The Scriptures Are Real

In this episode Kerry and Jennifer discuss the following books:https://amzn.to/3RYHxWj and https://amzn.to/46JSD5ZIn this episode, Jennifer Lane and Kerry talk about Paul as a mentor to church leaders. They explore how this and all else he does are governed by his desire to come to Christ, and how he left sinfulness behind and came to Christ and wants everyone else to do the same and how he is disappointed when they don’t. They also address what are sometimes seen as difficult chapters because of how Paul teaches about his culture, and they couch this in the blessed advantage we have in that we can look to modern prophets to help with knowing how to take these teachings in our own day. They discuss the need to take advantage of priesthood power in being set apart and in receiving the Holy Ghost, and explore teachings about having pure motives in what we do, especially loving God and each other. They dive into what we can learn about Christ saving us and changing us which allows us to live in the space of having relationship with Christ and trying to be godly, which is part of being saved, and running the good race. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry and Brent discuss Paul's teachings about loving god and each other. They also talk about how we are to leave behind us the things of the world as we have become begotten as new creatures in Christ. When we turn to the world we become deceived and lose so much. When we remain fast in following our new selves in Christ, we become so much more. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry and Rabbi Joe Charnes discuss what we can learn from an honest study of other faiths from their point of view. Rabbi Charnes also speaks of some of the things he gained from attending General Conference. Then they explore the first two verses of Colossians, especially discussing how we should leave peace, grace, and love with those we meet, and be present for them with genuine love rather than a formulaic love. A message from Rabbi Charnes: Shalom, friends. In the podcast, I quoted a General Authority’s words speaking of the need for less judgment, and more love. Sadly, I was unable to remember his name. Here is the General Conference quote from Elder Alan T. Phillips that truly would, if followed, transform our world: “We can heed President Nelson’s counsel to judge, less, love more…” Thank you Elder Phillips. Thank you for both hearing and heeding the wise words of wisdom from President Nelson’s heart. I wish you grace and peace.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Stephen Taeger and Kerry address what Philippians can teach about the question of what makes Paul such a great Christian. What is it about who and what he is that enables him to be such an effective tool in spreading God's word? They also ask how we can accept others when they have motives and ideas that our different from ours. They then explore the difference between justification, sanctification, and perfectionism. They discuss how we can be changed by Christ and belong to Christ and the Father. They analyze the metaphor of life as a race and pressing forward in that race. They talk about what it means to be redeemed by Christ, even right now, at this present time in our lives. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Using Philip's published translation of Ephesians, Kerry and Philip Abbot discuss the language and beauty of the Epistle to the Ephesians. They also explore how the teachings in this letter are related to the temple. They also talk about its teachings about the Second Coming and Christ's conquering of the world for us. They also probe Paul's teachings about how we become alive in Christ and thus overcome what we were when we were part of the world. They discuss how this is happening for us now and we receive an earnest, or down payment, change, and how it will continue to happen for us. They also explore how Christ can bring us together to each other and to God. They touch on Paul's teachings about marriage and how we learn from Christ about how to be a good spouse. They lead us through a discussion about our spiritual battle with the world. The explore language about sitting and walking and standing that help us understand the temple. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry gives an overview of the Epistle to the Ephesians. He covers the historical background and why that has an impact on how we understand the letter. He touches on how the world influences us, how Paul says we can combat that, and on unity. He also explores what Paul teaches about praise, how unity is not just about each other, but how Christ unifies us with God. He explores how Christ creates us anew and thus helps us leave the world and the way we have been behind, and what it has to do with covenants. He also explores how Christ's condescension allows for our ascension. He also touches on Paul's teachings on marriage and how we understand those in light of modern revelation. We are grateful for our sponsor Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast, Kerry provides an overview of the Epistle to the Galatians, including some historical background. He focuses on what Paul teaches about the law, and how focusing on the law, in Paul's day or ours, brings problems. He highlights Paul's central message about Christ being able to change us, and make us new beings begotten by His atoning sacrifice. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this video Gaye Strathearn and Kerry discuss the nature of the epistle to the Galatians. They go through the added history we learn about the early Christian question regarding the Law of Moses, exploring what that meant for them and how it applies in our day. They discuss the kind of growth that comes from focusing on Christ and His law. They explore what it means to live by the Spirit and the kind of liberty that comes from that and what love has to do with that, and the way it can transform us. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Brent and Kerry explore Paul's second message to the Corinthians. They explore God's enabling grace that He bestows on us and its relationship with the covenant. They discuss how we are weak and should not be unkind to ourselves because of that, but rather trust in God's kindness. They help us see the relationship between the Father, the Son, us, and each other. They show that as God is kind to us we should be kind and sharing and charitable with others, and follow the prophets. They remind us to always be humble and kind, and then God will be kind to us.They mention the website netbible.orgWe are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Kerry and Dan discuss how, when we see others as they are, it affects us and the way we think of and treat them. The explore the need to figure out how to see the divine nature in others. They also discuss how God and his prophets have confidence in us, and that Paul was full of love. This leads to analyzing how all other teachings work if we are full of love and have a pure heart in our actions. The compare things in Paul's day and modern membership councils. They teach us that we sometimes have to go against the flow of the world. The discuss what Godly sorrow is and understanding how what we do affects others and what that has to do with repentance and how it allows us to move on and why repentance is great, not scary.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Kerry and Dan discuss the background of 2 Corinthians, and the pain and difficulties Paul has been through. They also explore the need to see afar off, and how blessed we are to have prophets and apostles do do, and who can help us do so as well. They then explore how sometimes prophets need to tell us what we need to change, and how they can show an increase love thereafter. They help us explore a more spiritually mature way to think of taking and giving offense. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry and Teneal Coons discuss how Christ is the answer to every question, and how we can both recognize the importance of the cross and still emphasize the resurrected Christ and at the same time identify and interact with our Christian cousins. Teneal shares her compelling story of finding Christ as her answer and wanting to share that light and peace with friends of her and other faiths.You can find Teneal's work at https://he-lives.net/We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry and Jennifer Lane explore the gifts God gives us, why we should seek them, what they have to do with charity, and how we need to constantly be on our watch to avoid selfishness regarding them. They also explore the beliefs about resurrection in Paul's day, and how that influences the powerful lessons he teaches about the resurrection. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Gaylamarie and Kerry discuss Paul's teachings about unity, the covenant community, gifts from God, Christ's grace and power, and charity.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry and Lincoln Blumell discuss Corinth, the saints there, their challenges, and Paul's timely and timeless teachings in the first seven chapters of 1 Corinthians. They help us understand the importance of unity, and Paul's approach to chastity. They also go in depth into the often misunderstood teachings about marriage and sexuality that we find in this epistle. Looking at the letter more closely they help us understand the interaction of mission service, marriage, and sexual relations, and misunderstandings about celibacy. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry gives the background behind Paul's letter to the Corinthians and summarizes the key elements of the letter so that the listener can understand how each piece of the letter fits into the bigger picture. He helps us understand Corinth itself, and Paul's life and purpose at the time of writing the epistle, all of which will help us understand his teachings.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Brent Schmidt and Kerry discuss Brent's research into the real meaning of the Greek words translated as grace and faith. This reveals something different than is usually thought, and will revolutionize the way you understand Paul's passages in all his epistles about them. You will see that grace has to do with covenant, and in many places and ways is similar to hesed. Understanding this will make Paul's writings become more accessible and applicable in your life. This episode will affect the way you read the rest of Paul's epistles.If you would like a free pdf of Brent's book, email Kerry at [email protected]. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry and Dan discuss the transformative power of Christ as explained by Paul in the second half of Romans. Their wide ranging discussion explores in depth the notion of killing part of ourselves and having it replaced by Christ, and the power of that happening. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

This is the full version of this episode. Due to a technical glitch, for a few days a partial version was posted, but now we have the full version presented here.In this shortcast Kerry provides and overview of the Epistle to the Romans. He explains what the reasons for the epistle were, what it is about in general, and how the various parts fit into the whole. In this way you are able to gain more out of each part of reading Romans.There is also some bonus material from next week's podcast, where Dan Belnap also gives and overview of the first several chapters of Romans, again helping you get the most out of your reading, and preparing you to get more out of next week's reading as well.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry asks Lincoln Blumell and Gaye Strathearn to help him and the audience to love Paul, even when his teachings in the epistles seem thorny, and to better understand Paul's writings. Together they explore things that can make the epistles difficult to understand, things that make them easier, and things that help us learn from and love them. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for this episode.

