This episode, titled "The Joseph Smith Episode," features Shawn and Lauren , aiming to prepare listeners for missions and discuss the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The episode delves into two core principles through the lens of Joseph Smith's First Vision story (specifically the first 15 verses of his history):
• Principle 1: Deliberately choosing how you serve. This highlights the importance of being "hot" or "cold" rather than "lukewarm," drawing on Revelation 3:15-17. Joseph Smith, at 14, exemplified this by actively questioning "Who of all these parties are right?" instead of passively following his family into the Presbyterian faith, demonstrating he "wasn't a sheep". The hosts contrast this with a modern tendency towards "passive acceptance of truth," often influenced by social media.
• Principle 2: Revelation as the only way to sufficient faith. This faith leads to repentance, covenants, and receiving the Holy Ghost. Joseph's experience with James 1:5 ("If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God") illustrates God's "exact formula" or "experiment" for discovering truth. The scripture "entered with great force into every feeling of my heart," which Lauren identifies as the Holy Ghost.
Key takeaways from Joseph's story and its application include:
• Sincere desire and diligent action: The "experiment" involves "feasting upon the words of Christ and praying" with intention and pondering, as mere blind reading is insufficient. Lauren shared a story of an investigator whose "desire was to feel the Holy Ghost," leading her to diligently read and pray until she recognized the Spirit and saw her own journey reflected in Joseph's.
• Opposition to truth: Joseph's encounter with a "thick darkness" that bound his tongue is presented as Satan's direct opposition to his quest for truth. This relates to modern challenges faced by those seeking to draw closer to God.
• The power of the Holy Ghost: While Joseph saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, the episode emphasizes that the "brightness and glory [that] defy all description" which convinced him of the truth was the Holy Ghost. Missionaries must help others discern this spiritual witness, as demonstrated by the tragic story of Baghdan who left the church expecting physical manifestations rather than recognizing the Spirit.
The episode concludes by urging listeners to engage in a "relentless pursuit" of truth, not allowing discomfort or circumstances to dim their desire, and to serve God with "all your heart, might, mind, and strength," just as Joseph Smith did. By following Joseph's process, individuals can receive personal revelation and find joy on the path of conversion to Christ.
