I Am with the Faithful Always
August 1831 Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Cowdery, William W. Phelps, Sidney Gilbert, Samuel H. Smith, Reynolds Cahoon, Ezra Booth, Frederick G. Williams, Joseph Coe, are in travels back from Zion, Independence MO to Kirtland OH.
Introduction D&C 60-63
The Elders, new members, are be instructed to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ as they travel.
Stop Number | City/Location | Mode of Transportation | Start Date | End Date | Estimated Travel Time | Historical Context (Revelation) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Independence, Missouri | Foot, Canoe | August 8, 1831 | August 12, 1831 | 4 days | D&C 60: Commanded to preach the gospel; warned against idleness and fear. Many were instructed to travel two by two. |
2 | Missouri River (en route) | Canoe | August 12, 1831 | August 13, 1831 | 1 day | D&C 61: Revelation about the dangers of the river and divine protection; groups disbanded, with some traveling on foot two by two. |
3 | Chariton, Missouri | Wagon, stagecoach, or on foot | August 13, 1831 | August 14, 1831 | 1 day | D&C 62: The Prophet and his companions met elders traveling to Zion and were assured their testimonies were recorded in heaven. |
4 | St. Louis, Missouri | Wagon, stagecoach, or on foot | August 15, 1831 | August 21, 1831 | 6 days | Preparation for the transition from river to land travel. No direct revelation recorded here, but preaching likely occurred. |
5 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Wagon, stagecoach, or on foot | August 22, 1831 | August 29, 1831 | 7 days | Traveled northeast toward Kirtland; opportunity to preach and minister along the way. Some may have continued two by two. |
6 | Kirtland, Ohio | Wagon or stagecoach | August 30, 1831 | September 1, 1831 | 2 days | D&C 63: Upon arrival in Kirtland, the Prophet received revelation concerning Zion, obedience, and blessings for the faithful. |
D&C 60-63
Missouri to Ohio, Aug 1831
NFTs: A Divine Parallel
A non-fungible token (NFT) is a unique digital identifier recorded on a blockchain, certifying ownership and authenticity. It cannot be copied, substituted, or subdivided. Similarly, our lives are like an NFT—unique and irreplaceable. Perhaps the Book of Life can be likened to a spiritual blockchain, where divine authority records the authentic journey of our lives, helping us achieve eternal success according to our faith and choices.
Discussion Prompt | Category | High School Graduates: Certificates and NFTs | Early Latter-day Saints: Obedience and Sacrifice |
---|---|---|---|
What is your first major achievement, and how does it shape your identity? | Initial Achievement | Certificate of Graduation for completing education | Faith in Jesus Christ, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost |
Why do we need a purpose in our work or faith journey? | Purpose | Prepare for self-reliance, family support, and contribution to society | Build the Kingdom of God and prepare for eternal life |
How do outward symbols represent inner commitments? | Representation | Certificates are records but do not guarantee success | Baptism and the Holy Ghost symbolize membership and potential but require action |
How do life and faith provide new opportunities for growth? | Starting Point | A new stage of life: career or further education | A new stage of faith: building Zion and spreading the gospel |
How do trials refine us and prepare us for greater success? | Path to Success | Lifelong learning, work ethic, adaptability, and innovation | Obedience, sacrifice, humility, and enduring the refiner’s fire |
What challenges shape your journey, and how do you overcome them? | Obstacles | Economic, social, and personal challenges | Opposition, persecution, and refining hardships |
What tools and resources help you grow in your career or faith? | Tools for Growth | Networking, internships, additional certifications, and leveraging skills | Strengthening testimony, humility, scripture study, and communal support |
What legacy do you want to leave behind, and how are you working toward it? | Legacy | A career, family, and meaningful contributions to society | An enduring Zion and generational faith |
How do effort and faith determine your unique success? | Outcome Variance | The NFT of Success reflects effort, creativity, and perseverance | The NFT of Life reflects spiritual growth through faith, dedication, and Christlike living |