The Scripture Study Project

Why should I read the Book of Mormon? Did you know the Book of Mormon has a thesis statement? And did you know you can have one as you read? Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: "Memories Replaced" by Josh Woodward

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2024

There are no shortage of resources to help you study the Book of Mormon. With all of those voices, it can sometimes be overwhelming to know just exactly where, when, how often, and with what tools you should be reading. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: "Memories Replaced" by Josh Woodward

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2024

Who wrote the Book of Mormon? Want a fresh perspective as you read the Book of Mormon? Try meeting the four Book of Mormon evangelists--the primary writers behind the stories and sermons and whose personal, human, testimony touches so many hearts. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: "Memories Replaced" by Josh Woodward

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2024

Is it okay to just read the Book of Mormon? And if so, how do I do it? Is there something I should be looking for? Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: "Memories Replaced" by Josh Woodward

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2024

There are some important questions we can ask as we begin our study of the Book of Mormon (and/or repeatedly during our study throughout the year) that can make all the difference in what we are able to draw from it. In this miniseries we'll ask those questions, seek for some answers, and share some ideas that could empower a study of this sacred text. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: "Memories Replaced" by Josh Woodward

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2024

Why should I trust imperfect Church leaders? This question, in one form or another, comes up frequently among latter-day saints or their friends because following living apostles, prophets, and other leaders is so central to our theology and practice. Well, it's a great question to kick off your study off the Acts of the Apostles and this episode should give you a jumpstart.   Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: "Memories Replaced" by Josh Woodward

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2023

What did Peter do with himself after his denial? What did the women at the tomb do with the worry or the fear they felt? What did Cleopas do with his sadness? What did Thomas do with his doubts? What did Jesus do with his feeling of being forsaken? Studying the end of the Savior's mortal ministry provides ample evidence of how difficult continuing faith was for those closest to the Savior, and, therefore, how difficult it can be for us. This month we ask the question, "What do I do when I don't feel anything?" Study along with us as we wrestle with all those emotions and see what we can learn from those who have gone before. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: "Memories Replaced" by Josh Woodward

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2023

"What must I do to inherit eternal life?" This question (and others like it) was asked of the Savior by His disciples, others of His followers, and by detractors. The truth--that God's eternal identity, our eternal identity, and our willing we are to convert to eternal principles--is at the crux of the Savior's answers and parables. This month gives us a great chance to study this question and consider our own understanding of eternal life. Show Notes: The Laborers in the Vineyard (churchofjesuschrist.org) Put On Thy Strength, O Zion (churchofjesuschrist.org) For past scripture-block episodes, see: https://scripturestudyproject.podbean.com/e/luke-12-17-john-11-sheep/  https://scripturestudyproject.podbean.com/e/matt-19-20-mark-10-luke-18-great/  https://scripturestudyproject.podbean.com/e/matt-21-23-mark-11-luke-19-20-john-12-fruit/  https://scripturestudyproject.podbean.com/e/js-m-matt-25-mark-12-13-luke-21-coming/  Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: "Memories Replaced" by Josh Woodward

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2023

Mirriam-Webster's dictionary defines the word Christian as "one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ." Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints certainly profess belief in Christ, and yet many, especially some vocal in the wider Christian world, refuse to grant them/us the title "Christian". In this episode we explore both the why nots and, more importantly, begin a study of the whys behind our Christianity. Show Notes: Christ’s Crucifixion: Reclamation of the Cross | Religious Studies Center (byu.edu) Lifted Up upon the Cross (churchofjesuschrist.org) Three Theological Questions About Christianity, Orthodoxy, and the LDS Church | David French (patheos.com) Is Mormonism Christian? - BYU Studies For past episodes on the Come Follow Me blocks, click below https://scripturestudyproject.podbean.com/e/matt-14-15-mark-6-7-john-5-6-fear/ https://scripturestudyproject.podbean.com/e/matt-16-17-mark-8-9-luke-9-testimony/ https://scripturestudyproject.podbean.com/e/easter-1555217422/ https://scripturestudyproject.podbean.com/e/matt-18-luke-10-love/ https://scripturestudyproject.podbean.com/e/john-7-10-shepherd/  Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: "Memories Replaced" by Josh Woodward

