Jumping into more of the book of Genesis. We have left Eden and what now? 1. Structure 2. Toledot and Names - what to do with those geneologies 3. Cain and Abel 4. Lamech 5. Babylon We hit some of the themes we are going to hear later on!

We continue on with Genesis 2-3 The creation of Adam and Eve, The Fall, and the Knowledge of Good and Evil. What do you see this story about? Why do we zoom in here after the big picture creation?

In the beginning! We are here, the start of the Book of Genesis. 1. We will start with a review of the Structure. (my favorite part) 2. Themes. We'll suggest a few themes you watch for as you study. There are many, what themes are you watching for as you study? 3. Genesis1, Creation. Days We'll look at days, the symmetry, and order Culminating with…

I could NOT wait! It is time to get ready for the Old Testament. Let's begin our preparation for the Old Testament Keep studying Doctrine and Covenants, of course. But if you are starting to prepare and need a little more preparation and background for this MASSIVE amount of scripture, join me. In this lesson we'll talk about Structure Flash Back T…

God wants to deliver and save His people. How will He do it? By choosing a single man, and then a family. Let's meet Abraham. 1. Quick review of the structure of Genesis 2. Then we jump into Characterization in scripture 3. Abraham and God's covenant 4. Abraham's faith

Noah is on the scene. 1. Themes 2. Parallels with Adam 3. Parallels with Moses 4. Covenant, God's salvation 5. How to be more like Noah God saves and invites us to enter His rest.

We continue our preparation of the Old Testament. Keep on studying for Come, Follow Me and 1. Style and Genre 2. Language 3. Time Travel Time to get ready for one of our largest "books" of scripture.

Jumping into the Gathering. This is the first time we see the Kirtland Era referenced. I am most excited to talk about the time that prophets have foretold: THE GATHERING. The Saints are asked to do tough things. Like us we are asked to follow the Lord. I love how Jesus introduces himself here and we can rest assured, He is with us.…

We often think of the last words of Christ on the Cross as sad, despairing, and signs of abandonment. I think there may be more here. Jesus quotes from Psalm 22. I think this is a response to the laments given by thousands over the years. The Lord responds that He is with us, we are never forsaken or alone. He suffers with us and for us. He has ris…

I often forget how amazing it is that God speaks to us today! These sections remind us of them many, many ways God seeks to communicate to His prophet and to us! The Spirit of Revelation is an amazing gift and one I love to learn more about - These sections give us a wonderful opportunity to do so. From seer stones to dreams, peace in our hearts, t…

This is a short but VERY powerful scripture retelling an amazing event. The prophecy of the Restoration of the Covenant, as Malachi, Isaiah, Joel, Amos, and Act (and Matt 17) in the visitation of Moroni in September 1823. Join me as we jump into what happened and why Moroni repeats THESE verses to the Young Prophet Joseph.…

We jump into D&C 1, the Lord speaking to us and all people. This is bold, this is powerful. It really reminded me of the Old Testament, Shema, (Deut 6:4–9, 11:13–21). This is the Lord God speaking directly to us today.

Welcome back to a new year! We're jumping into the background and intro to our new course: Doctrine and Covenants. Let's learn about it -together.

Mormon gives his final testimony. We learn about the Atoning Messiah, the Covenant, and being a Remnant. And those principles of the gospel are here? Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ Repentance of sins Baptism by water Baptism by the Spirit I love Mormon's final testimony, to his people and to us.

