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David Butler: When God Doesn’t Intervene, Does It Mean He’s Absent?

David Butler’s love for God is contagious and, in this episode, we discuss God’s love for His children and our love for Him. How does God balance His love as a father with his allowance of our agency? If He truly loves us, why doesn’t He always intervene in times of trouble?

31: "The Power of Godliness" (Doctrine and Covenants 84)

What to do you think of when you hear the phrase, “season of joy”? You probably think about Christmas, don’t you? Or maybe your birthday month because, let’s be honest, everyone loves their birthday month. But as joyful as Christmas and birthdays may be, that’s not what Joseph Smith was talking about when he called the events leading up to Doctrine and Covenants 84 a “season of joy.” And after this week’s lesson, we will see how this section brings lasting, eternal joy to all of our lives.

27: "No Weapon That Is Formed against You Shall Prosper" (Doctrine and Covenants 71–75)

When a family member or friend leaves the Church, it can be a very heart-wrenching experience. It can also be difficult to know what to say or do in order to support them as they navigate life without the teachings of the gospel. This was the situation Joseph Smith faced throughout his life as close friends would sometimes leave and become antagonistic toward the Church. But in Doctrine and Covenants 71–75, we find invaluable counsel the Lord gives to Joseph Smith that can help us today as we seek to support and love those who have left the Church.

24: "That Which Cometh from Above Is Sacred" (Doctrine and Covenants 63)

If trying to follow along with what's happening in Doctrine and Covenants 63 has ever left you feeling like you're on a challenging hike without a map, all is not lost! This week’s guest is an excellent guide as we navigate these intriguing verses. In fact, there’s very few people who would know more about what was going on in the lives of the Saints and the prophet Joseph Smith at this time than her. So grab your scriptures, and maybe a compass, and let’s dig into to this week’s lesson of Doctrine and Covenants 63.

1: “Hearken, O Ye People” (December 28–January 3)

And so it begins—our study of the Doctrine and Covenants! If you’re feeling a little wary, maybe a little intimated, don’t freight. If you feel like you already know everything there is to know about the Doctrine and Covenants, hold onto your hats because we are going study like never before. So grab your scriptures, and let’s dive into Doctrine and Covenants section 1.

21: "A Faithful, a Just, and a Wise Steward" (Doctrine and Covenants 51–57)

Throwing an egg at your sibling may seem like an extreme reaction, but at one point or another, a heated argument may have caused you to do something you wouldn't normally do. Whether it was a friend or a relative, feelings were no doubt hurt in the process. But in Doctrine and Covenants 51–57, the Lord teaches us how important relationships are—how we should seek to help those around us rather than tear them down. As we study these chapters we'll find that if we can do this, the Lord promises us something special in return.

18: "The Promises … Shall Be Fulfilled" (Doctrine and Covenants 45)

This past year and its countless hardships may have had you wondering, “Is this a sign of the Second Coming? How about this?” Well, Doctrine and Covenants 45 is a revelation that is all about the signs of the Second Coming. But before we begin to wonder if some of those signs were fulfilled this past year, there’s more we need to unravel about what these signs actually mean. So as we dig into this week’s lesson, we’ll discuss the deeper meanings behind some of these signs and how those meanings affect us today.

16: "If Ye Are Not One Ye Are Not Mine" (Doctrine and Covenants 37–40)

“Pack up everything—we’re moving.” When you read those words, how do you feel? Are you excited? Or does your heart drop as you think of all the packing, cleaning, and organizing that moving entails? Maybe you feel a bit of both? Well in this week’s lesson, the early Saints are asked to do just that: pack everything up and move. While this move was challenging and full of hardship, it also came with many blessings. And as we dig into Doctrine and Covenants 37–40, we’ll learn how the Lord asks us to move spiritually and what blessings we receive as we obey.

30: "The Great Plan of Happiness" (July 27—August 2)

Okay, let's take a second to send a big, heartfelt thank you to Corianton. It's not easy to have a parent call you out for the sins you've committed, let alone have those sins immortalized in the scriptures—ouch. But because of Corianton, and other teachings recorded in Alma 39–42, we learn very important lessons about what it means to be converted to Christ. In this week's study group, we are going to dig into those lessons and learn the foundational doctrines we need nourish our testimony of the gospel.

31: “Stand Fast in the Faith of Christ” (August 3–9)

The war chapters—sounds kind of like a PBS documentary, don't you think? Well with all the contention, tactics, wins, and losses, Alma 43–52 would make an epic war movie. So why would Mormon choose to include these stories about battles and intrigue in the Book of Mormon? Join us in this week's study group as we dig into the scriptures to discover how the war chapters apply to our day and why we might actually grow to love them and their message to us.