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Faithful Study Resources for Come, Follow Me

FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 17: April 21 - 27: "If Ye Are Not One Ye Are Not Mine”

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS 37 – 40

Doctrinal Focus
Historical & Contextual
Apologetic Application
Practical Applications
Ideas for Teaching
Quick Reference

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading

In Doctrine and Covenants 37:3–4, the Lord commanded the early Saints to leave their homes and gather in Ohio. This required faith and sacrifice, but it was ultimately for their benefit. Gathering helps us receive divine protection, learn truth, and strengthen each other in faith.

Doctrine and Covenants 38:31–33 teaches that when we follow the Lord’s call to gather—whether physically or spiritually—we are blessed beyond what we can initially see. Like the early Saints, we may not always understand the reasons for God’s direction, but trusting Him leads to greater unity and personal growth.

Doctrine and Covenants 38:30 teaches the principle that preparation eliminates fear. The early Saints faced significant uncertainty, yet the Lord assured them that their obedience and preparation would provide security. This principle applies today, reminding us that spiritual and physical preparedness bring confidence and peace.

Elder David A. Bednar, in his talk We Will Prove Them Herewith, emphasizes that preparation allows us to remain steadfast in trials. Being spiritually prepared through scripture study, prayer, and obedience strengthens our ability to face difficulties without fear. This preparation also includes making wise choices temporarily, such as saving for emergencies and caring for our health.

  • Doctrine and Covenants 38:24–27 teaches that the Lord desires His people to “be one.” The early Saints came from different backgrounds, but they had to overcome differences to build Zion. Today, unity in our homes, wards, and communities allows us to progress spiritually and fulfill God’s work.

Elder Dale G. Renlund’s talk The Peace of Christ Abolishes Enmity teaches that through Christ’s example, we can remove contention from our hearts. When we follow Christ’s teachings, we see others as brothers and sisters rather than adversaries, allowing us to serve and support each other more fully.

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study

The events in Doctrine and Covenants 37–40 take place in late 1830 and early 1831, a period of significant transition for the young Church. The Saints were primarily located in New York, but the Lord commanded them to gather in Ohio, marking the first major relocation of Church members.

  • At this time, the Church was only a few months old, and its members faced increasing opposition from neighbors. Meanwhile, missionary efforts among the Lamanites (Native Americans) were underway, and new converts in Ohio, including Sidney Rigdon and his congregation, were joining the Church in large numbers. The Lord commanded the Saints to gather in Ohio for protection, unity, and further instruction.
  • This revelation set the pattern for future gatherings, emphasizing unity and divine direction in times of uncertainty. It also established Ohio as a central location for the growth of the Church, where critical revelations, including those on the priesthood and temple work, would be received.
  • Just as the early Saints had to exercise faith in gathering, we are often called to follow the Lord’s guidance, even when it requires sacrifice or change. The principle of gathering—whether physically or spiritually—remains relevant as we seek to strengthen our faith, serve others, and prepare for the Second Coming.
  • The Lord’s command to gather in Ohio tested the Saints’ willingness to trust Him over their personal comforts.
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  • Many early members of the Church in New York had stable homes and livelihoods. Moving to Ohio, a largely undeveloped frontier, meant significant sacrifice. Some were hesitant to leave their established lives behind, just as James Covel (Doctrine and Covenants 39–40) struggled with fully committing to the Lord’s will.
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  • The call to gather was not only about relocation but also about preparing the Saints spiritually. The Lord promised them blessings in Ohio, but those blessings required faith and obedience before they could be realized.
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  • This test of faith parallels our experiences today. We may not be called to physically move, but the Lord often asks us to step into the unknown with trust. Whether it’s accepting a calling, changing our priorities, or repenting, true discipleship often requires leaving behind comfort for something greater.
  • The Lord emphasized unity because the Church was growing rapidly, and differences among members could lead to division.
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  • The Saints gathering in Ohio came from diverse religious and social backgrounds. Converts from Sidney Rigdon’s congregation had different theological traditions than those from New York. The Lord’s command in Doctrine and Covenants 38:24–27 to “be one” was a direct response to these potential challenges.
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  • Unity was necessary not just for spiritual strength but also for physical survival. The Saints would soon face persecution, and their ability to work together would determine their success in establishing Zion.
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  • Today, the principle of unity remains vital in the Church. Differences in culture, background, and opinion can either divide us or strengthen us, depending on how we choose to respond. Following the Savior’s example allows us to build Zion in our own communities.

