The Scriptures Are Real

In this episode Kerry and Andy explore what happened between the Old and New Testament. They outline key events, ideas, and movements that help you make sense of the world of Jesus Christ and the New Testament. Without this information there will be so many things you won't understand, but with it, you will have so many "aha" moments as you see why they did what they did and believed what they believed in the New Testament.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 the Chappells recount spending Christmas in Bethlehem, and what they learned from shepherds and songs and stars in the place where it happened. These things lead to a discussion of how these things apply in our lives and how we can better understand Christ.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry helps us transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament by reviewing what we have learned about who the Great Jehovah really is, and what life in the Galille area and Nazareth were really like, so that we can better appreciate what it really means when Jehovah condescended to be born in Bethlehem.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 episode.

In this episode Kerry and his Jerusalem Center student, Sterling, explore Sterling's experience with the song Angels We Have Heard On High, both on his mission and in Bethlehem. That leads to Kerry remembering a singing experience that helped the nativity story become more real to his family in Bethlehem. 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.

Josh Matson and Kerry discuss the various ways the verses about turning the hearts of fathers and children to each other have been taken. They are used differently in our scriptures, and are even quoted differently, and we grapple with that. Josh also shows us how different ancient groups took these verses. We then tie it into the covenant, and wrap up the Old Testament with that.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 shortcast Kerry covers the major messages of Malachi, which are all really about the same theme. He looks at God's complaints about their sacrifices, and also about their tithes, and about their complaints against Him. Kerry identifies the underlying theme and what it has to do with us and what we are really trying to become, and with exaltation. 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 shortcast Kerry outlines Zechariah's visions. He gives us an idea of how to approach understanding Zechariah, and applies some of the visions to Zechariah's days and our lives. He also touches on his visions about the last days. 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.

Josh Matson and Kerry discuss how Haggai teaches us to focus on building the kingdom of God, and how remembering God is so important and changes us. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited the episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays music for the podcast.

Paul Hoskisson and Kerry explore the history behind these little known books. They then hit on the major messages of each one, focusing less on the pronouncements of judgment that make up most of these three books, and more on the rays of hope and gems of wisdom and edification that come from them. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast, Kerry explores the major messages of Micah, including Micah's teachings about the most important things God wants of us.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the episode.

Stephen has another point of view for looking at the Book of Jonah. He helps us see how the author of the book teaches lessons using irony and humor. 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.

Bethany and Kerry talk about some of the history of how Jonah has been taken. They also talk about the key messages of the Book of Jonah, and how God always gives us second chances. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited the episode, and to Rich Nicholls, who composes and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry and Lamar discuss the several times Amos teaches about prophets and why they are important and what we should do about them. They discuss the false prophets we all have in our lives without even realizing that we are accepting false prophets. They explore what it really means to be a prophet. They also look at what Amos teaches about the obligation to take care of those who are in need. They analyze how often we are the oppressors of the poor that prophets talk about, even though we think we are not. They try to bring this message home for each of us, and hope that it will help us all to do better at keeping covenant the way God has asked us to.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, for Alexia Muhlestein who edited this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry goes over some of Amos’s images of judgment that sometimes people struggle to understand. He discusses how Amos serves as an intercessor and what we should do as a result of the judgment God asks Amos to prophesy of.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, for Alexia Muhlestein who edited this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt discusses with Kerry the background of Obadiah, and how he was someone who tried to bring reconciliation to the families of Esau and Jacob. They also discuss what it means to be a Savior on Mount Zion and the different ways that can look in our lives right now.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Lamar and Kerry explore the images of destruction found in Joel, and what we should make of them. They also contrast them with the powerful images of blessings that are promised. They point out the things we should be aware of and the things we should look forward to, and how we might see these in our lives.We spoke about a talk by President Hinckley you can find here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2001/10/living-in-the-fulness-of-times?lang=engWe 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.

Kerry and Lamar explore what makes the message of Hosea so beautiful and uplifting, rather than so shocking and such a downer. They explain why Hosea's marriage to Gomer should give us hope, why the book of Hosea helps us understand the entire Old Testament, and how we learn so powerfully from Hosea and Gomer about God's willingness to forgive us and bestow covenant blessings upon us. 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.

