This guide is not meant to replace the Come, Follow Me curriculum by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is merely a study tool and a helpful guide to aid in your study as you follow along the church’s curriculum. If there are any questions feel free to reach out to us.
We cover some frequently asked questions, include some criticisms that occur often, as well as the answers to them with some helpful resources from our website and of course, the Church’s website. While we cannot address every question and criticism and cannot provide every resource, we hope what we have included in this guide will be helpful to you.
WEEK 18 (April 28 - May 4)
Weekly Questions
Edward Partridge was called as the first bishop of the Church because of his exemplary character and willingness to serve. The Lord described him as “a man without guile,” emphasizing his integrity and capacity to administer temporal affairs with fairness and love (Doctrine and Covenants 41:11). His calling was crucial in establishing the organizational framework of the Church.
As bishop, Edward Partridge had responsibilities that included managing consecrated properties, helping the poor and needy, and ensuring that the Saints’ temporal welfare aligned with spiritual goals. In administering the law of consecration, Partridge became a steward of the resources members contributed and distributing them according to needs—a principle foundational to Zion.
This calling also set the pattern for modern bishops, who continue to balance spiritual leadership with temporal stewardship. They provide welfare assistance, support members in their spiritual journeys, and ensure that Church resources are used wisely. Edward Partridge’s humility and dedication remain a model for all leaders in the Church.
Sources and Resources:
Joseph Smith Papers: Partridge, Edward
Section 42 outlines the “law of the Church,” which provided guidance for the Saints on living a Christ-centered life. Key principles included the law of consecration, caring for the poor, obedience to commandments, and moral living. These principles were essential for creating a unified and self-reliant community as the Saints gathered in Ohio.
The law of consecration was particularly significant, as it required members to dedicate their time, talents, and resources to the Lord’s work. This principle laid the groundwork for building Zion, emphasizing equality and stewardship. Members who participated consecrated their possessions to the Church, which were then distributed according to need. This law reflected the early Saints’ commitment to sacrifice and their trust in God’s provision.
Today, the principles of consecration remain central to Church doctrine. While the law of consecration is not practiced in its original form, members live aspects of it through tithing, offerings, and service. Programs like fast offerings and humanitarian aid echo the spirit of sharing and caring for the poor.
Sources and Resources:
Doctrine and Covenants 41-44 (Come, Follow Me)
Come, Follow Me Week 17 – Doctrine & Covenants 41-44
A FAIR Analysis of: Journal of Discourses 17
Section 43 addresses the issue of false revelations because unauthorized individuals had begun to claim revelation and leadership within the Church. This created confusion and threatened to disrupt unity. The Lord clarified that only Joseph Smith, as the appointed prophet, was authorized to receive revelation for the Church as a whole. This revelation reinforced the principle of divine order, emphasizing that revelation must come through proper channels.
The timing of this revelation was significant. The early Church was still in its formative years, and many members were new to the concept of modern revelation. Without clear guidelines, it was easy for well-meaning individuals—or those seeking personal gain—to mislead others. By reaffirming Joseph Smith’s role as the Lord’s prophet, this section established a safeguard against apostasy and division.
Sources and Resources:
“What Should I Do If I Think I’ve Received Revelation Different from Apostles and Prophets?”
Claims a True Prophet must make
Evaluating Claims that Contradict the Prophets
Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers
“Be Not Deceived, but Continue in Steadfastness”
Joseph Smith’s Revelations, Doctrine and Covenants 43
‘All Things Must Be Done in Order’
WEEK 19 (May 5 - 11)
Weekly Questions
Section 45 draws heavily on biblical texts like Matthew 24 and Luke 21, but it also provides unique insights and clarifications that are central to the teachings of the restored gospel. For example, while the Bible outlines signs of the Second Coming, Section 45 highlights the gathering of Israel, the establishment of Zion as a place of refuge, and the Restoration’s role in preparing the world for Christ’s return. These doctrines are foundational for members of the Church and offer a broader perspective on how ancient prophecies apply to the latter days.
Additionally, this revelation speaks directly to the needs and responsibilities of modern disciples. It emphasizes Christ’s role as an advocate and provides counsel to prepare spiritually for the trials preceding His return. These personal and immediate applications distinguish Section 45 from the biblical text it parallels, offering members of the Church a framework to view their participation in God’s work today. Thus, it is more than a reiteration—it serves to connect the biblical narrative with the mission of the restored Church and its prophetic vision for the last days.