If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

  • Claim: “There was no logical reason for the Saints to relocate to Ohio, especially in the middle of winter.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: The call to gather was given at a time when the Saints in New York faced increasing persecution. Additionally, a large number of new converts in Ohio (especially from Sidney Rigdon’s congregation) needed leadership and unity. The move was strategically beneficial for the growth and safety of the Church.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Contemporary accounts from early Saints, such as Lucy Mack Smith and John Whitmer, confirm that despite the difficulties, those who obeyed the command saw it as divinely inspired and witnessed blessings in Ohio.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: The Lord promised in Doctrine and Covenants 38:32 that He would give them “a land of promise” and bless them for their obedience. Many Saints later testified that their faith grew and their spiritual understanding deepened in Ohio.
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  • Logical Analysis: Moving to Ohio placed the Saints in a location where they could build a more unified community, receive further revelations, and prepare for future Church expansion. The Lord’s command aligns with the necessity of strengthening the Church in its infancy.
  • Claim: “The early Church’s diversity of beliefs and social classes made true unity impossible.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: The Lord’s command to “be one” (D&C 38:27) came at a time when new converts from various backgrounds—Methodists, Baptists, Campbellites, and former skeptics—were joining the Church. Despite initial struggles, the Saints successfully worked together in Kirtland, creating one of the earliest strongholds of the Restoration.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Early leaders such as Sidney Rigdon and Parley P. Pratt recorded that despite differences, the Saints found unity through shared faith and divine guidance. Later, similar unity was achieved in Nauvoo and Utah, further proving the possibility of harmony among diverse people.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: The Savior repeatedly taught the principle of unity (John 17:21). Doctrine and Covenants 38 emphasizes that unity is a divine command, and those who strive for it receive divine strength. Many members today testify of the Spirit’s power in overcoming divisions.
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  • Logical Analysis: Unity does not require uniformity; rather, it is achieved through shared purpose and faith. Just as nations, organizations, and families with diverse individuals can unite around a common goal, so too can members of the Church find harmony in Christ’s teachings.
  • Claim: “If Covel had been truly converted, he wouldn’t have so quickly rejected the Lord’s command.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: James Covel was a longtime Methodist minister who had much to lose socially and financially by accepting the restored gospel. His rejection of the Lord’s will (D&C 40:2) aligns with known historical patterns of individuals struggling to give up former religious positions and privileges.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Many early Saints, including Parley P. Pratt and Brigham Young, faced similar sacrifices but chose to follow the Lord’s call. Covel’s story stands as a warning rather than a contradiction, showing the real struggle of discipleship.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Doctrine and Covenants 39:8–9 shows that Covel initially received the word with gladness, but fear and “the cares of the world” led him to turn away. This is consistent with Christ’s parable of the sower in Matthew 13:20–22, illustrating how external pressures can choke spiritual growth.
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  • Logical Analysis:  
  • If revelations were fabricated, it would have been more convenient to omit stories of those who rejected the gospel. Including Covel’s account demonstrates the honesty of the record and reinforces the theme of agency in God’s plan.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Identify an area in your life where God is prompting you to trust Him more, and take a step of faith.

The Saints were asked to leave their homes and move to an unfamiliar place. Though difficult, their obedience led to spiritual and temporal blessings. Trusting God in our own sacrifices strengthens our faith and brings unseen blessings.

  1. – Pray for clarity about what God wants you to do.
  2. – Write down fears or concerns about making the sacrifice.
  3. – Find scriptures or talks that give you courage (e.g., D&C 38:30, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear”).
  4. – Take one small step toward obedience today.
  5. – Reflect on how God strengthens you through the process.

Encouraging Thought:

  • “Faith means trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse.” — Philip Yancey

Action Step: Reach out to someone in your ward, family, or community with kindness—especially someone you may not always connect with.

In Doctrine and Covenants 38:24–27, the Lord commanded the Saints to “be one” despite their differences. Unity allows us to grow spiritually, strengthen each other, and fulfill God’s purposes more effectively.

  1. – Identify someone you can reach out to with kindness (a family member, ward member, coworker, etc.).
  2. – Send them a kind message, invite them to an activity, or offer a small act of service.
  3. – f there are conflicts, pray for humility and understanding to resolve them.
  4. – Look for ways to work together on a Church or community project.
  5. – Regularly practice esteeming others as yourself (D&C 38:24).

Encouraging Thought:

  • “The closer we get to God, the more we will love and care for those around us.” — Elder Dale G. Renlund
  • Action Step: Assess your personal preparedness—both spiritually and temporally—and make a plan to improve in one area.

Doctrine and Covenants 38:30 teaches that “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” The Lord wants us to be both spiritually and physically prepared for the future, so we can face difficulties with faith rather than fear.