We reach Mormon, the author, warrior, prophet's last writings. He speaks to his people, he speaks to us. Let's find out what his main points are oh, and THIS IS my very favorite LDS art by Walter Rane I Even Remain Alone

We turn to the book we've been waiting for: 3 NEPHI where Christ visits the Americas. In today's episode we look at the ALL ABOUT: The What The History Pattern of Duality, Compare/Contrast, Light/Dark, God/Satan, Saints/Gaddianton Robbers The Structure of the book, in 3 parts including Temple theme and structure. Join me as we jump into this exciti…

Finishing up today on Samuel and Nephi, both prophets, paralleled in the Book of Helaman. We will explore God's use of prophets, to warn and remind us of our covenants, but also ancient prophets, too. 1. Parallels 2. Tower/Wall 3. Repent and Remember. God is compassionate 4. Signs and wonders Why does God allow for signs and wonders to be shown? Is…

Now things pick up in pace as we reach the appearance of Christ in the Americas. Today, we learn of the prophet Samuel. He is a Lamanite, teaching in the capital city of Zarahemla. Let's discuss: Prophets Names Angels Use of poetry I really loved reading this OUT LOUD and hope you'll see some of the poetry and power of the Lord in Samuels prophecie…

Join Scholar Jon Nelson as we jump into Helman 8-12, in Come, Follow Me. Ever wondered why some scriptures seem familiar? How one prophet uses scripture to help us understand our present times? Jon explores some of the rich intertextual references in the Book of Helaman.

Today we reach a point where the wickedness of the people cause Nephi to lament. On his garden tower he mourns the wickedness of the people. How are we like him? What can we do to repent and turn to the Lord?

Join me in welcoming a guest host, Jon Nelson. Scholar, saint, and faithful soul, Jon introduces us to Helaman 1-6 in Come, Follow Me 2020. 1. Who is the main character? Mormon carefully introduces us to many characters: Gadianton, Nephites, Lamanites, apostates, and more. Is there a message here for us? 2. What exegesis and eisegesis do we see in …

We have moved into the book of Helaman. As the visitation of Christ grows near, like in our day, we learn what personal righteousness is important. Let's look at the context, themes, and structure of the Book of Helaman to see how editor Mormon shows us this, and how we can turn to Christ. For more reading check out James Falconer's Commentary seri…

Let's apply what we have been working on. Of course, we review some steps to how to read this kind of scripture, then we read Revelation 11 (at least, the start). Jump on it! You can do it!

Onward, we study how to read texts like Revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel, Ether, 1 Nephi. Some steps 1. Big Picture 2. Trace the ideas 3. Symbols, figurative and in context 4. Applied Meaning 5. Application, past & present This is just a framework. Try it, but don't get "stuck" on it. When I am reading a challenging style of scripture it helps me to try…

We're going to take a diversion from Come, Follow Me and examine: How to read Apocalyptic Literature. Is it the end of the world? Do you see the signs? Or maybe, that's not how these revelations work? Let's explore it today. Part 1: What is Apocalyptic Literature Part 2. How to read it Part 3. We'll practice together…

We start Alma's commandments to his son, Corianton. Corianton has had some struggles, let's take a look at the first group.

In one of the most powerful conversion stories, we learn of the power of covenants and the redeeming love of the Atoning Messiah.

Mormon, the editor, takes a "breath" and a pause to teach us about what we can do to change. Before the world is plunged into war (the war chapters), he pauses to teach us about the keys to staying True to Christ. We will first reflect on the context of the Book of Mormon, how did we get here? Then, we'll look to the keys of avoiding this kind of c…

Alma, and the entire Book of Mormon is a roadmap for our day. So let's jump into the tools needed to change inside, gain discernment, and have real humility, real faith. Alma gives us the key.

Speeches! Yep, let's look at the use of speeches in the Book of Mormon. The speeches in this week's study are almost a song, a psalm, a passionate appeal to God's Redemption of His people. There is so much to talk about in this portion of Alma, and here we find WHY people do what they do.

Let's dive into the story of Ammon. Who is he like? What set him apart? I think he is very much like King David (the good parts)

Who were these Sons of Mosiah? We're headed into the "middle part" of the book of Alma. What is Mormon telling us of this part? We started with lots of Nephite stories, now sons, then the war chapters. This center section is going to tell us critical info about the people, their faith. How to change the world.…

Amulek, Alma and Zeezrom face off. What is salvation?