Sources and Resources:
Come, Follow Me Week 18 – Doctrine & Covenants 45
Preparing for the Lord’s Return
The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again
The concept of the “elect” in Section 45 is not about exclusivity in the sense of exclusion, but rather about inclusion through covenant relationship and individual agency. The term “elect” refers to those who hear God’s voice, choose to accept the gospel, and enter into covenants with Him, becoming part of His work in gathering Israel and preparing for the Second Coming of Christ. Importantly, this invitation is extended to all people. (See the discussion for Week 14 (D&C 29) which discusses the concept of the “elect” further.)
Doctrine and Covenants 45:9 emphasizes that the gospel is a “light and standard for the nations,” highlighting God’s universal love and desire for all His children to come unto Him. The doctrine of the Restoration teaches that the elect are identified by their willingness to hear and follow the voice of the Good Shepherd, regardless of when or where they live.
Furthermore, the Church’s teachings on post-mortal life provide a broad and inclusive perspective. Those who did not have the opportunity to hear or accept the gospel in this life will have that chance in the spirit world, as outlined in Doctrine and Covenants 138. The work of salvation extends beyond mortality, ensuring that no one is excluded from God’s plan due to circumstances beyond their control. This aligns with the belief in a just and merciful God who provides every individual the opportunity to accept or reject His gospel. Therefore, the gathering of the elect is less about exclusivity and more about preparation and willingness to participate in God’s work, both now and in the future.
Sources and Resources:
Doctrine and Covenants 45 (Come, Follow Me)
Prophetic timing, especially in the context of apocalyptic or future-oriented revelations, is often described in the scriptures in terms that focus on readiness and faithfulness rather than specific dates or predictions. In Section 45, the Lord emphasizes the need for disciples to be prepared spiritually for the Second Coming (D&C 45:56–57). The ambiguity in prophetic timing is not necessarily a flaw but an invitation for individuals to be vigilant and faithful at all times, as no one knows the exact day or hour of Christ’s return (Matthew 24:36). This aligns with the broader scriptural theme that prophets are more focused on preparing people for future events rather than offering precise timelines. The Lord, in His wisdom, knows that a more flexible and open-ended approach to prophecy fosters personal preparedness and reliance on Him.
Moreover, Church leaders have repeatedly emphasized that the lack of specific timelines is intentional and reflective of God’s eternal perspective. The Lord does not always give us the precise timing of His events because He wants us to learn patience and to live each day as if it were our last. The ambiguity in timing also allows for a more adaptable understanding of prophecy. When we focus on the spiritual preparation and the core message of the prophecies in Section 45—such as the gathering of Israel and the preparation for the Second Coming—we can avoid being overly fixated on the timing itself. Instead, we should focus on being spiritually ready for whatever comes, trusting that God’s timing is always perfect, even if it differs from human expectations.
Sources and Resources:
Preparing for the Second Coming: Insights on Faith, Hope, and Temple Worship
WEEK 20 (May 12 - 18)
Weekly Questions
While gifts such as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues were prominent during the early Restoration, the way they manifest today may differ due to changes in the Church’s needs and focus. In the early days of the Church, the gifts of the Spirit were essential for establishing and organizing the Church, thereby helping members recognize divine guidance and truths. As the Church has grown, the emphasis has shifted toward strengthening individual spiritual experiences and building up the body of Christ through collective worship, teaching, and service. This does not mean that spiritual gifts have ceased to be relevant, however. The gifts are still very much part of Church doctrine, as reflected in Doctrine and Covenants 46, which stresses that all members of the Church can receive spiritual gifts for the benefit of others (Doctrine and Covenants 46:10–26).
Sources and Resources:
It is important to understand the context in which these early revelations were given and how the Church’s economic practices have evolved over time. Section 48 addresses the gathering of the Saints to a “land of inheritance” and their shared economic responsibility, emphasizing the importance of preparing a place where the Saints could live and support each other. These early ideals were grounded in the concept of Zion, where communal living and shared resources were meant to help establish a spiritual community in preparation for the Second Coming.