Kerry and Julianne explore some of the big picture elements of Daniel, such as what it teaches a bout intentionality and acting rather than being acted upon, and about how the world influences us and how God is the God of all the world.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 this podcast.

Kerry and Lamar explore the background to Daniel, and also lessons we can learn from the lives of Daniel and his friends. They discuss how these men set themselves apart, and what we can learn from their willingness to accept God's will.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for this podcast.

In this shortcast, Kerry talks about symbolic actions that God asks his prophets to use to deliver prophecies. He then explores some of the many symbolic actions Ezekiel was asked to do as part of his ministry. 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 shortcast, Kerry explores the meaning of the vision of the dry bones coming to life, and of the sticks of Judah and Ephraim. He shows us the meaning they have in the chapter, and how important that meaning is, and how it helps us understand better the interpretation members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints usually attach to them. 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 special lecture, Kerry explains how a temple theme runs throughout Ezekiel. He traces that theme, and what it teaches us about being in God's presence, and how it makes sense of the entire book of Ezekiel. He also helps us see what this theme has to do with us. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited the video, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

George Pierce and Kerry explore the things Jeremiah went through and his mission and his prophecies, and how those can relate to us. They also explore how Jeremiah finds consolation in the midst of great tribulation.We are grateful for Lisa Spice, our sponsor, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for this episode.

In this shortcast Kerry and George explore the trial of Jeremiah being cast in a mire and other elements of the end of Jeremiah's ministry and his laments over Jerusalem.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Sabrina Muhlestein for editing this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry discusses Jeremiah's teachings about God forgiving, healing, and restoring Israel. This leads to profound teachings about the gathering of Israel, and even more profound teachings about renewing covenant and what the covenant means.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Sabrina Muhlestein who edited this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Kerry explores Jeremiah and his life and how that interacts with his prophecies. Jeremiah was persecuted as much as any prophet. His prophecies caused him to be persecuted, which then affected his prophecies. We will understand the Book of Jeremiah better by understanding what Jeremiah himself went through. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein for editing this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast, Kerry explores images that we can relate to that help us see how we need to be humbled and built up, and how we need to let God prevail in our lives more than anything else.You can find a chart correlating the chapters in Jeremiah the the historical chapters of 2 Kings, and a chart putting all of the chapters of Jeremiah in chronological order (as best we can) at Kerry's website: https://www.outofthedust.org/old-testament-aids/. Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Avram and Kerry discuss the background to the book of Jeremiah and Jeremiah's call and what all of this has to do with us.You can find a chart correlating the chapters in Jeremiah the the historical chapters of 2 Kings, and a chart putting all of the chapters of Jeremiah in chronological order (as best we can) at Kerry's website: https://www.outofthedust.org/old-testament-aids/. Kerry and Avram mention the book "Glimpses of Lehi's Jerusalem," which can be found at https://mi.byu.edu/book/glimpses-of-lehi-s-jerusalem/.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry discusses the teachings of Isaiah 65 and how it sums up many of Isaiah’s themes, especially how God accepts us back and blesses us when we return to Him and keep His covenant.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, who edited this video, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this class video Kerry discusses (and shows lots of images about) the imagery Isaiah paints of the Messiah treading the winepress alone.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited this video, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry discusses how our Isaiah reading coincides with the celebration of Yom Kippur. He shows briefly how Isaiah 58, a traditional reading for the Day of Atonement), fits into the Day of Atonement. He spends more time on Isaiah 61 and the verses Christ read in the synagogue at Nazareth, and how Isaiah and Christ were drawing on the imagery of the Jubilee Year and the Day of Atonement, and what that has to do with us.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, who edited this video, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Terry and Kerry talk about Isaiah 58 and 59, and then discuss how Gentile nations will help gather Israel, and how Israel will help Gentiles come to the covenant.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited this video, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this class video, Kerry goes over how Isaiah 58 teaches about the fast, and the importance of doing it with true intent. This represents a change for Judah, who will have a change of heart, leading to the exultant chapters following this.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited this video, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this short class video, Kerry explores some Isaiah passages that teach us about symbolic Babylon, especially Isaiah 57. He focuses on our need to learn from Isaiah about leaving Babylon.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for this episode.