  1. – Make a list of areas where you feel unprepared (e.g., spiritually, financially, emotionally, physically).
  2. – Choose one area to improve this week.
  3. – Set a small, specific goal (e.g., daily scripture study, emergency savings, food storage, or improving relationships).
  4. – Pray for guidance and strength to follow through.
  5. – Evaluate progress and make adjustments as needed.

Encouraging Thought:

“When we are prepared, we can be calm and steadfast no matter what storms we face.” — Elder David A. Bednar

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners understand the faith required to follow God’s guidance, even when it requires sacrifice.

Paper, pens, a backpack with random items (to represent burdens or attachments), scriptures.

Activity Steps:

  1. Introduction (5 min): Ask, “Have you ever had to make a big change in your life? What made it hard or easy?” Show a backpack filled with random items and explain that sometimes we carry things that make it harder to follow God’s will.
  2. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 37:3–4 and 38:31–33. Discuss why the Saints were commanded to move and what challenges they faced. Invite learners to write down something in their lives that may be difficult to leave behind if God asked them to.
  3. Application (5 min): Invite volunteers to take an item from the backpack and discuss what it might represent (fear, comfort, doubts, etc.). Have them share how trusting God can help us let go of these burdens and move forward in faith.

Follow-Up Question: What is one way you can show faith in God’s plan for your life this week?

Objective: Teach how unity strengthens us as a group, just as the Lord commanded in Doctrine and Covenants 38:24–27.

Colored paper squares, markers, tape or glue.

  1. Activity Steps:
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  3. Introduction (5 min): Show a patchwork quilt (or a picture of one) and ask, “What makes a quilt strong and beautiful?” Explain that unity in diversity strengthens the Church.
  4. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 38:27 (“If ye are not one, ye are not mine”). Have learners write on paper squares one thing they can do to strengthen unity in their family, ward, or community.
  5. Application (5 min): Assemble the squares into a “Unity Quilt” by taping or gluing them together. Discuss how each unique piece contributes to a greater whole, just as every person in the Church contributes to Zion.

Follow-Up Question: What is one action you can take this week to bring more unity to your home, ward, or school?

Objective: Teach that preparation—spiritually and temporally—eliminates fear, as taught in Doctrine and Covenants 38:30.

A small survival kit (flashlight, food, water, first aid kit, etc.), scriptures.

  • Activity Steps: 
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  • Introduction (5 min): Show the survival kit and ask, “Why do people prepare emergency kits?” Discuss how preparation brings confidence rather than fear.
  • Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 38:30 and discuss how being spiritually and physically prepared helps us remain strong in difficult times. Invite learners to share times when being prepared helped them avoid fear.
  • Application (5 min): Have learners list ways they can prepare spiritually (prayer, scripture study, repentance) and temporally (saving money, food storage, emotional resilience). Challenge them to choose one area to work on this week.

Follow-Up Question: How does spiritual preparation help you handle life’s challenges with confidence?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • – The Lord commanded the early Saints to gather in Ohio for their safety, unity, and spiritual growth (D&C 37:3–4; 38:31–33).
  • – Preparation eliminates fear—both spiritually and temporally (D&C 38:30).
  • – Unity is essential in building Zion (D&C 38:24–27).
  • – James Covel’s story highlights the challenge of forsaking worldly concerns for discipleship (D&C 39–40).
  • – God offers “the riches of eternity,” which are far greater than earthly wealth (D&C 38:39).

 Why Trust Modern Prophets?

  • Historical Evidence: Biblical and Book of Mormon precedents show that God always calls prophets to guide His people (Amos 3:7).
  • Scriptural Confirmation: Doctrine and Covenants 1:38 teaches that when the prophet speaks, it is as if the Lord speaks.
  • Logical Analysis: Prophets provide moral and doctrinal clarity in an ever-changing world, which aligns with God’s pattern of guidance.

Why Does God Allow Mistakes?

  • Historical Evidence: Even scriptural figures like Moses, Peter, and Joseph Smith made mistakes, yet God continued to work through them (Exodus 4:10–12, Matthew 16:22–23).
  • Scriptural Confirmation: Doctrine and Covenants 1:24–28 acknowledges that God speaks through imperfect people, yet His work moves forward.
  • Logical Analysis: Allowing agency and growth—even for leaders—is part of God’s plan. Mistakes help refine individuals and the Church as a whole.
  • “The Living Christ” – A testimony of the role of Jesus Christ and modern prophets.
  • “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” – A revelation-based declaration on the eternal nature of families.
  • ChurchofJesusChrist.org – Official Church website with study resources.
  • Saints, Vol. 1 – Church history account detailing early gatherings, including Ohio.