard by naming their city Zarahemla.

D&C 126: An Honorable Release. The Lord gives Brigham Young an honorable release from constant missionary travel, declaring, "your offering is acceptable to me." His new command: "take especial care of your family from this time, henceforth and forever." This sets the eternal priority of family over temporary callings.

D&C 127-128: The Great Cause. Joseph Smith's letters, written while he was "deep water is what I am wont to swim in," focus intensely on baptism for the dead.

The Power of Binding: We learn the "very bold doctrine" that whatsoever is bound on earth by proper priesthood authority is "bound in heaven". This work is essential, as "their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation."

The Record: The Lord requires a recorder who is an "eye-witness" for every ordinance, ensuring the records are "in order" and worthy to be placed in the temple archives.

The Offering: Joseph encourages the Saints to "waste and wear out our lives" in this cause. The ultimate goal is to present in the holy temple a "book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation"—an offering in righteousness to the returning King.

The Final Charge: Joseph rallies the Saints with an ecstatic vision of the Restoration, crying, "shall we not go on in so great a cause? Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory!" This work forms the "welding together of dispensations" that defines the fullness of times.

Call-to-Action: What small act can you do this week to "weld" your family together—living and dead? Share your commitment below! If this message inspired you to go "on, on to the victory," please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith.

Chapter Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

3:20 Saints in Name Only

11:50 An Honorable Release

21:34 Deep Water

38:26 Always On My Mind

50:19 The Infinite Umbrella

1:13:12 A Book of Remembrance

1:27:44 So Great a Cause

1:39:41 One-Liners

Imagine starting over, driven from your home, betrayed by friends, and attempting to build a city and a temple in a malaria-infested swamp. The sheer audacity of the Nauvoo project required a powerful new revelation. D&C 124 provides the blueprint for healing the past, trusting the present, and embracing a grand future.

Summary: This episode analyzes D&C 124, a pivotal revelation received in Nauvoo in 1841.

Proclaiming Zion (D&C 124:2-11): The Saints are commanded to issue a solemn proclamation to "all the kings of the world" and world leaders, inviting them to "come to the light and glory of Zion". This was an act of courage, recognizing that the set time had come to favor Zion.

Heart Health & Integrity (D&C 124:15-20): The Lord praises Hyrum Smith for the "integrity of his heart" and his love for what is right. In stark contrast, John C. Bennett is given multiple "ifs" —his reward depends entirely on his choice to "receive counsel" and continue in love and acceptance.

The Nauvoo House (D&C 124:22-24, 60-61): The Saints are commanded to build a "healthful habitation" and a "resting-place for the weary traveler" where he can "contemplate the word of the Lord". The Lord instructs that stockholders must be "a believer in the Book of Mormon, and the revelations".

The Temple & Acceptance (D&C 124:27-35): Because the Saints lack a proper house for ordinances, the Lord mercifully accepts baptisms for the dead performed outside a temple "only in the days of your poverty". However, this acceptance has a strict deadline: failure to complete the temple after a "sufficient time" will result in the Church being "rejected as a church".

"A for Effort" (D&C 124:49-55): The Lord gives a powerful principle: when we go "with all their might" and are hindered by enemies, the Lord will "accept of their offerings". This principle is applied to the failed attempt to build the temple in Jackson County , offering "consolation" and a command to "prove yourselves unto me" by trying again in Nauvoo.

The Cause of the Poor (D&C 124:74-76): Saints are commanded to "plead the cause of the poor and the needy" and to support this cause with their interest , establishing a pattern of generosity that ensures their "seed be found begging bread" no more.

Call-to-Action: What "cause of the poor" can you dedicate yourself to this week? Share your commitments in the comments below! If this message helped you find renewed hope and purpose, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith.

Chapter Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

5:06 Hope Springs Eternal

18:37 Heart Health

29:43 The Nauvoo House

42:47 Good Enough for Now

52:44 Temple Ordinances

1:06:01 A for Effort

1:17:19 The Cause of the Poor

1:33:46 One-Liners

Imagine being unjustly imprisoned for months, watching your family and people suffer, and asking the piercing question: "O God, where art thou?" The revelations given to Joseph Smith in the darkest dungeon of his life are some of the most beautiful and powerful in all scripture.

Summary: In this profound episode, we explore the transcendent revelations of Doctrine and Covenants 121, 122, and 123, written from the confines of Liberty Jail.

D&C 121: The Power of Righteousness. We delve into Joseph's heartfelt plea, "How long shall thy hand be stayed?" The Lord answers with a staggering lesson: authority and power are inseparably connected with the principles of righteousness. We analyze the fatal trap of "unrighteous dominion"—covering our sins, gratifying pride, and exercising compulsion—which instantly causes the heavens to withdraw. Crucially, we learn the six principles of Godly Influence: persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, and kindness. This section is a master class in Christlike leadership.

D&C 122: Eternal Perspective in Suffering. The Lord reassures Joseph: "My son, peace be unto thy soul." He validates every trial Joseph has faced, from false accusations to the "jaws of hell," and promises that "all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." This section confirms that the "Son of Man hath descended below them all," granting Him perfect knowledge to comfort us in our extremities.

D&C 123: The Duty to Record. Finally, we discuss the duty to collect a "catalog of catastrophes" detailing the Saints' sufferings and abuses. This was not for vengeance, but to "leave the whole nation without excuse" and to help those who are "kept from the truth because they know not where to find it." The lesson culminates with the principle of total effort: "cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God."

Call-to-Action: What principle from D&C 121 is helping you the most right now? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If this discussion brought peace to your soul, please like this video, subscribe to the channel, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith.

Chapter Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

4:55 Divine Hiddenness

15:47 Hitting Rock Bottom

29:19 Damning the River & Praying for Rain

40:48 Unrighteous Dominion

54:25 Godly Influence

1:12:36 A Catalog of Catastrophes

1:26:08 Work and then Wait

1:35:19 One-Liners