Scripture Central

Moses chapter 7 centers on the rise of the City of Enoch, a people who learned to build Zion by becoming “of one heart and one mind,” dwelling in righteousness, and caring deeply for one another. Under Enoch’s prophetic leadership, the people rejected violence, pride, and inequality, choosing instead to live the law of consecration so fully that there were “no poor among them.” Their society was marked not only by moral purity but by profound compassion—so much so that the Lord Himself wept over the suffering and wickedness of the world. In contrast to the surrounding nations, Zion stood as a covenant community defined by love, justice, and unity with God. The chapter also teaches that Zion is not merely a place, but a condition of the heart that any people can strive to achieve. Moses 7 makes clear that Zion is built through repentance, obedience, humility, and collective commitment to God’s ways. As Enoch’s people aligned their lives with heaven, they became sanctified and were ultimately taken into God’s presence, symbolizing the destiny of a truly Zion-like society. For modern readers, the City of Enoch becomes both a model and an invitation: Zion is achieved when individuals and communities choose righteousness, unity, and selfless care for the vulnerable, preparing the world—and themselves—for the return of the Lord.

Welcome to “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.” To view the resources connected with this episode, visit https://johnhiltoniii.com/findingchrist. Please like and comment on this episode and subscribe @scripturecentralofficial so you can more easily see the rest of the videos and resources in this course. Whether you're using this course for personal enrichment or to help with "Come, Follow Me," we hope it will be valuable in your studies.

Genesis chapter 5 and Moses chapter 6 take us into the earliest generations of God’s covenant people, tracing the lineage from Adam through Enoch and revealing why these names matter far more than a list of ages and ancestors. In this video, Dr. Lynne Hilton Wilson explains how these chapters preserve temple-centered themes of covenant, posterity, and divine identity. Genesis 5 quietly emphasizes continuity—life, death, and faith passed from one generation to the next—while Moses 6 expands the story, restoring prophetic voices, priesthood authority, and the doctrine that humans are literal children of God. Together, these texts teach that genealogy in scripture is theology: it shows how God works through families to move His plan forward. Dr. Wilson also highlights Moses 6 as a powerful doctrinal restoration that deepens our understanding of repentance, baptism, and spiritual rebirth. Through the ministry of Enoch and the teachings given to Adam, we learn that salvation comes through Jesus Christ, that hearts can be changed, and that Zion is built when people choose righteousness in a fallen world. This video helps viewers see how the Joseph Smith Translation clarifies missing or obscured truths, transforming familiar passages into a compelling invitation to walk with God—just as Enoch did—and to claim our own place in God’s eternal family.

Welcome to “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.” To view the resources connected with this episode, visit https://johnhiltoniii.com/findingchrist. Please like and comment on this episode and subscribe @scripturecentralofficial so you can more easily see the rest of the videos and resources in this course. Whether you're using this course for personal enrichment or to help with "Come, Follow Me," we hope it will be valuable in your studies.

In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines: Find Their Messiah in the Old Testament, Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the Fall of Adam and Eve through the lens of Moses 4 and Genesis 3, highlighting how careful attention to language, context, and covenant reveals Jesus Christ at the center of the story. Rather than portraying Eve as reckless or malicious, Dr. Wilson explains that the Hebrew text suggests growth, perception, and timing—Eve sought wisdom, but before the appointed time and outside the proper divine order. The Fall is shown not simply as a mistake, but as a necessary step in humanity’s journey toward knowledge, accountability, and ultimately redemption. Dr. Wilson emphasizes the profound symbolism of nakedness and covering, teaching that Adam and Eve’s attempt to clothe themselves with fig leaves represents human self-reliance, while God’s gift of coats of skins represents divine atonement. The Hebrew concept of kaffar, meaning “covering,” points directly to Christ’s role in covering humanity’s sin and vulnerability. The Lord’s questions—“Where goest thou?”—underscore that disobedience moves us away from God, yet His response is still merciful, structured around accountability, repentance, and hope rather than abandonment. Ultimately, this lesson reframes the banishment from Eden as an act of mercy, not punishment. By preventing Adam and Eve from partaking of the tree of life too soon, God ensures they have time to repent and be spiritually prepared. Throughout the narrative, Christ emerges as the promised seed who will overcome Satan and restore what was lost. Through scripture that is carefully illuminated and faithfully defended, Lynne Hilton Wilson shows how the stories of the Old Testament—even those involving transgression, sorrow, and consequence—are deeply rooted in the redemptive power of Jesus Christ.

