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FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 38: September 15 - 21: "After Much Tribulation ... Cometh the Blessing'"

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS 102-105

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

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading
  • Doctrine and Covenants 103:12–13 teaches that the Lord allows tribulations so that His people may be “tried, even as Abraham.” These experiences are not punishments but refining processes to prepare individuals for greater responsibilities and blessings. They also develop faith, patience, and trust in the Lord’s timing.

In D&C 103:36, the Lord reassures the Saints that He will go before them and be their rearward if they are faithful. This promise of divine protection and reward emphasizes that while trials may be prolonged, enduring them well leads to peace and spiritual maturity.

The article “A Chance to Start Over” clarifies that Church discipline is not merely punitive—it’s restorative. It provides an opportunity for individuals to repent and experience the healing power of Jesus Christ. This process shows the Church’s commitment to both justice and mercy.

D&C 102 outlines procedures for disciplinary councils and shows how repentance can lead to a restoration of priesthood blessings. This demonstrates the importance of proper authority and the principle that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace if they sincerely turn to Him.

  • In “Peacemakers Needed,” President Nelson teaches that true disciples of Christ are not passive but actively seek to resolve conflict and promote unity. This includes refraining from contention, forgiving others, and bridging divides in families, communities, and society.

As taught in the Beatitudes and emphasized in modern revelation, peacemakers are called the “children of God” (Matthew 5:9). This role invites divine help and guidance. When we seek peace, we align ourselves with God’s will and can help others feel His love and healing.

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • The Saints were facing growing persecution and political turmoil in Missouri during the early 1830s. In response to the expulsion of Church members from Jackson County, efforts were made to reclaim their lands and establish justice.
  • Doctrine and Covenants 103–105 addresses the organization and eventual disbandment of Zion’s Camp—an expedition led by Joseph Smith to help restore property and support displaced Saints. Simultaneously, Church leaders were establishing more formal structures for Church governance, such as disciplinary councils outlined in D&C 102.
  • These sections highlight the Church’s growing efforts to respond to external pressures while strengthening internal governance. The Lord did not promise immediate relief from persecution but instead taught the Saints that tribulation could bring blessings and refinement.
  • The Saints’ experiences teach modern disciples the importance of patience, obedience, and trusting in the Lord’s timing—even when deliverance doesn’t come immediately. God often allows us to grow through trials before blessings are realized.
    • Although Zion’s Camp did not achieve its original goal of reclaiming land, it served as a proving ground for future Church leaders. Many participants in the camp would later become members of the Quorum of the Twelve and other leadership positions. The Lord used the experience to sift and prepare His servants.

       

    • The journey tested participants’ obedience, endurance, and willingness to follow the prophet, even when the outcome seemed uncertain or unproductive. These trials became opportunities to demonstrate faith under pressure.
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    • The lesson is clear: the Lord often values our spiritual preparation over immediate results. Just as Zion’s Camp forged strong leaders through difficulty, our current trials can prepare us for future service in His kingdom.
  • Doctrine and Covenants 102 formalized the process of holding Church disciplinary councils. These councils were to be conducted with prayer, fairness, and the Spirit of the Lord—showing a blend of justice and mercy that mirrored divine governance.

     

  • Councils were to be composed of high priests and presided over by a president, reflecting a divine pattern of leadership and accountability. This format also emphasized collective discernment rather than arbitrary decisions.

     

  • Today, Church councils continue to be a vital part of Church governance, offering a compassionate and orderly means of helping members repent and return. The Lord’s concern for justice and restoration continues to guide His Church.
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If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

  1. Claim: “Zion’s Camp accomplished nothing and showed poor leadership by Joseph Smith.”
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  3. Response:
  4. Historical Evidence: Though Zion’s Camp did not achieve its original objective, it was conducted with significant logistical planning and maintained order and discipline over a long march. Its peaceful dissolution prevented violent escalation.
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  6. Eyewitness Support: Many participants, including future apostles like Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff, later testified that the experience was divinely inspired and spiritually transformative.
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  8. Spiritual Confirmation: The Lord revealed in D&C 105 that Zion’s Camp was a test to prepare leaders for future responsibilities. Many key leaders in the restored Church came from its ranks.
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  10. Logical Analysis: Measuring success only by military or political outcomes overlooks the spiritual nature of Zion’s Camp. It functioned as a proving ground for discipleship, consistent with prophetic foresight.
  • Claim: “The Church uses discipline to shame and control its members.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: D&C 102 outlines a formal, prayerful process for councils that emphasizes justice, fairness, and the opportunity for repentance—not punishment for its own sake.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Numerous individuals who have gone through the process have shared how it was a turning point that helped them feel God’s love and find healing.

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  • Spiritual Confirmation: “A Chance to Start Over” teaches that councils are acts of mercy, designed to help individuals fully access the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
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  • Logical Analysis: A loving community must balance compassion and accountability. Church councils mirror this principle by focusing on restoration, not condemnation.
  • Claim: “Members were expected to follow Joseph Smith into danger without questioning him.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: Participants were not coerced—joining Zion’s Camp was voluntary, and Joseph repeatedly sought the Lord’s guidance and counsel from others.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Many members, like Heber C. Kimball, later testified of the personal revelation they received confirming their choice to follow the prophet.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: The Lord instructed the Saints in D&C 103–105 that He would guide them and expected them to act in faith, trusting in divine protection.
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  • Logical Analysis: Obedience in this context is based on informed agency and spiritual conviction, not authoritarian control. Leadership by revelation invites trust, not blind submission.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Seek out one unresolved conflict in your life and take a step toward reconciliation.

