Scripture Central

Few things are more important than purpose and direction. They change the natural state of things, creating order out of chaos. Many people have no idea where they are going, and those who do may be going in the wrong direction or multiple directions. It doesn’t matter how fast you are going if you are going in the wrong direction or if you are trying to go everywhere, which ultimately leads to nowhere. Meaningful purpose and intentional direction are as vital to physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health as good nutrition and exercise. Purpose is the “why,” and if you don’t understand the why, all the “what’s” will make little difference. People say, “Life is a journey; enjoy the journey,” but life is especially about getting to the end, reunion with God, receiving the gifts of God’s Son, God’s Spirit, and God’s life, helping others do the same, and in that process becoming more like the Lord. More concisely, it is to partake of the fruit of the tree of life and help others do the same. That’s the destination.

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.

Follow the Israelites through one of the most dramatic turning points in scripture—crossing the Red Sea and entering the wilderness—in this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines with Lynne Hilton Wilson. Covering Exodus 14–18, this episode highlights the faith and leadership of women during moments of both triumph and trial. At the center is Miriam, the prophetess, who leads the women of Israel in joyful praise after the Lord delivers His people from Egypt. With timbrels in hand and voices lifted in song, these women model gratitude, unity, and a deep recognition of God’s power in their lives. But the story of these chapters also reminds us that even the faithful can struggle. As the Israelites face hunger, thirst, and uncertainty in the wilderness, murmuring and doubt begin to surface among the people—including their leaders. Miriam’s later experience with disobedience and its consequences invites a deeper discussion about accountability, humility, and the refining process of discipleship. Lynne Hilton Wilson explores how these women teach us not only how to rejoice in God’s blessings, but also how to navigate moments of weakness with faith, repentance, and renewed devotion.

In the last several episodes, we considered the essential problem in life. In this and many of the coming episodes, we will focus on the Solution. We are in essentially the same position as Adam and Eve. We are told not to violate the commandments of God (partake of the fruit of the tree of good and evil), but for whatever reason, we do. We suffer the same consequence (cut off from the tree of life) as we gain the same benefit (the knowledge of good and evil), and we must discover the same and only Solution. We can’t partake of the fruit of the tree of life without going through Christ. Jesus Christ is the solution. He alone bridges the gap. As with all of scripture, the Gospel of John points to Christ and engenders faith in Him, but John especially reveals the Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Join us as we walk through the Gospel of John, uncovering insights into the character of 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.

Alone, without God, darkness prevails. The natural state of the universe is darkness. That is true for all of us individually and spiritually as it is universally and physically. Sin leads to darkness. When light dims, darkness emerges and in the dark, we are lost and stumble. As said in Proverbs, when we “… leave the paths of uprightness (we) walk in the ways of darkness.” Ignorance and unbelief are also shrouded in darkness. Unbelief and disbelief are often used interchangeably, but they are different. Unbelief is the absence of belief, usually because of ignorance. Disbelief, however, is much darker; it is the unwillingness to believe or the rejection of truth. Unbelief is a vacuum; disbelief is rejection and, of the two, disbelief is far more devastating. Darkness and death never fall so hard and cold as for those who deny truth once revealed by the Holy Ghost. The degree of darkness is probably commensurate with the degree of light denied, but the darkness of disbelief is deeper than the darkness of unbelief or sin. It is one thing to fall short of the truth, but it is far worse to deny it. Transcript/Notes: https://storage.googleapis.com/scripturecentral-prod-strapi-uploads/Episode_7_Final_98ee336703/Episode_7_Final_98ee336703.pdf

In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, host Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the Book of Exodus chapters 7–13, where God’s power is revealed through the dramatic plagues that fall upon Egypt. As Moses confronts Pharaoh again and again, the escalating plagues show that the Lord alone rules heaven and earth, giving Pharaoh repeated opportunities to recognize His authority. For the enslaved Israelites, these events must have strengthened their faith as they witnessed the Lord defending His covenant people. Through these miracles, the narrative builds toward the ultimate act of deliverance—the Passover—foreshadowing the saving power of the Lamb of God. While these chapters center on Moses and Pharaoh, this episode also highlights the often-overlooked experiences of women within Israelite homes during these pivotal moments. Israelite mothers played a crucial role in faithfully preparing the Passover meal, marking their doorposts with the lamb’s blood, and teaching their children the sacred meaning of the night of deliverance. Their quiet obedience and faith helped preserve the covenant within the family and ensured that the memory of God’s saving power would be passed from generation to generation. As Lynne Hilton Wilson explains, these women stand as powerful examples of covenant faith—participating in God’s work of redemption within their homes and pointing symbolically to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Firstborn who delivers all God’s children from spiritual bondage.