The next few chapters are some of the most theology on the plan of salvation, the role of the Savior, and redemption in any scripture. But before we get there, Mormon takes time to explain a story of debate and priestcraft with Zeezrom. Let's take a step back to learn about these techniques: narrative, themes, and names. This will help us recognize…

Alma continues his missionary journey to the evil city of Ammonihah where we meet Amulek. He seems great! Welcomes a prophet, visited by an angel.... Maybe this is a guy we can relate to. Join me as we learn we may be a lot like Amulek.

Alma teaches us the model for how to come to God. remember our captivity Awaken unto God Sing the Song of Redeeming Love Mighty Change of Heart

Let's take a step back and do an episode of ALL ABOUT. I want to look at the book of Alma and how Alma the Younger and Mormon the editor put this book together. Are there clues in the message in what is here, the themes, structure, and common stories? Why all the war stories? I owe a lot to the article in this post: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/…

We now move to the Book of Alma. I want to take a few minutes to explain characterization in scripture. We have a perfect example of the use of descriptions, names, morality of characters, to help us understand scripture better. In this tragic story we learn of the death of a hero and the introduction of priestcrafts. Let's learn more about how to …

Come, Follow Me Mosiah 25 through 28 part 2 Choosing the Atoning Messiah Mosiah writes a story for our day.

Covenants bring the people together. Alma the Elder begins the Church - a UNIQUE idea and way to bring covenants and community together. WOW, I love this time in Nephite History.

Alma the Elder continues to teach us about covenants and becoming One with Christ. As He becomes man and like us, we can become One, Redeemed, with him. Mormon crafts this book as a master. We see parallels with Moses. Here are a few we cover today. 1. Cultural outsider 2. Ruler 3. People oppressed by greater civilization 4. Lead by God 5. Leader o…

We move now to the story of Alma the Elder. Once evil priest of King Noah, now great Priest of the Most High. His repentance and change is a story that has struck me, this week. Normally, we focus on Alma the Younger's conversion story...today we learn of the Elder. What changed Alma? What was the key? The power of the Atoning Messiah. Also, check …

Abinadi continues! This is great and important doctrines of Christ. I love the focus on Christ. His atonement and earthly mission. He becomes like us, so we can become like Him. His love, his humility, his compassion. As we become his offspring, we are redeemed. Like Alma, the priests, Noah, we each have a chance to reach his outstreached hand. Lov…

Let's find out what the Isaiah scripture was all about in the trial of Abinadi and the wicked priests of Noah. 1. Review of Characters 2. The trap the priests were trying to set 3. Why this scripture? 4. How Abinadi is going to reteach the priests Great stuff here. And the last time we'll see Isaiah until the Savior's visit.…

As we jump into the story of King Noah, there are a LOT of characters. Using Characters in scripture is different than how we use characters in novels or stories today. In ancient times you don't get a lot of "backstory." So, every word, every description is important to the point of the story. Let's meet: Noah The Priests The People And Abinadi…

We continue on Come Follow Me, Mosiah 7-8 In a parallel to Moses, Nephi, and others, we see the Lord's mercy in deliverance (even when we do it to ourselves). love, mercy, deliverance King Limhi is a wonderful example of a righteous leader. I love this story of him. Perhpas there are some clues for us? Christ will suffer WITH us and deliver us from…

We're at it again! Let's do another ALL ABOUT There is a LOT going on with these chapters. In two parts we'll discuss: the flashbacks, map, and main players. Then we'll talk about the scriptural motifs of Deliverance and Wilderness. I love this motif. I have learned so much by the prophetic writings about redemption, deliverance, sin, and the Lord'…

King Benjamin's speach turns to: US! What do we do to be saved? Attain salvation, take part in the atonement? How do we feel joy in Christ? King Benjamin tells us the keys

We enter a new phase, MORMON's editorial writings, starting with the Book of Mosiah let's find out about the WHO, WHAT, WHEN and WHY We learn some of the contextual settings and themes

Join me as we begin the biggest week of the year! HOLY WEEK! Today, a quick review of 1. Triumphal Entry 2. Hosanna Shout 3. Riding on a donkey Deliver us! Psalm 118 Book of Leviticus