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2023

We use the phrase "I know" in many settings and situations in our description of our faith. In this episode we ask if saying "I know" is a requirement and what might come before and after that statement that could help us have a more expanded relationship with truth and come to better "know" the Savior Himself. Show Notes: For past episodes on the Come Follow Me blocks, click below Matt 8-9 / Mark 2-5 - Miracles Matt 16-17 / Mark 8-9 / Luke 9 - Testimony Alma 31-32 - The Faith Experiment Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: "Memories Replaced" by Josh Woodward

Transcribed - Published: 1 March 2023

We are back with a new season of The Scripture Study Project with an all new approach. This season we are asking questions--sometimes hard, often personal, always important--that have everything to do with our relationship with God and then studying scriptures in search of truth and understanding. This episode we start with our first question of the season drawn from Jesus' own word: do I really have to be "perfect"? The answer, and a study of that answer, takes us from the sermon on the mount to the calling of apostles to our own personal wrestles with perfection. Show Notes: Russel M. Nelson, "Perfection Pending" Jeffrey R. Holland, "Be Ye Therefore Perfect--Eventually" For past episodes on the Come Follow Me blocks, click below John 2-4 Matt 5, Luke 6 Matt 6-7 Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: "Memories Replaced" by Josh Woodward

Transcribed - Published: 1 February 2023

Malachi was a messenger, and he prophesied of other messengers to come. Of course John the Baptist stands out as one primary fulfiller of prophesy; but all of us in some small way can be messengers who prepare the way of the Lord. This episode, our final this season, and our final weekly episode of our podcast, we reflect on five years of podcasting and the "messages" we have learned, loved, and hoped to share with you.   Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2022

My grandfather was an architect. I remember visiting him in his office and seeing the tools laid out on his basement drafting board and being captivated by the idea that someone could plan such large buildings. As I've grown older I often think of similarities between designing and drafting a building and our efforts to conscientiously plan and live a life. In this episode we study the words of two prophets--Haggai and Zechariah--focused on the reconstruction of the temple at Jerusalem and, concurrently, the reconstruction of the Israelites life with the Lord. Study along and consider how you can better build your life this next year. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2022

At the end of the book of Zephaniah, the prophet expresses that in the last days, "the king of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee". Imagine for a moment: what if we took that verse literally and pictured arriving home today from work or school or shopping to find Him in our living room. What would you think and feel if He were there? Would there be relief or reservation? Would there be excitement or anxiety? Would you rush to meet him or would you want  to rush to complete some procrastinated act of kindness? Would you be ready or wish you had more time to repent? This week we study Nahum through Zephaniah and focus on three ideas that can help us better prepare for the Second Coming of Christ. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2022

The story of Jonah is a masterpiece of scriptural story that weaves together a very human and relatable character in Jonah with a compelling illustration of the true character of the Lord interlaced with suspense and surprise. It may be one of the best books in our recent study to liken to ourselves. In this week's study we do just that and ask the question, "What am I running away from?" Show Notes: Steven J. Lund, "Flashes of Light" Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2022

I remember years ago watching an episode of a hidden camera tv show where actors acted out a scene where one man, dressed as someone living on the streets, was given money by other only to have that money stolen by some mocking teenagers. The episode focused on the actions of the surrounding people who did know they were watching and actor portrayal, to see if they would intervene, comfort the victim, or just walk on. In this sort of modern day reenactment of the good Samaritan, although some did stop to help, it was surprising to the hosts of the show how many people walked by without any action. If Obadiah were to describe it he might say they "stood on the other side" or "looked on" when someone was hurt. In this episode we study two chastisements Amos and Obadiah give related to our relationship with God and His children that might be painfully relevant to us today. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2022

Recently I heard a description of some of the reasons why members of the Church have struggled or are struggling with their faith. For a small group, they struggle because they no longer believe the Church is true. For a larger group, they struggle because they do not believe the Church is good. However, for the largest group they struggle because they do not feel like they belong in the Church. In our study this week we read two prophets speaking to people who may be felt this same lack of belonging and we identify both truths about the Lord and possible applications for us that help heal that hurt. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2022