Of all the problems we encounter in this life, there is one that towers above them all and is the least understood. The worst of all human conditions in this life is not poverty, sickness, loneliness, abuse, war, or cruelty in all its diabolical variations, as awful as those conditions are. Rather, the worst of all human conditions is also the most common; it is to die. It is to die spiritually. It is to be separated from the presence of God, and in this life, His presence is His Spirit or power. The best of all human conditions is not wealth, fame, prestige, good health, the honors of men, or security as wonderful as some of those things are, the best of all human conditions in this life, is life; it is to be born again, endowed with heavenly power, to “receive the Holy Ghost” which is life, and the source of knowledge, revelation, strength, clarity, love, joy, peace, hope, confidence, faith and almost every other good thing. Our absolute dependence on God for life as well as every other good thing, is true spiritually as well as physically. We all die spiritually, and standing alone, our only and inevitable conclusion is ever-increasing chaos, darkness, and irredeemable death. That universal condition is what King Benjamin called our “awful situation.” It is awful because spiritual death, to be cut off from the presence of God, is both the worst and most common of all human conditions, and there is no way out on our own.

As the Savior’s mortal ministry draws to its sacred climax, the New Testament highlights a devoted group of women whose faith and service quietly shape the final hours of Jesus Christ’s life. In the days leading up to the Crucifixion, women appear as faithful disciples who minister with courage and devotion. The Gospels describe a woman in Bethany—identified as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus—who anoints Jesus with precious ointment, symbolically preparing Him for His burial and demonstrating profound spiritual insight. Other faithful women, including Mary the mother of Jesus and Martha of Bethany, had long served the Savior and supported His ministry. Their acts of hospitality, discipleship, and devotion reflect a pattern of covenant service—women who recognized the Savior and responded with love, generosity, and spiritual sensitivity. At the time of the Crucifixion, when many others had fled in fear, several faithful women remained near the cross, becoming eyewitnesses of the Savior’s sacrifice. Among them were Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Salome, along with other devoted disciples who had followed Him from Galilee and ministered to His needs. Their presence reflects remarkable courage and loyalty as they comfort one another and remain close to the Lord in His final mortal moments. These women would later play crucial roles in the sacred events surrounding His burial and Resurrection, preparing spices and returning to the tomb in loving service. From the preparation of the Last Supper to the sorrowful vigil at Golgotha, the women of the New Testament stand as powerful witnesses of Christ—models of faithful discipleship who served, mourned, and ultimately rejoiced in the triumph of their risen Redeemer.

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, Lynne Hilton Wilson explores Exodus 1–6, where the story of Israel shifts from refuge to oppression in Egypt. Centuries after Jacob’s family was welcomed during Joseph’s lifetime, their descendants had grown into a large and thriving people. A new Pharaoh, fearing their numbers, subjected the Israelites to harsh bondage. Yet even in this dark moment, the narrative highlights the courage and faith of remarkable women who quietly but powerfully advance God’s purposes. The Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah refuse Pharaoh’s command to kill newborn Hebrew boys, choosing reverence for God over obedience to an unjust ruler. Their bravery becomes the first act of resistance in the Exodus story, demonstrating how faithful women can stand as protectors of life and covenant. The account then centers on the women who preserve the life of the infant Moses—Jochebed, his faithful mother who entrusts him to the Lord; Miriam, his watchful sister who helps ensure his safety; and Pharaoh’s daughter, whose compassion leads her to rescue and adopt the Hebrew child. In these opening chapters of Exodus, women act with moral courage, compassion, and spiritual insight, preparing the way for Israel’s deliverance. As God begins to raise up Moses to lead His covenant people, these heroines remind us that divine work often begins through quiet acts of faith. For Latter-day Saint readers, their stories testify that obedience to God—especially in moments of risk—invites His protection and moves His covenant purposes forward.