In this episode Kerry and Jason discuss the power of Paul's testimony. They explore why many Jews sought to kill him, the parts of his testimony that they were able to receive and what they could not, and what that has to do with us and how we can apply it in our lives. They explore how his accounts of seeing Christ differ and what we can learn from that and how it parallels Joseph Smith's accounts of seeing Christ. They also discuss the effect this testimony has on Agrippa and Festus. They then explore what happens to Paul in his journey to Rome and what he does in Rome. They draw powerful lessons from the way Paul testifies and endures there, and how that should affect us. They also probe into the way Luke ends the book of Acts and why he may have done so and what that should mean to us.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for BJ Muhlestein, who edited this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry and Lamar explore Paul's second and third missionary journeys. They help us see what Paul was trying to do on these trips and why he made them, and how understanding them will help us understand Paul's epistles. They help us see how many of the things that happened on these missionary journeys echo the journeys we are on, and how they apply to us.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for BJ Muhlestein, who edited this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In part two of this episode, Andy Skinner and Kerry explore the ramifications of Gentiles accepting the Gospel. They discuss how this raised questions among those who were already following Jesus, who were all Jews. They probe into modern parallels. This leads to discussions about what all of this has to do with us in our lives in our day.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In part one of this episode, Andy Skinner and Kerry explore the vision that sent taught Peter and the church that the full blessings of the gospel and covenant were available to all people, not just Jews. They discuss how this is one of the most important events in the history of the church in any era. They also look at parallels with the spread of the Gospel in the Latter days. This leads to discussions about what all of this has to do with us in our lives in our day.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry and Lamar discuss the struggle ancient and latter saints have in finding the balance between being in modern culture and being in godly culture. They also discuss the ministries of Stephen and Phillip and what we can learn from them, and from those who desire good things mixed with bad things. They explore the road to Damascus and how it ties together so many things the Savior taught us and tries to do with us as exemplified by the conversion of Saul/Paul, and what "conversion" meant for him.During the discussion about Phillip they refer to a book by Kerry about being guided in studying Isaiah. That book can be found at https://amzn.to/46CSy4r.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this joint SPARC episode, Kerry provides an overview of the themes of the Book of Acts. He outlines how the storyline carries along those themes and how that will help us understand not only the Book of Acts, but all the epistles of Paul. He also gives a brief overview of the three missionary journeys of Paul. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nichols, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this interview Josh and Kerry explore the statement in John 20 that signs were given that we might believe. They then explore that theme throughout the book of John, and tie it in to our own lives.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for BJ Muhlestein, who edited this episode, and for Rich Nichols, who composed and plays the music for the podcast

In this episode Kerry and Jennifer explore the struggle of the disciples to understand Christ after His crucifixion. They delve into how we must mirror their discipleship as they come to understand who Christ really was, what it meant to be the Messiah, and how the resurrection fits into it all. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry and Andy follow up on the trials of Jesus, Peter's denial, the suffering on the cross, the days between, and the resurrection. They discuss some of the most powerful images and moments in all of history.They discuss Andrew Skinner's book, which can be purchased here: https://amzn.to/3NyhL8G .We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for BJ Muhlestein, who edited the episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who plays and composed the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry and Andy discuss the importance of Christ's suffering, His teachings on unity and His solitude in suffering, what we know about His suffering, how we can think about it, and other elements of the atoning sacrifice of Christ in Gethsemane. In the episode, we talk about Andy's book, which you can buy here (https://amzn.to/3N3HUdR) (just copy and paste it into your browser) or for just the book on Gethsemane you can buy it here (https://amzn.to/3CozFo4)We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Jonathan and Kerry discuss how real the scriptures are. They talk about experiences that help us think through the mortal difficulties Christ experienced and how real His condescension was. They especially discuss this in terms of the teachings at the Last Supper and also Christ's sufferings, and also the David and Goliath story. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Kerry and Lamar explore the institution of the sacrament and the in-depth teachings the Savior gives His disciples just afterwards. They especially delve into Christ's teachings about relationship between Him, God, the Holy Ghost and His followers, and what that has to do with covenant and us. They reference a talk by Elder Holland that can be found here.and a talk about it found here.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, BJ Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast, Kerry explains the question the Savior was asked about a woman who married seven brothers. He helps us see how understanding the cultural elements of a Levirate Marriage explains what this question was about and what the Savior's answer was. Many people misunderstand the Savior's answer because they don't understand Levirate Marriage. Understanding just a few things helps all of this make sense.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry and Ryan discuss the Savior's institution of the Sacrament at the Last Supper. They talk about covenants, the Lord always being willing to work with us, the power of the Sacrament, and many other things, with an eye on helping all of this have practical application in every day life. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry and Andy discuss the great Olivet Sermon, or the sermon on the signs of the times. They explore how the Joseph Smith translation revolutionizes our understanding of this sermon, and how it came about, and what it meant in the Savior’s day and what it means for our day. They explore the signs of the times and what it means for us and the hope we can have.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode John and Kerry explore the three parables that the Savior used to explain how to be ready for when He returned again. They discuss how we sometimes misunderstand them, and how they can be applied to our lives. They especially discuss how they can help us as individuals and as a people be unified and be ready to see Christ. They also explore what it has to do with the covenant and the love of God and others.They discuss a fireside by Kerry which can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NS8LPaaZzZE.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast..