There's a story told almost 100 years ago in a Church magazine about a young man named Creed Haymond who ran track for his college. The night before a meet his coach offered the team alcohol to help them relax for the next day's races. Creed refused, multiple times, and to the chagrin of his coach and teammates. The end of the story is powerful (and you can read it if you click the link in our show notes), but it's actually the middle of the story itself that interests us this week. In this episode we study the great story of Daniel, Mishael, Hananiah, and Azariah and ask the question: how can I live in the modern world and be both true to my beliefs and also harmonious with others? Show Notes: Creed Haymond story Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2022

Hebrew prophets were valued because of their ability to foresee coming events and, then, warn people in the present. However, the true test of this foresight is, of course, whether or not these visions materialize. Today we study some of the prophet Ezekiel's most far-reaching declarations and see clear fulfillment in our own day. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2022

I used to play a game with my seminary students called "Boo Speak" where I would invite a student to leave the room and then, with the students left in the room, pick a word that we would try and eliminate from that student's vocabulary by sheer peer pressure. Once we had decided on a word we would invite that student back in the room. I would have a conversation with the student and whenever he would say the word we would all say "boo" and/or provide other negative feedback. It was fascinating to watch as some students really did stop using the chosen word where other students became more adamant about using it. This week we finish our study of Jeremiah the prophet who was, for lack of a better phrase, "boo-ed" for his message and ministry by the very people he was trying to save, and ask ourselves what can we learn from a "boo-ed" prophet? Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2022

I love art museums, and in recent years, I've had multiple chances to attend a few and one thing I've noticed, repeatedly, is the vast breadth of color and emotion represented in the displayed art. Incredible paintings of bright flower gardens on warm days are balanced by emotional paintings of dark caverns or shrouded faces. I've come to appreciate the tug on my emotions as I feel, often in the same room, enlightened and pained, lifted by beauty and confronted with ugliness. In our study this week we figuratively walk through the Art Gallery of Jeremiah and feel many of those same emotions as we search for truths that can sustain us in moments of needed perseverance. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2022

There are some pressing questions we must address this week: how can you make shapes and animals out of pancake batter, what's the best way to eat a strawberry, and how cay you maximize the milk-to-cookie ratio of an oreo. These questions, as outlandish as it sounds, will help us better answer other questions. How can I fast with my eye single to God's purpose? How can I truly delight in the Sabbath? How can I better recognize and emulate the Savior's ministry? This week we study our final block of scriptures from Isaiah in search of answers to these questions.   Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2022

Years ago I studied Isaiah 53 with a group of teenagers in a seminary class. As part of our experience I gave students a small piece of cardstock with a silhouette of Jesus printed on it on which I had asked them to write descriptions of the Savior they had found in their study. After class, as I was picking up the room, I noticed one card lying on the ground. I picked it up, turned it over, and read the words, "Are you really there?" That question has lodged in my mind and heart and has dramatically shaped the way I seek to study and teach the scriptures. In this episode, we have perhaps some of the best text in the Hebrew Bible answering that exact question.   Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 23 September 2022

I once watched as someone illustrated Isaiah's visions and prophecies by drawing him as a stick figure then drawing a telescope in front of his face which indicated that Isaiah could see, both what was really close at hand, but also what was coming in the near future (for him, 150 years away) and the distant future (our day). In our study this week we dive into what scholars often call 2nd Isaiah because his focus seems to shift to the future. While some contend that this shift indicates a different author writing at a later time, many others, including our Book of Mormon prophets, knew him to be visionary and blessed with the spirit of God. So what happens, then, when you take a telescopic prophet and combine it with a microscopic lens? In our episode this week we look deep at a few aspects of Isaiah's writings that have powerful and immediate impact for us. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 18 September 2022

When Krista and I were first married she introduced me to the idea of "empty calories"--foods that you could eat but that would give little to no nutrition (this was how she described many of the things I had grown used to eating in college). This week we Isaiah 13-35 and look at the things Isaiah describes that are the spiritual version of empty calories and, conversely and much more importantly, the things truly feed the soul.   Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 10 September 2022

