The Scriptures Are Real

In this episode Lamar and Kerry explore how the Psalms help us worship and praise God, and why we should want to. They also explore why we should care about the Psalms, especially why we would sing psalms written by David.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Jacob Muhlestein, and to Rich Nicholls who composed and plays the music for the episode.

In this shortcast Kerry explores the meaning behind having clean palms and a pure heart, tying it into the rituals of the tabernacle and temple that he has spoken about before, as well as into images in Isaiah. There is more to this meaning than you may have supposed.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Jacob Muhlestein, who edited this episode, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry is joined by Shon and Arden Hopkin. Shon is the Ancient Scripture Department Chair at BYU. His father, Arden, was a professor of music and a professional cantor for multiple synagogues. Along with Kerry they explore what the psalms are, how they are used in various traditions, how they have affected music, and how they can affect us. This episode includes demonstrations of a cantor reciting the psalms. various artists reciting the psalms, and even Arden singing a psalm. It will help you understand the psalms like nothing else!Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, to Jacob Muhlestein for editing this episode, and to Rich Nicholls, for composing and playing the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry gives a brief introduction into the Book of Job, helping us think through the reality of Job as a person and outlining some of the things Job suffered.This is an updated version of this episode. Somehow the upload of the last version had a spot with no audio. In this version not only is there audio throughout, but I added just a little more information. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for this podcast.

In this episode Kerry interviews Josh Sears, and together they explore what the scriptures can teach us about suffering. They explore several examples of scriptural characters who endured suffering and what we can learn from them.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for this podcast.

In this episode Heather B. Moore, who wrote a historical fiction novel about Esther, helps Kerry explore both what it takes to think through the life of a biblical character and some lessons from the Book of Esther and her actions. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Jacob Muhlestein, who edited this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry gives a brief introduction to the Book of Esther and its major themes, making it possible for you to get the most out of your study and other episodes dealing with Esther.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 episode Kerry and John discuss Nehemiah as he tries to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. They highlight several lessons we can gain from Nehemiah's experience.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Jacob Muhlestein for editing this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Jennifer Lane helps us think through many elements of life that those returning from Babylon had to negotiate. She helps us relate those to ourselves and highlights some lessons to take away.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry walks us through the history of how we get from the Babylonian captivity of the Jews to their return and the rebuilding of the temple. This allows us to understand several prophetic works better as well as the era of the New Testament, and even our own day.

In this very short shortcast, Kerry discusses Josiah and the influence he has on the Bible and the Book of Mormon.We are grateful for our sponsor Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for this podcast.

In this episode Kerry interviews Andrew Skinner, who walks us through a number of elements of Hezekiah's reign and ministry. He helps us learn about the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem and Hezekiah's leadership in preparing for that and national repentance.In this interview Kerry and Andy discuss Hezekiah's tunnel, a run through which Kerry posts on his Scriptures Are Real YouTube channel. You can watch it there. https://youtu.be/CP-amXFwQcc We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast, Kerry goes just a little more in depth into the Fall of the Kingdom of Israel. He then spends some time on some of the powerful lessons we can learn from this, and how they apply to our lives. He also helps us understand the scattering and gathering of Israel.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Gaye and Kerry discuss the archaeology and texts from Lachish, one of the most fortified cities in Judah. They go through some of the evidence that makes the fall of the last city to be attacked before Jerusalem, both by the Assyrians and the Babylonians, become real to them. They also discuss lessons we can learn from this.On the YouTube version of The Scriptures Are Real I have posted a video of our using the mirrors at Lachish and Azekah.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast

In this episode Kerry takes us through the story of how the kingdoms of Israel and then Judah fall. He gives a quick storyline, hitting only highlights. He then spends some time on some lessons we can learn from why they fell, and the role that their leaders played in that fall.For more details and geography, etc. on this storyline, consider watching https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180168013001 and https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180161105001and https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180158069001 and https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180174163001and https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180168044001 and https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180178007001and https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180168060001 (In this video I accidentally say "Ural Mountains" when I mean the "Zagros Mountains". Sorry about that. What are you going to do with me?)and https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180168068001and https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180174226001We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, for Sabrina Muhlestein, who edited this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and played the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry reviews the storyline of Elisha, the kings of Israel and Judah, and other key stories that are necessary for understanding the Old Testament and drawing the lessons we need to draw.To further understand these stories and picture them, consider watching https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180172416001 and https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180189727001We thank Lisa Spice for sponsoring us, and Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this touching and hope filled episode, Kerry and Kristen explore the story of Elisha and the chariots his servants sees when Elisha tells them "they that be with us are more than they that be with them." Kristen compares this to the ways God helps us in our day, and shares how that has helped her with some mental health challenges. You can see more about what Kristen does at https://kristenwalkersmith.com/ and https://oneminutescripturestudy.libsyn.com/. I find Kristen's and Cali's podcast so powerful and helpful!We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Sabrina Muhlestein, who edited this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and played the music for the podcast.

Kerry and Lamar explore some of Elisha's better known miracles, and some strange stories that are hard to make sense of. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Sabrina Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for this podcast.

Kerry and Lamar discuss the calling of Elisha and what it meant for Elijah's day, and what it means for our day. The story and the symbolism is very real and very powerful.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.

