Do you ever feel that preparing for your weekly Come, Follow Me lesson falls short? Join hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway as they interview experts to make your study for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Come, Follow Me course not only enjoyable but original and educational. If you are looking for resources to make your LDS study fresh, faithful, and fun--no matter your age--then join us every Wednesday morning. Show notes: https://followhim.co YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FollowHimOfficialChannel Instagram: Instagram.com/followhimpodcast Facebook: Facebook.com/followhimpodcast
The followHIM Podcast is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The opinions expressed on episodes represent the views of the guest and podcasters alone.
Five-minute clip of Hank and John's favorite part of this week's Come, Follow Me lesson. Great to share with your family and friends! Join us on social media! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FollowHimOfficialChannel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followhimpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcast
Why did the Lord repeat the Ten Commandments in these Sections? Have we been commanded to keep the Law of Consecration, just as these Saints in Ohio? John and Hank continue with Dr. Gardner to teach about work, love, consecration, grief, humor, temple worship, and testimony. Her testimony is brilliant, vigorous, and persuasive. Learn why Dr. Gardner loves the Lord and His Gospel. Shownotes: www.followhim.co YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FollowHimOfficialChannel Instagram: https://www.instag...
Do you know how many revelations (now Sections of the Doctrine and Covenants) were revealed in Ohio? (HINT: IT is more than 64). Join John and Hank with Dr. Barbara Gardner Gardner as we learn along with the early Saints how the Lord was planning to build His Kingdom on the Earth by teaching His Saints to be teachers, priests, and priestesses that teach with power and His Spirit, as well as preparing them for upcoming trials. Dr. Gardner is one of our most engaging and requested guests and with ...
Five-minute clip of Hank and John's favorite part of this week's Come, Follow Me lesson. Great to share with your family and friends! Join us on social media! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FollowHimOfficialChannel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followhimpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcast
In Part II, John Bytheway asks us if we have ever had the nightmare where we wake up rich. The Saints, as they move to "the Ohio," are called to be separate, like leaving Babylon, and many Saints leave farms and, more importantly, family members. They build a thriving area for Saints, including a temple, in five short years, and we learn to follow their example in building a "great work." We also hear Dr. Black's testimony of the Restoration and the Savior. Shownotes: www.followhim.co YouTube: h...
Imagine growing up hearing the stories of Emma Hale Smith, Phoebe Carter, the Whitmers, Brigham Young, and Brother Joseph. This week’s guest, Dr. Susan Easton Black, didn’t grow up hearing fairy tales but true stories of bravery, faithfulness, betrayal, and courage. Dr. Black teaches us how the Lord taught His People that Zion and the Church were more than a place they visited on Sundays, how they received the command to “gather to the Ohio,” and how Joseph continued his New Translation of the B...
Does missionary work scare you? We can help! In Part II, our Fantastic Four (and others, especially Orson Pratt and Edward Partridge) discover the “field is white and ready to harvest.” Dr. Robert Millet shares how we are 11th Hour Workers and the Lord of the Vineyard is with his Servants and this episode will excite and encourage you to “open your mouth” and share the Good News. Additionally, if you know a Bishop, you’ll want to learn how Edward Partridge is a hero we should celebrate for “wast...
Catch the excitement of the early days of missionary work as Dr. Robert Millet visits and reminds us why Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt, Peter Whitmer, and Ziba Peterson are the original Fantastic Four. Learn how their mission to the Lamanites didn’t go as expected but what the Lord had in mind was much more significant. These early missionaries teach us to get people to the Grove, share from the Book of Mormon, and remember our strength is our diversity. Shownotes: www.followhim.co YouTube: ht...