Some commentators have described the book of Isaiah the climactic book of the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament. Isaiah's writings were certainly important to many later writers, including Nephi, Abinadi, Mormon, and Jesus Christ himself. When describing his own passion for the words of Isaiah, Nephi said, "my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, . . . for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him. . . . And now I write some of the words of Isaiah, that whoso of my people shall see these words may lift up their hearts and rejoice for all men. Now these are the words, and ye may liken them unto you and unto all men" (2 Nephi 11: 2, 8). This week we begin our study Isaiah and aim for both excitement for and skill at studying the words of this pivotal prophet. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 2 September 2022

One of my favorite things about learning from the Lord is that He teaches with images, stories, and symbols. I learned this week that the Hebrew word "māšāl" translated in verse 1 as "proverb" is translated in many other places as "parable". In other words, this book is a book of mini parables that, as we'll learn together, help us practice living a God-like life. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2022

I searched for the word "Psalms" on the Church homepage this week and found that almost every General Conference return going on for multiple pages was a talk with a title taken from a psalm. From Pres. Nelson's famous, "Joy Cometh in the Morning" to Elder Bednar's quotable "A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit" to Elder Holland's emotional "Like a Broken Vessel", it's clear that our Church leaders know and love the Psalms. Similarly, Jesus and his apostles quoted from Psalms over 100 times in the New Testament which is not only the most of any OT book quoted, but over half of the overall quotes altogether. Over the next three weeks we get to study the powerful truths and moving evocations in these collected words, and in this episode, we're providing some powerful tools to give you a fresh and faith-fulfilling study. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2022

One thing that took getting used to as I prepared for a mission to Germany was the Germany fairy tale. Contrary to many romantic tales where heroes prevail against evil and receive rewards for their efforts, Germany fairy tales contain stories where good and bad often happen unexpectedly and to unexpected people: often the hero loses all while the village fool gets incredible fortune. I recently listened to a discussion about the history of the fairy tale which indicated that the modern, more romantic versions of fairy tales may have a detrimental effect in conveying to children that if bad things happen to you must be doing something wrong, because only the wicked get punished and only the heroes earn rewards. In our study of Job this week we look at three different ways to read the book of Job that might help us push past the romantic and add some depth to our understanding of blessing and trial, difficulty and perfection. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2022

Years ago in a seminary class where we were studying a scriptural account of a woman, one of the young men blurted out that he felt the lesson didn't apply to the boys in the class because it was about a woman in the scriptures. Immediately one of the older girls in class responded that girls spent much of their scripture study efforts applying lessons learned from stories about men, and that if they could do it, so could he. That young man, hopefully, learned a valuable truth. It is an unfortunate fact that we have precious few records of women's interactions with God in scripture. However, we can make the most of these few accounts by giving them extra attention and appreciating the universal lessons that can be learned by all of us. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2022

I've spent the last month getting to know and serve with the newly-called seminary teachers in my local stakes. As I talk with these amazing people it's obvious that they feel the weight of undertaking one of the most demanding (and rewarding) callings in the Church. I was thinking about them when I read one of my favorite verses of scripture in this week: Nehemiah 6:3 which says, in part, "I am doing a great work". In this episode we consider our own "great work", whether that's a new calling, building or rebuilding a crucial relationship, tackling a particularly difficult self-improvement project, or ministering to someone in real need, and we'll identify a few places in our study this week that can hold important instructions for each of us.

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2022

In the Book of Mormon the prophet Nephi writes, prophetically, that people in a coming day will "trample under their feet…even the very God of Israel." In our bible study this week we see a fulfillment of that as wicked kings in both Israel and Judah turn repeatedly from the Lord to worship of false Gods. If nothing else, the tragic story of the fall of the kings we've been reading over the past weeks shows how difficult real and lasting conversion is. In this episode we highlight three scriptural phrases that can help us make lasting change. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2022

This week on the Scripture Study Project we start a new month, a new book of scripture (2 Kings), and a new podcast format. We dive into the miracles of Elisha, look at the unprecedented ways in which individuals are asked to show their faith to the Lord, and examine our own faithfulness. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2022