In this shortcast Kerry explains Rosh HaShannah (being celebrated on Monday and Tuesday this week), and how it ties into the Days of Awe/High Holy Days, and Yom Kippur, and how Isaiah 55 ties into that, and what that should have to do with your life this week.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Kerry shares on the podcast an in-service lesson he presented to seminary teachers about the chapters covered in Come Follow Me this week. He especially focuses on how recognizing the covenant language in the reading, and how looking closely at how Jacob uses these chapters in 2 Nephi, reveals another layer of meaning to Isaiah’s teachings.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Jacob Muhlestein for editing this episode, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this class video Kerry briefly discusses the notion of a “Third Isaiah” and covers the first 8 verses of Isaiah 56 and how they teach us about God gathering the outcast and making everyone part of His family.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Alexia Muhlestein for editing this episode, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this class video Kerry discusses how much Isaiah 52 is used in the Book of Mormon. Then he covers 52:1-2, exploring its interaction with Isa 47. Then he explores its interaction with 2 Nephi 8 and 9 and Isaiah’s notion of communal salvation and how we are saved as individuals as God saves Israel as a whole.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Alexia Muhlestein for editing this episode, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this broad ranging discussion, Kerry and Shon explore the meaning of many of the chapters and verses in Isaiah 50-57. They touch on what we learn from Abinadi, and King Benjamin, and on the context of Isaiah’s day. They find many spiritual insights together.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Alexia Muhlestein for editing this episode, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Bethany Jensen and Kerry discuss in depth many of the verses in Isaiah 48-49. The explore how chapter 48 is set up like a treaty in Isaiah's day and what this might mean for us. They explore the impact of these chapters on the Book of Mormon and dive into the symbolism of many verses and how they can apply in Isaiah's day and in ours.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Jacob Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this short class video Kerry explains the symbolism behind the Mesopotamian gods Bel and Marduk. He then addresses why Babylon is punished, and does a big overview of these chapters. He also covers verses in 47:7-9 about Babylon thinking they will be a lady forever, and contrasting that with Isaiah 52, since that contrast is crucial for understanding that famous chapter.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Alexia Muhlestein for editing this episode, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music for the podcast.

In this short class video, Kerry discusses the servant and its various interpretations. He then discusses the end of chapter 41 and beginning of chapter 42. After this he explores Isaiah 42:5-7, and how the covenant is the servant.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Alexia Muhlestein for editing this episode, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music for the podcast.

In this joint podcast with the Proctors of Meridian Magazine's Come Follow Him podcast, Kerry and the Proctors explain how to best understand elements of key chapters, images and ideas that span the entire reading assignment for this week.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Michaela Proctor Hutchins for editing this episode, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music for the podcast.

In this short video made for his class, Kerry explains a chiasmus he has discovered that gives a tremendous amount of added meaning to chapters 40-57.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Alexia Muhlestein for editing this episode, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music for the podcast.

This episode helps cover some of the material that was not in the reading for last week or this week. In this episode made for Kerry's Isaiah class, Kerry covers the timing of chapter 32. He also explores 32:1-5, and 9-12 and why Isaiah is addressing women. Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music for the podcast.

Kerry provides the historical and spiritual background to help us understand how Judah got to where they were largely destroyed, and how they got to where Jerusalem was spared, and what the famous lines about comforting God's people means in light of that, and what we can learn from that.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Alexia Muhlestein for editing this episode, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry and Lamar explore the real (and more profound and involved) meanings of Isaiah's teachings about line upon line, and upon speaking out of the dust. You will find that it all means more to you than you had thought and applies to you more than you thought.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Jacob Muhlestein for editing the episode, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music.

In this shortcast Kerry discusses some important images from chapters 25 and 27, and how the Savior fights for us to save us.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music.

In this shortcast Kerry discusses how difficult it was for Isaiah to see the destruction of Babylon, and also the destruction of Edom. He also discusses lessons we can learn from Shebna looking to the world and being replaced by Eliakim who is a type of Christ.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music.

In this shortcast Kerry helps explain the meaning of the first few verses of Isaiah 21 and a few verses in Isaiah 22.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music.