Welcome to “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.” To view the resources connected with this episode, visit https://johnhiltoniii.com/findingchrist. Please like and comment on this episode and subscribe @scripturecentralofficial so you can more easily see the rest of the videos and resources in this course. Whether you're using this course for personal enrichment or to help with "Come, Follow Me," we hope it will be valuable in your studies.

The Creation accounts in Genesis, Moses, and Abraham invite us to reflect on a world that began “without form, and void” and was gradually shaped by divine power into something beautiful and full of life. These scriptures teach that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are creators who work patiently and purposefully, bringing light out of darkness and order out of chaos. That truth offers hope in our own lives: when things feel empty or disorganized, God is still at work. Being created in His image means we have divine potential—to grow, to change, and ultimately to become more like Him. These Creation stories also help us better understand who God is and who we are. They testify that we are made in God’s likeness, male and female, and that our bodies are sacred gifts. This knowledge shapes how we see ourselves and others, especially when we struggle with self-doubt or negative messages from the world. Rather than suggesting that we are already finished or perfect, the scriptures teach that God’s creative work in us continues. Through humility and grace, weaknesses can become strengths, and we can be refined into who God intends us to be. Finally, the Creation narrative teaches us about sacred relationships and responsibilities. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and central to His plan, and we are entrusted with the stewardship of the earth and all living things. God also set apart the Sabbath day as holy—a time for rest, worship, and renewal. Together, these truths remind us that creation is not just a past event, but an ongoing invitation to live with reverence, gratitude, and purpose as we care for God’s creations and honor the divine image within ourselves.

Welcome to “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.” To view the resources connected with this episode, visit https://johnhiltoniii.com/findingchrist. Please like and comment on this episode and subscribe @scripturecentralofficial so you can more easily see the rest of the videos and resources in this course. Whether you're using this course for personal enrichment or to help with "Come, Follow Me," we hope it will be valuable in your studies.

In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems and Heroines, we explore two of the most expansive and identity-shaping chapters in all of scripture: Moses chapter 1 and Abraham chapter 3. Together, these chapters lift our eyes beyond the mortal world and remind us who we really are—and why we are here. Beginning with Moses 1, we witness a powerful confrontation between Moses and Satan. This chapter teaches how spiritual clarity comes from knowing our divine identity as children of God, and how that knowledge gives us strength to resist the temptations, deceptions, and counterfeits of the adversary. Moses’s declaration—“I am a son of God”—becomes a model for discipleship in a world filled with competing voices. Turning to Abraham 3, we are invited into a grand vision of the cosmos and the premortal life. Abraham learns of intelligences, divine order, and God’s eternal plan—revealing that we existed before this life and were chosen to participate in God’s great work. These verses help us see mortality not as an accident, but as a purposeful step in a loving, eternal design. Together, Moses 1 and Abraham 3 testify of the work and glory of God: to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of His children. This study encourages faith, spiritual courage, and a deeper sense of divine belonging—reminding us that knowing who we are changes how we live.

Welcome to “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.”