Years ago, Peggy Worthen, wife of newly installed BYU president Kevin Worthen, spoke to the gathered student body. In her talk she referenced highway 6, a Utah road that leads from Provo to the eastern side of the state, including the famous Arches National Park in Moab. In 1983 this road was blocked as a massive rockslide covered the road and blocked the river causing massive flooding. A new road had to be constructed. Although the temporary inconvenience was major, the newly build road was much wide, much safer, and ultimately a much better path through the mountains. Maybe it's because over the past years of living in the East we have come to appreciate the non-linear, swerving roads that spread like spiderwebs here and contrast sharply with the linear roads of the west, but I loved Sister Worthen's observation that "life is somewhat like Highway 6. Even though life in general is beautiful and scenic, the road we travel will not always be an uneventful, direct course, even when we know where we are going. We have to learn to be flexible and to deal with the unexpected." In our study this week we look at the unexpected and hope to find a bit flexibility in our relationship with the Lord. Show Notes: Peggy Worthen, "An Unexpected Path," BYU Devotional 2014. Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2022

Then Elder Hinckley told a story in general conference about a time when he worked at a trainyard and heard that a passenger train had arrived without the baggage car. He explained, “We discovered that the train had been properly made up in Oakland, California, and properly delivered to St Louis. . . . But in the St. Louis yards, a thoughtless switchman had moved a piece of steel just three inches. That piece of steel was a switch point, and the car that should have been in Newark, New Jersey, was in New Orleans, Louisiana, thirteen hundred miles away.” This week we take a look at switch points that made a significant and painful difference in the lives of David and Solomon and, by application, can be powerful to notice and avoid ourselves. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2022

I just started a summer institute class in my area (hello to any of my students that are listening) focused on improving our scripture study skills. This week we kicked off class by identifying the two most important questions asked in scripture. In Mosiah 11:27, King Noah asks after hearing about the prophet Abinadi, "Who is Abinadi, that I and my people should be judged of him, or who is the Lord that shall bring up on my people such great affliction?" Similarly, when Alma preaches to the people of Ammonihah they ask in indignation, "Who art thou…?" and "Who is God…?" (Alma 9:2, 6). In this episode we examine one of the most well-known stories in the Bible, David and Goliath, with a fresh perspective and in search of answers to those two questions. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2022

John 3:16 is one of, if note the most, oft-quoted verses of the Bible: "For God so loved the that He gave his only begotten Son". One of the reasons that verse has become so popular is that it represents a simple summary of a profound truth: God loves the world, including people such as you and me. In this episode we study the powerful story of Ruth that illustrates His love for all of us. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2022

There's a chilling story President Kimball relates in his book "Miracle of Forgiveness" about a man who pulls himself from alcoholism, practices sobriety for years and readies himself to be sealed in the temple with his wife, and then, on the eve of his temple visit, is drawn back into old vices by persuasive friends. Although a stark example, it's probably not too far off experiences we all have where we work and repent from mistakes and sins, enjoy rest and freedom, only to feel the pull of temptation and possibly the pain of relapse again. This week we study the book of Judges which is, in summary, that story told twelve times in a row. Study with us this week as we seek to interrupt the cycle and stay true to the God who delivers us.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2022

I had a favorite object lessons from my seminary teaching days that introduced the idea of courage. I would take a rat trap, demonstrate how it could snap a pencil in half, then I would reset the trap and ask for a volunteer to touch the trap. Eventually, based on my incessant urging, a student would tentatively reach out their finger and touch the trap only to find, to their relief, that I had secretly disengaged the springs and the trap only appeared to be dangerous. We would then have a discussion about what affects--either for good or bad--our courage and/or our faith in the Lord. In this episode, we don't have a rat trap, but we do have a scripture story of danger and courage. The questions to us are the same as to those students: how courageous am I? Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2022

Have you ever taken a "penny quiz"? If not, without looking, see how much you can remember about the penny. And when you realize you can only remember the barest details, ask yourself this: why is that something as common as a penny can be so easily forgotten? President Spencer W. Kimball once mused, "When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is?" His answer: the word remember. In this episode we study what the Israelites were commanded to remember as they exited their 40 year wilderness in search of perspectives or principles the Lord would have us remember as we exit from or exist in our own. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2022