The natural state of all things trends toward chaos. That process of degradation is broadly defined as “entropy.” Without the intervention of focused energy to counteract entropy, all things are continually breaking down, trending toward disorder. God not only offsets entropy but also creates order out of chaos. While God builds up, Satan tears down. While God’s house “… is a house of order…” Satan’s realm is confusion and chaos. While God is the Creator, Satan is the destroyer. Without intervention, entropy and chaos prevail spiritually and individually as well as physically and universally. Chaos, darkness, and death are all consequences of not keeping God’s commandments. “Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion.” How blessed we are to have God’s commandments. What safety, protection, and order come from keeping them.

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 compelling installment of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, Dr. Lynne Hilton Wilson continues her illuminating walk through the later chapters of Genesis (42–50), bringing to life the women and cultural dynamics woven through the final act of the Joseph narrative. Viewers will hear fresh insights about the ancient Egyptian world where Hebrew women—unlike in many neighboring societies—could own property, manage legal affairs, and exercise a surprising degree of autonomy in family life and commerce in some contexts—setting the stage for understanding how Jacob’s family navigated life in Egypt’s Delta. Drawing on historical and cultural sources, Dr. Wilson highlights how these social realities shaped the experiences of Israelite women in a foreign land. This video also explores Jacob’s visit to Pharaoh in Genesis 47, a moment that underscores the dramatic rise of Joseph’s family from famine refugees to honored guests in Egypt’s royal court, with Jacob himself offering blessings and receiving respect from the king. We also meet Serah, the daughter (or granddaughter) of Asher, whose brief biblical mention belies a rich later tradition about her role in preserving family memory and legacy in the land of Egypt. Plus, Dr. Wilson ties in recent archaeological work in the Goshen region (Tell el-Dab’a)—ancient Avaris—where excavations reveal a thriving Semitic city in the Nile Delta that may illuminate the cultural backdrop of Israel’s settlement in Egypt and offer tangible context for the stories we read in Genesis.

Your Eternal Father loves you more than anyone has ever loved another. All He does is for you and His children. He offers you and all His children everywhere supernal gifts, but most of His children neither receive nor rejoice in His marvelous gifts, and as a result, they are weak and unhappy, and heaven weeps with them. Can you imagine the sadness and disappointment of Our Father if we do not accept His magnificent gifts, when His children ignore Him after all He has done? Enoch saw that not only Heavenly Father but the whole of the heavens weep when we refuse or neglect His gifts. What are the greatest gifts our Father offers all His children everywhere from the beginning of time? His Son, His Spirit, and His life. Those are God’s greatest gifts to His children. To accept and receive those gifts is the best of all human conditions. What is the inconceivably high price paid to make them available? The creation, the fall, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and all the Gods have done and do “… to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” Words cannot describe, nor can we conceive or measure the height, the breadth, the depth of the gift of God’s own Son. “No tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man, neither can the hearts of men conceive (anything) so great and marvelous” as Jesus Christ, the Son of God by whom salvation and all good things are possible. New episodes every Saturday at 8:30 a.m. MST

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, Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the rich and often complicated stories of women in Genesis 37–41, shining a thoughtful Latter-day Saint lens on narratives that are frequently overshadowed by the story of Joseph. Dr. Wilson brings depth and cultural insight to the account of Dinah, whose story in Genesis 34 echoes into the later family tensions surrounding Joseph; Tamar, whose courageous and calculated actions in Genesis 38 preserve covenant lineage; and Potiphar’s wife, a powerful yet unnamed Egyptian woman whose encounter with Joseph in Genesis 39 raises questions about power, agency, morality, and voice. With careful attention to ancient Near Eastern context and covenant theology, this episode highlights how these women—whether victims, heroines, or antagonists—play essential roles in moving the Abrahamic story forward. Dr. Wilson invites viewers to look beyond surface readings and consider issues of honor, inheritance, justice, and faith in a patriarchal world. As Joseph rises from slavery to leadership in Egypt, the stories of these women remind us that God’s purposes unfold through complex human experiences—and that even the most difficult narratives in Genesis offer profound spiritual lessons for modern disciples.