We continue to discuss Holy Week and unpack all four Gospels and their accounts. Dr. Hilton shares why Holy Saturday has applications to uplift and enrich our lives, especially in times of trial. Discover why the story of the Road to Emmaus teaches us about expectations, doubt, and faith. Shownotes: www.followhim.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followhimpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcast
Do you tend to jump right past the cross when studying Holy Week? Dr. John Hilton III shares why looking at the entirety of Jesus’s last week, including his suffering on the cross, will deepen our understanding and appreciation. This episode will exceed your expectations. Join us! Shownotes: www.followhim.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followhimpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcast
Dr. Sweat reminds us why we should reconsider if we teach that Lucifer wanted to save everyone. Hank, John, and Dr. Sweat continue to teach how the Lord's Atonement and His confidence in us can sustain us in the Last Days (which are now!). This episode reminds us we don't need to fear the Last Days due to the protection of His Spirit, our covenants, and God's grace. This is an episode that will help every teacher, parent, and member remember why they love their membership in The Church of Jesus ...
Dr. Anthony Sweat returns (due to popular demand) and explains why Section 29 is a favorite section regarding a broad scope of the Lord’s work and vision. Dr. Sweat also gives teachers the idea of a Scriptural and Historical Scavenger Hunt in Section 29. Not all sections are created equal and Section 29 illuminates the Premortal Existence, the Creation, the Fall, the Atonement, the Second Coming of Jesus, the Millenium, and the rationale for building Zion. Jesus intends to gather Israel and He u...
Dr. Kerry Muhlestein continues to discuss the restoration of the New and Everlasting Covenant, and they discuss the importance of personal revelation and corporal revelation. Hiram Page (who marries a Whitmer) has proclaimed he is having revelations for the entire Church. Emma’s confirmation is disturbed by riotous crowds, and the Joseph Smith Translation begins with Moses 1. The JST process is vastly different from the Book of Mormon translation and the word transformation (think: transfigurati...
In the Church’s infancy, Joseph receives the Vision of Moses as he begins what he calls the “new translation” of the Bible. Join Dr. Kerry Muhlestein, Hank, and John as we learn what happens when Joseph, Emma, Oliver, or others ask questions. We discover how the early Saints learn about the ordinance of the sacrament (do the emblems matter?), the power of the Abrahamic Covenant and how the Lord has much more in store for the entire human family via covenants via Elijah. Learn about our place in ...
Part II is a deep dive into Emma Hale Smith's personality, abilities, and role in establishing the early Church. Emma is educated, adept, and gifted. She completes Joseph and enables him to accomplish the Lord's work. We learn how Emma was consistently supported and encouraged by Lucy Mack Smith, who reminds us that Emma constantly and consistently served those around her. See a new side of Emma Hale Smith with our expert, Dr. Lisa Olsen Tait, as well as reviewing her better-known accomplishment...
Discover why Samuel Smith is as stalwart as William Smith is reticent with our guest Dr. Lisa Olsen Tait. Hank, John, and Dr. Tait introduce us to the first three branches of the Church and these early Saints’ efforts to carry their crosses, learn the will of the Lord, and begin to weary and wear out their lives in service. They examine the concept of common consent and the rights of women and voting in the early Church. Show notes available at www.followhim.co
Joseph and his friends officially organized the Church on April 6, 1830, in the Whitmer home. Hank, John, and Dr. Watkins return to discuss the importance of record-keeping in the early Church, the reality of the Lord bringing the Saints along gradually, and how the Prophet grows in understanding for what the Lord has in mind for His people. We, along with Joseph, learn to put aside our prejudices and preconceived notions to help the Lord establish His baptism, his covenants, and His Church....
How do we define church? Is it an organized group? Is it people with a common idea? Listen to John, Hank, and Dr. Jordan Watkins as we learn how the Church was organized, how to define church, and are reminded to not argue with members of other religions. Learn how Joseph and Oliver develop the first “handbook,” why we shouldn’t conflate men with the priesthood, and we are reminded about this being a continual restoration. Show notes and transcript available at https://followhim.co/episodes/...
What happened when the Lord provided for the Three Witnesses to view the plates? Should we revere Egbert Grandin for assisting in printing the Book of Mormon or Martin Harris? We continue to discuss the exorbitant cost of printing the Book of Mormon, how the early Restorationists learn about church governance, and the concept of hell. Things get hot as we conclude our episode with Dr. Scott Woodward and Doctrine and Covenants 18-19. Dr. Scott Woodward is the managing director at www.doctrineandc...