Years ago, before even an apostle, President Eyring gave a powerful insight about spiritual sight. He taught that the repeated phrase, "thus we see" is often a scriptural writer pointing out what someone with spiritual sight will see when looking at particular story. That vision, often different from what others observe, enables that individual to act in closer accord with God's mind and will. In this episode we study what it is that grants that kind of spiritual sight, what to recognize when you have it, and what it might prompt you to do. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2022

Our temples, benefiting from centuries, even millennia of experience, are structured in such a way to help us have powerful revelatory experiences as we come closer to God. This week as we study the end of Exodus and selections from Lev, we look at what those specifics are and how we can both see them in our temple experience and incorporate them into our personal lives. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2022

This week we study a moment for Israel that taught them powerful truths about themselves and the Lord. Although they were not wrongly imprisoned like Joseph Smith, they had a "miserable experience" because of their own actions that brought them to "mourn". In that mourning, and in our own, we can see and learn truths about our Lord that can help us grow, heal, and change.   Show Notes: Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Continue in Patience," April 2010. Neal A. Maxwell, "Patience," October 1980 Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2022

In this episode we study Exodus 18-20 but look, not just at the 10 commandments, but why they are worth thinking about in the first place. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2022

In our episode this week we study Exodus 14-17 and examine our relationship with our prophetic leaders. We'll examine miracles, murmuring, and mediation through rods and logs. Most importantly, we'll ask ourselves the question, "How can I draw more power from my prophetic leaders." Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2022

Perhaps the most common question asked about God is, "Why does God allow bad things to happen?" One recent survey found that this question, in some form or another, is at the heart of almost every faith question or struggle individuals have. This week we tackle that question head on as we study the rising action of the Exodus in chapters 7-13, specifically the plagues the Lord sends to Egypt. If it's true that the Lord is all knowing, all powerful, and ever present, then we can look at moments of conflict and trial as prime opportunities to learn more about who He is and who we are. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2022

There were over 2,000 gods in the Egyptian pantheon. These ranged from Amun-Ra who was the god of sun and air, to Sopdu who was a god over a specific border and the forts on that border. In our episode this week we fast forward hundreds of years from end of Genesis and find the Israelites trapped in the land of these thousands of gods. The irony? It was in this place, surrounded by statues and symbols and sweating under the strain of servitude, that Israel would truly come to know their own god, the One God, or better said, the God is, actually, present everywhere and every time. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2022

Corrie Ten Boom survived the horrors of a WWII concentration camp. Years later she spoke widely of her experience of the power of forgiveness teaching, "Forgiveness is not an emotion. Forgiveness is an act of the will." After one such speaking event, one of her former camp guards recognized her, approached her, and stuck out his hand to shake hers. She recounted, "I, who had preached so often … the need to forgive, kept my hand at my side. And so … I breathed a silent prayer. Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me Your forgiveness. As I took his hand the most incredible thing happened. From my shoulder along my arm and through my hand a current seemed to pass from me to him, while into my heart sprang a love for this stranger that almost overwhelmed me. And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world’s healing hinges, but on His." This week we study Genesis 42-50 and one of the powerful stories of forgiveness in search of principles to guide our own efforts to forgive ourselves and others. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2022

Elder Holland once taught, "Every one of us has times when we need to know things will get better… For emotional health and spiritual stamina, everyone needs to be able to look forward to some respite, to something pleasant and renewing and hopeful, whether that blessing be near at hand or still some distance ahead… My declaration is that this is precisely what the gospel of Jesus Christ offers us." The story of Joseph of Egypt is exactly this: a story of good things to come despite difficult things we see. In fact, as we study this week we want to build on our study last week and learn how to not only let the Lord prevail, but let Him prosper us, our families, and those we love and serve. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: "Beauty of Russia" by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2022

As with others before him, Jacob, son of Rebekah and Isaac, receives a new name from the Lord that indicates something the Lord desires or foresees he can become. Jacob's name change is an interesting one: from Jacob, which means "supplanter" or "one who grasps or clings", to Israel, which at least means, as President Nelson has taught us, "one with whom God prevails". This week we study Gen 28-33 and dig into the account, not just to see that letting God prevail is important, but to see exactly how to do it. Show Notes: Connect with us on Instagram or Facebook Music: "Beauty of Russia" by Steve Oxen

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2022