Join Lynne Hilton Wilson for an inspiring journey through the Old Testament, centered on Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah. For many, approaching the Old Testament can bring mixed emotions—eagerness, uncertainty, even apprehension. As one of the oldest collections of sacred writings in the world, its ancient cultures and stories can feel distant or unfamiliar. Yet within these pages are deeply recognizable human experiences and powerful gospel truths. In this video, Lynne Hilton Wilson helps viewers see how the lives of men and women from the Old Testament point us to Christ. Though their circumstances were different from ours, they knew family joy and conflict, faith and doubt, success and failure. Most importantly, they exercised faith, repented, made covenants, and held fast to the promise of a Savior. As we learn how God moved in their lives, we begin to see how He moves in ours. This episode invites you to rediscover the Old Testament not as a distant or intimidating book, but as a living witness of Jesus Christ, echoing the psalmist’s testimony: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

In this episode, host Lynne Hilton Wilson uncovers little-known details of the Nativity story by bringing together the unique accounts found in the books of Luke and Matthew. Dive deeper into Luke’s intimate portrait of Mary—her lineage, her spiritual preparation, the symbolism of her “highly favored” calling, and the cultural realities she faced as a young mother in ancient Judea. Then explore Matthew’s distinctive focus on Joseph—his royal Davidic heritage, his revelatory dreams, his quiet strength, and the legal and spiritual responsibilities he carried in protecting the Holy Family. Lynne illuminates how these two perspectives weave together a richer, more complete tapestry of the birth of Christ. This episode goes beyond the familiar Christmas narrative to highlight historical context, overlooked verses, and surprising insights that reveal the faith, courage, and divine guidance surrounding Jesus’s arrival into the world. Perfect for viewers looking to deepen their understanding of the Nativity and appreciate the beauty in both Mary’s and Joseph’s stories.

In this episode, host Lynne Hilton Wilson uncovers little-known details of the Nativity story by bringing together the unique accounts found in the books of Luke and Matthew. Dive deeper into Luke’s intimate portrait of Mary—her lineage, her spiritual preparation, the symbolism of her “highly favored” calling, and the cultural realities she faced as a young mother in ancient Judea. Then explore Matthew’s distinctive focus on Joseph—his royal Davidic heritage, his revelatory dreams, his quiet strength, and the legal and spiritual responsibilities he carried in protecting the Holy Family. Lynne illuminates how these two perspectives weave together a richer, more complete tapestry of the birth of Christ. This episode goes beyond the familiar Christmas narrative to highlight historical context, overlooked verses, and surprising insights that reveal the faith, courage, and divine guidance surrounding Jesus’s arrival into the world. Perfect for viewers looking to deepen their understanding of the Nativity and appreciate the beauty in both Mary’s and Joseph’s stories.

In this episode of Come Follow Church History, host Lynne Hilton Wilson welcomes special guest BYU Professor Jenet Erickson for a deep and inspiring discussion on The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Together, they explore the historical roots, doctrinal foundations, and continuing relevance of this landmark declaration from the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Dr. Wilson and Professor Erickson unpack the Proclamation’s teachings on marriage, family roles, identity, and divine potential—values that stand as both a beacon and a counter-current in today’s rapidly shifting cultural landscape. With warmth, scholarship, and faith, they examine why these traditional principles remain central to Latter-day Saint belief, how they connect to broader themes in Church history, and why they continue to offer clarity and hope in a world of competing philosophies. Whether you're studying the Proclamation for the first time or seeking deeper understanding, this conversation will enrich your appreciation of the eternal truths at its heart. Join us for an uplifting, thoughtful, and timely exploration of one of the Church’s most influential modern documents. Visit us online: https://scripturecentral.org/archive/books

In this thought-provoking episode, host Lynne Hilton Wilson sits down with historian Janiece Johnson for a candid and insightful exploration of Race and the Priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together, they trace the historical context leading up to the 1978 revelation—Official Declaration 2—that extended priesthood and temple blessings to all worthy members worldwide. Lynne and Janiece discuss the complex historical factors, the lived experiences of Black Latter-day Saints, and the spiritual significance of the revelation. They highlight how Church leaders sought divine guidance and how this landmark moment continues to shape the global Church today. Whether you’re a student of Church history or simply seeking deeper understanding, this episode offers a compassionate, clear, and faithful look at one of the most pivotal chapters in modern Latter-day Saint history.