Was the Priesthood restored in one event or over a series of time? Join us with Dr. Scott Woodward as we discuss the Book of Mormon foundation for the Church organization, learn that the goodness other churches provide, and we are reminded to never be weary in doing good. The Savior continues to teach and succor one by one in the early days of the Restoration and today. Dr. Scott Woodward is the managing director at www.doctrineandcovenantscentral.org . Stop by and see all the great content for ...
We continue Part II with Dr. Griffiths and our discussion of the witnesses of the plates including: Lucy Mack, Mary Whitmer, and dozens of women who have been essential to Church History. We discuss the Nephite Interpreters, the breastplate, the plates, and how Joseph and the Lord love to share visions and experiences. The Restoration is not a one-man show.
We meet the Whitmers and follow the early Restoration Heroes as they travel and work between the Trifecta of Translation: Harmony, PA, Colesville, NY, and Palmyra, NY. Dr. Casey Griffiths explains the Whitmer family's closeness, shares a story of miraculous farming, and relates the early Saints' character.
Have you ever wondered how and when the Aaronic Priesthood was restored? We continue with Dr. Scott Esplin and discuss the process of the ongoing Restoration (Melchizedek Priesthood included) and learn how the sons of Levi apply to us today. These were days “never to be forgotten” and we learn how today we also have a bright and glorious future. Join us to enjoy learning more about Joseph Smith and our part in the Gathering of Israel.
What do you do with the sections of the Doctrine and Covenants that repeat themselves? What do you do with the sections . . . . okay, you get it. Dr. Scott Esplin joins us and helps us understand the specific circumstances that surround the Knights, the Smiths, the Whitmers, and the Stoals (aka Stowells) and their desires for callings and personal revelation. Learn how we can also build the Kingdom of God--even if we don’t currently have a calling.
What does Hank Smith mean when he says, “You can’t fool your family?” Join us for Part 2 of this episode with Dr. J.B. Haws as we learn how Hyrum Smith joins Joseph’s work and why Hyrum is described as having “integrity of heart.” If you would like to receive personal revelation from the Lord, learn more about Joseph and Hyrum’s relationship, and learn what the Lord means by “timing,” this episode is for you. Show notes available at followhim.co
A year after the loss of the 116 pages and Doctrine and Covenants, Section 10 shows us that God's wisdom is greater than the Adversary's cunning. Join Dr. J.B. Haws, Hank Smith, and John Bythway as they discuss how our poor choices are turned to victory through the Savior and how the phrase, "Everything happens for a reason," is bad theology. We also learn how to pray so that we spiritually "come off conqueror." Show notes available at followhim.co
In this bonus episode, Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat explains how historians use various sources, how audiences should examine them, and why this matters. If you have ever encountered some disturbing piece of historical information from a friend, foe, or the internet, this episode is for you.
Do you know how many times the word “desire” is in D&C Sections 6-7? What does it tell us about the Lord and agency? Join us with Dr. Janiece Johnson as she shares her thoughts about Oliver Cowdery, the myth of a prosperity gospel, and how the Lord will preserve His people. The reality of spectacles, Urim and Thummim, and how the translation of a human being and the translation of the plates are discussed. Miracles are happening in D&C 6-9 and in our lives today. Show notes available at ...
Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat is as exciting a storyteller as his name is difficult to spell! He tells us about the Redemption of Martin Harris, explains how one of the smartest men in the Church gets from Manchester to Pennsylvania, and why we no longer have the plates. Join us for Part II for one of our most dramatic episodes yet. Show notes available at followhim.co
Have you made a mistake that takes 2400+ years to repair? How did the stolen 116 pages affect the relationship between Joseph Smith, Lucy Mack Smith, Lucy Harris, and Martin Harris? Join us for Episode 4 as Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat dramatically shares details about Emma’s brush with death, Joseph and Emma’s first baby’s passing, and why the pages were stolen and not lost--stolen! Show notes available at followhim.co