Jesus Christ taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9), and modern prophets reaffirm that peacemaking is central to discipleship. Taking initiative to resolve tension brings spiritual peace and strengthens relationships.

  1. – Pray for a softened heart toward the other person.
  2. – Reach out privately and humbly to express a desire to make peace.
  3. – Listen actively and validate their feelings.
  4. – Apologize if needed, and look for common ground.
  5. – Ask God to help you forgive and move forward.

Encouraging Thought:

President Russell M. Nelson said, “Peacemakers are not passive; they are proactive in seeking to resolve conflict” (Peacemakers Needed). Peacemaking invites the Spirit and reflects divine love.

Action Step: Identify one ongoing trial and write down how you can show faith while waiting for God’s help.

D&C 103:12–13 teaches that God allows us to be “tried, even as Abraham.” Understanding that blessings often follow patience and obedience helps us endure trials with greater faith and less fear.

  1. – Name the trial you are facing.
  2. – Read D&C 103:12–13 and reflect on how the Saints were refined through hardship.
  3. – List ways you can show faith (e.g., daily prayer, service, temple attendance).
  4. – Record any tender mercies or small blessings along the way.
  5. – Share your testimony of trust with someone else.

Encouraging Thought:

  • “After much tribulation come the blessings” (D&C 103:12). The Lord sees the end from the beginning and honors the faith of those who endure.
  • Action Step: Reach out with love to someone who is working to return to church activity or rebuild their spiritual life.

Doctrine and Covenants 102 and the article A Chance to Start Over emphasize that discipline is meant to restore, not shame. Our love and support can be crucial in helping others feel the Savior’s embrace through us.

  1. – Think of someone who may be struggling or returning.
  2. – Send a thoughtful message or invite them to a non-threatening activity (e.g., family home evening, dinner, or devotional).
  3. – Avoid judgment; listen with empathy and reassure them of their worth.
  4. – Share how Christ has helped you in your journey.
  5. – Keep the invitation open and consistent.

Encouraging Thought:

“The Savior always stands ready to welcome us back… and He invites us to do the same for others.” (A Chance to Start Over)

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners understand that spiritual growth often comes through challenging experiences, even when outcomes differ from expectations.

Printed map of Zion’s Camp journey, quote from a Zion’s Camp participant (e.g., Wilford Woodruff), markers or pens

Activity Steps:

  1. Introduction (5 min): Show the map and briefly describe the 900-mile journey of Zion’s Camp. Ask, “Would you join a cause with no guaranteed outcome?”
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  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read D&C 103:12–13. Discuss how the Lord’s purpose was not just military victory, but refinement. Share a quote from a participant testifying of its spiritual impact.
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  5. Application (5 min): Invite learners to draw a personal “faith journey” map—highlighting trials they’ve faced and how they grew spiritually through them.

Follow-Up Question: How can we recognize spiritual success even when our plans don’t go the way we hoped?

Objective: Teach that Church disciplinary councils are guided by love and aim to restore individuals to full fellowship.

Handout summarizing D&C 102 council structure, printed story excerpt from A Chance to Start Over, whiteboard

Activity Steps:

Introduction (5 min): Ask, “When have you needed a second chance?” Allow one or two responses.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Walk through the basic structure of a Church council from D&C 102. Emphasize the principles of fairness, prayer, and restoration.

Application (5 min): Read a short account from A Chance to Start Over about someone who returned. Then, brainstorm ways we can support others spiritually during their “start over” process.

Follow-Up Question: How can we better reflect the Savior’s love when someone around us is trying to repent and return?

Objective: Encourage learners to proactively seek peace in their homes, classes, and communities.

Quotes from Peacemakers Needed, role-play cards with real-life conflict scenarios

Activity Steps: 

Introduction (5 min): Display the quote from President Nelson: “Peacemakers are not passive; they are proactive.” Ask, “What does a proactive peacemaker look like?”

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Matthew 5:9 and D&C 105:38–40. Discuss why contention is the Lord’s concern and how He invites unity.

Application (5 min): In pairs or small groups, read short scenarios (e.g., family argument, class disagreement) and role-play a peacemaking response.

Follow-Up Question: What does it take to be a peacemaker when emotions are high or when you feel wronged?

QUICK REFERENCE

    • Zion’s Camp was a divinely inspired proving ground, not a failed mission.

       

    • Church councils (D&C 102) are guided by principles of love, fairness, and restoration.

       

    • Trials refine and prepare us for blessings and spiritual responsibilities.

       

    • The Lord expects His people to be peacemakers, not just peace-lovers.

       

    • God’s pattern involves preparing His people line upon line, through living prophets and revelation.
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  • Why trust modern prophets?
    • Modern prophets, like ancient ones, receive revelation to guide God’s people according to their current needs (Amos 3:7). Their words are confirmed through personal revelation, fulfilled prophecy, and consistent gospel principles.
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    • Why does God allow mistakes?
    • God honors agency and allows learning through experience. As seen with Zion’s Camp and early Church governance, what may seem like failure can be preparation. God’s purposes are often fulfilled through imperfect people striving in faith (Ether 12:27).

“Peacemakers Needed” by President Russell M. Nelson