In this episode of Come Follow Church History, host Lynne Hilton Wilson is joined by BYU professor and historian Janiece Johnson for a captivating deep dive into one of the most pivotal—and often misunderstood—moments in Latter-day Saint history: the 1844 succession crisis. In the immediate aftermath of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faced an uncertain and deeply emotional crossroads. Without its founding prophet, who would lead the Saints? Lynne and Janiece unpack the confusion, tension, and spiritual searching that followed, exploring the claims of various contenders—including Sidney Rigdon, who argued for guardianship of the Church—as well as other voices who stepped forward during this turbulent period. Together they trace how fear, grief, and competing visions for the future created a moment of genuine crisis for the Saints. With expert insight, Janiece Johnson provides rich historical context, helping viewers understand the different claims to take leadership of the Church—and how the eventual path forward reshaped the trajectory of the Restoration. If you’re interested in Latter-day Saint history, the legacy of Joseph Smith, or the development of Church leadership, this episode offers a thoughtful and faith-focused look at a defining moment in 1844. Tune in for a conversation filled with depth, clarity, and remarkable historical detail.

In this episode of Come Follow Church History, host Lynne Hilton Wilson sits down with historian Janiece Johnson to explore one of the most pivotal and tragic moments in Latter-day Saint history—the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Together, they uncover the remarkable and turbulent events leading up to June 27, 1844, when Joseph and Hyrum Smith were killed at Carthage Jail. From Joseph Smith’s unprecedented run for President of the United States to the formation of the Council of Fifty, Lynne and Janiece trace how faith, politics, and power collided in Nauvoo. They also examine William Law’s rebellion and infidelity, the publication of the Nauvoo Expositor, and the rising tensions that set the stage for Joseph’s final days.

In this inspiring episode, host Lynne Hilton Wilson dives deep into the Book of Abraham, one of the most profound and revelatory texts in Latter-day Saint scripture. With a warm and faithful perspective, Lynne explores the incredible doctrines revealed through this ancient record—truths about the divine nature of men and women, our premortal existence, and our eternal standing as beloved children of God. Lynne also highlights the groundbreaking research of Dr. John Gee, renowned Egyptologist at BYU, whose decades of study on hundreds of Egyptian facsimiles shed new light on Joseph Smith’s inspired translation. His work provides fascinating insights that support and enrich our understanding of how the Book of Abraham connects ancient symbols with eternal truths.

In this episode of Come Follow Church History with Lynne Hilton Wilson, Dr. Wilson sits down with historian Dr. Janiece Johnson to explore one of the most complex and often misunderstood chapters in Latter-day Saint history—the introduction of plural marriage in Nauvoo. Together, they discuss the deep faith, sacrifice, and obedience of early Saints who strove to follow what they sincerely believed was a divine commandment revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Despite the personal heartache and social challenges that came with practicing plural marriage, figures like Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and many faithful women and men sought to live this principle with devotion, humility, and integrity. Dr. Wilson and Dr. Johnson also delve into the eternal perspectives behind the doctrine of eternal marriage, exploring how the Saints in Nauvoo viewed family, sealing, and covenant relationships as essential parts of God’s plan of salvation. Though plural marriage was a defining test of faith for the early Church, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not practice this principle today. This episode invites viewers to look at this sensitive topic with empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the faith and courage of those who lived it.

Join host Lynne Hilton Wilson as she dives deep into the inspiring story behind the creation of the Relief Society, the women’s organization established by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in March of 1840. In this episode, Lynne explores how a small group of faithful women in Nauvoo, Illinois, under the direction of Joseph Smith, came together with a divine purpose—to serve, uplift, and strengthen one another in both temporal and spiritual ways. Through her thoughtful commentary and historical insights, Lynne reveals how the Relief Society became one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations in the world, dedicated to faith, compassion, and unity. Discover the remarkable beginnings of this sacred sisterhood and how its founding principles continue to bless lives today.