I think if we can realize that these events and these people lived, you know, thousands of years ago,

and their culture was so different.

And if we were transported in time back to their time, it would be a shock to us to see some of these things.

You know, in the Doctrine and Covenants in Section 46,

the Lord says that he, his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.

He dealt with them according to the conditions that they were in. He deals with us according to

the conditions we're in. And I think if we can open up our hearts a little and say, yeah, you lived in a whole different world

and not be so judgmental about those people that we read about, I think it'll help us as we're reading there.

This is John Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News.

Welcome to the Church News podcast.

Today we're taking you on a journey of connection

as we discuss news and events of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Each year, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, study individually,

in families, and as words and branches around the world, one book of scripture.

This year, 26, members of the church are studying the Old Testament and reading the words of prophets

as they prepared for the coming of the Messiah.

We're excited today to welcome the church's General Sunday School presidency,

President Paul V. Johnson, brother Chad H. Webb and brother Gabriel W. Reed,

to talk about the Old Testament and how members of the church can study it more fully this year

in all of those different scenarios.

Brethren, thank you for being with us today.

Nice to be with you. Thank you. So I want to start out with the fact that you've now been in

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