In this episode George and Kerry discuss some of the details of the Triumphal Entry, including how understanding Biblical and Ancient Near Eastern history and symbols help us understand the event and apply it to our lives. They help the story come alive in a more full way and help make the rest of the events around that time make more sense as well.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited the episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry and Sam discuss the young man who asks what he lacks yet. They explore that attitude in general, and tie it in to mothers and some of the issues confronting them. They tie this in to Mother's Day, which is the last day of this reading week.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for this episode.

In this shortcast Kerry explores how raising Lazarus from the dead shifted the way Jesus was viewed. He also further explores Christ's teachings about His relationship with the Father.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode, Shon and Kerry explore different ways of looking at the parables of the lost. They especially focus on the Prodigal Son and how we can relate to and learn from both sons and the father. They discuss Joseph Smith's ideas that the ninety-and-nine are damned anyhow.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode, Shon and Kerry explore different ways of looking at the parables of the lost. They especially focus on the Prodigal Son and how we can relate to and learn from both sons and the father. They discuss Joseph Smith's ideas that the ninety-and-nine are damned anyhow.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry explores the things Jesus teaches about His relationship with the Father that are found in all of these chapters. He touches on what that means about us, and what it teaches us about the Father. He also touches on the man born blind and how that story starts to set up the Savior's death, and on shepherd teachingsWe are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Phil Allred and Kerry explore several things about the Savior's teachings, but they especially focus on the story of the woman taken in adultery, and how the Savior does not excuse her, but does give her space in which to change. They dive into the idea of how the Savior creates space for God, us, change, revelation, etc. They contrast what the Savior does with what Satan does.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Lori and Kerry discuss the trips the Savior, His Apostles, and the Seventy take, and lessons from that trip. In particular they focus on the story of Mary and Martha and the needful thing of coming to Christ. They explore different lessons that can be taken from that experience, especially in light of all that leads up to it, and different ways it can apply to our lives.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited the episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry and Emily explore the story where a father tells Jesus he believes, but also asks for help with his unbelief. The discuss what it means to believe and how we all need to increase our faith, and the many ways it can look like when we are on a journey of increasing belief. They also talk about how when we are on that journey we often have to rethink how we conceive of our relationship with God. This is a discussion that is important for everyone, for if you are not on this journey right now, you will know someone who is. This discussion can be such a blessing for so many people.Emily's book that is discussed is called Divine QuietnessWe are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and also for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited the episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry and Shon explore symbolism behind the setting of the Savior asking whom His disciples say that He was, and behind Peter’s declaration. They help each other see meanings behind that episode that neither had seen before.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and also for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited the episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this short episode Julianne and Kerry bear testimony of the importance of and hope that stems from Christ and His resurrection.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Julianne and Kerry explore a Latter-day Saint point of view of Holy Saturday, an Orthodox Saturday tradition, and how the disciples must have felt on that Saturday and what that has to do with us and the Comforter. They also have some ideas of how to commemorate Holy SaturdayWe are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Julianne and Kerry discuss commemorating the crucifixion and death of Christ. They speak of some of the details of how crucifixion worked, and they also focus on the Savior's statements on the cross and of testimonies.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this special Holy Week episode, Julianne and Kerry discuss some key points from the Savior's suffering in Gethsemane and His trial before the Sanhedrin.We are grateful for our Sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for this episode.