However, as the Church grew and the Saints were scattered across different regions, the practicalities of communal living became more difficult to maintain. The shift away from communal practices was due to changing circumstances, including the Church’s growth, migration, and the need for greater self-sufficiency as the Saints became more integrated into larger societies. While the early attempts at communal living, such as the United Order, were not fully realized, the core principle of self-reliance and mutual support remains central today.
Sources and Resources:
It’s important to recognize that while the ideal of unity is emphasized in scripture, it is understood within the context of striving toward unity rather than expecting perfect agreement on every issue. The command in Section 46 for unity is not about achieving uniformity in all beliefs and opinions but about fostering a collective spirit of love, charity, and shared purpose in following the teachings of Jesus Christ. This concept acknowledges that differences may exist, but the Church encourages members to find common ground in their commitment to Christ’s gospel and His mission.
Furthermore, unity within the Church is not an all-or-nothing endeavor. The principle of unity, as outlined in Section 46, can be seen as a call to work through differences with patience and understanding, recognizing that unity is a process rather than a static state. The diversity of perspectives within the global Church is natural in any organization that includes people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences. Church programs, such as service, family, and missionary work, help foster an environment where members can work together and support one another, even in the midst of differing views.
Sources and Resources:
WEEK 21 (May 19 - 25)
Weekly Questions
In Section 49, the Lord directs Sidney Rigdon, Parley P. Pratt, and Leman Copley to visit a nearby congregation of Shakers and to read the revelation to them. This action was precipitated because Copley was a convert from the Shakers who still held to some of the beliefs of that sect. Leman was told, specifically, in verse 4, that he was to “be ordained unto this work, that he may reason with [the Shakers], not according to that which he has received of them, but according to that which shall be taught him” by Rigdon and Pratt. If Leman did this, the Lord would “bless him, otherwise he shall not prosper.”
Section 49 refutes some of the basic teachings of the Shakers. It was read to them as the Lord directed and rejected by them.
Sources and Resources:
In Doctrine and Covenants 49:15–17 the Lord affirms the sanctity of marriage, declaring that “marriage is ordained of God.” This specific statement was made by the Lord in refutation of the teachings of the Shakers, who rejected marriage and believed in a life of total celibacy.
While the Shakers are not still around today, many in our world echo a rejection of marriage, while others strictly view marriage as nothing more than a social contract. The teachings in Section 49 align with the LDS belief that marriage is more than that; it is a divine ordinance that should be respected and sanctified. The key idea in these verses is that marriage between a man and a woman is essential to God’s plan for His children, “that the earth might answer the end of its creation.”
This teaching is distinct not just from general cultural views, but from many traditional Christian views, which may focus on marriage solely as a temporal or less sacred institution. The LDS perspective is deeply rooted in the doctrine of eternal marriage, which extends the marriage covenant beyond this life into eternity. This eternal perspective is central to the doctrine of the Church, where marriage can become a lasting and essential part of God’s plan if it is solemnized in a temple by the proper priesthood authority.
Sources and Resources:
Why Marriage, Why Family?
In Section 50, the Lord indicates that there are many false spirits which are in the world and that Saints should beware “lest he do that which is not in truth and righteousness” (v. 9). This admonition was important because some members of the Church were claiming visions and revelations which could possibly lead others astray.
The emphasis on the Holy Spirit in this section arises from the fact that in the early Church, spiritual experiences were varied and sometimes confusing. The Lord wanted His people to understand that true manifestations of the Spirit will bear witness of Christ, confirm the truth of His teachings, and lead to greater unity and love. False spirits, on the other hand, can lead to division, confusion, and deceit. Thus, spiritual experiences must be measured against the foundational teachings of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The counsel in Doctrine and Covenants 50 highlights the importance of personal revelation and spiritual discernment. Saints are urged to cultivate the ability to recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost and to test all spiritual experiences against the truth of the gospel. This principle is just as applicable today as it was in the early Church, with many modern Latter-day Saints learning to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them in their personal lives and discern truth from error.
Sources and Resources:
How to help young Latter-day Saints deal with criticisms against the Church and the doubts they cause while remaining faithful
Question: Can a person receive a spiritual witness about any book?
Holy Ghost/Burning in the bosom