Kim talks about the story of Elijah learning from the Still, Small Voice and how it has worked in her life, and together she and Kerry explore some lessons for everyone.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Kerry casts light on the story of Elijah using knowledge of the Canaanite pantheon. He also explores what we can learn for our own lives from the real meaning of Elijah's question about how long we will limp between two opinions. There are very real applications for our lives.Consider watching https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180200925001 and https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180189744001 and https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180197896001We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, wo composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Kerry explores how the kingdom divided upon the death of Solomon, and how the Kingdom of Israel hurtled towards idolatry, and asks of us how we might have the same proclivities.Consider watching https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180156329001 and https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180161071001 and https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180156342001We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls who composed and plays the music for the podcast

In this shortcast Kerry explores lessons we can learn from the life of Solomon. He pays especial attention to Solomon's dedicatory prayer and the themes of forgiveness, covenant and atonement that are present in the prayer.Consider watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVDzTF5iG6E and https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180201039001, and https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180201046001. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this interview Trevan and Kerry explore the importance of looking at the daily and personal elements of the scriptures, using the story of David and Goliath as an example.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music for the podcast.

Kerry discusses the steps that led to David's fall (including how we often think of mistakes he made that were not necessarily mistakes), and what we can learn from it. He also discusses David's repentance, and what David's life was like after that. Consider watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4cmp9KZT8E and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_ionP-CFdc and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0IufJQ4OzM and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ynRcxq6wj4. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry reviews how David became king of Judah, and then all Israel. The establishment of Jerusalem, the problems with Joab, and lessons we can learn are all discussed.Consider watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlaisNkRMDY.We are grateful to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry covers some of the material that is not assigned in Come Follow Me, but which is crucial for understanding the storyline that is assigned, and for learning what we need to learn. The lessons from Saul's life are important for us to learn from, and the loss of Jonathan is tragic.Consider watching https://www.youtube.com/wa. tch?v=Y1ZCR0nlg0kWe are grateful to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music for the podcast.

Kerry and Dustin discuss the friendship of Jonathan and David. They compare it to other other ancient literature an to modern friends. In a far ranging discussion they hit on principles that are pertinent to modern life and especially to youth and young adults and anyone who knows or loves them.We are grateful to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Kerry explores the story of David's beginnings, trying to make sense of some chronological questions, highlighting geographical elements of the story that are real, but largely focusing on elements of the story that are so similar to our day and what we can learn from them.Consider watching the YouTube video he made for his classes to understand the geography better. It is found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXWVxut043s and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myD8NN1hnbQ.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music.

Kerry explores why Saul is called as king, and how it affects his reign. He explores the downfall of Saul, and how similar we are, and lessons we should learn from this.You may want to consider the geography that can be learned at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTawluDZ5Hk.Our gratitude for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music.

Kerry and Lamar explore the success Israel has under Samuel, and what it means that Samuel sets up an Eben-Ezer, and what that has to do with our life. They also explore Israel's request for a king and what that has to do with our life.Our gratitude for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Ric Nicholls for composing and playing the music.

In this shortcast Kerry covers some of the material not listed in the Come Follow Me reading, but which helps us to make sense of the rest of the stories we do read for this week. It helps us understand who Samuel is, what he does, and also the story of Saul. There are so many lessons to learn from these chapters, and so much that helps us make better sense of the rest of the reading.Consider looking at the geography, maps, and pictures that are found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SY5tbXF4ro. Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music.

In this joint podcast/broadcast with SPARC, Kerry explores the elements of the story of Ruth that point towards Christ and covenant and redemption. Just a few little background elements help us see so much more in this story and it becomes so much more powerful.If you are interested in learning more about SPARC, go to sparcproject.orgWe are grateful to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and played the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry explores the calling of Samuel, and also the composition of the Book of Samuel. There are tremendous lessons for our life in the story of Samuel's calling.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Sabrina Muhlestein for editing this episode, and to Rich Nicholls who composed and played the music for the podcast.

In this episode Julianne and Kerry explore the story of Hannah's miraculous conception and her willingness to sacrifice, and contrast it with Eli's unwillingness. There are powerful lessons to learn from the repeated theme of the Abrahamic Sacrifice.Our gratitude for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and played the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry explores more of the lessons we can learn from the Samson story. He also explores some of the sad and strange stories from the end of the Book of Judges, which gives us information that will help us make sense of stories we will encounter in the First Samuel.Our gratitude goes to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and played the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry explores the stories of Gideon and Jephthah. He delves into the lessons we can learn from these stories, and the strange aspects of the Jephthah story.We are grateful for Lisa Spice, our sponsor, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and played the music.

In this Shortcast Kerry gives and overview of the lessons to learn from the Book of Judges. Then he looks at the story of Deborah, Barak, and Jael, drawing lessons from their story for our day.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music for the podcast.

Kerry interviews Jeff Chadwick, a colleague who has been excavating in Israel for well over 3 decades, and has worked on Philistine sites in which the stories of Samson and Goliath took place. They discuss the applicability of the Book of Judges for our lives today.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry reviews the challenges the Israelites had in the wilderness and how God overcame those as they entered the Land of Promise. In doing so, he recaps the conquest of the land.Our gratitude for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing our music.

Lamar and Kerry talk about the most important messages from the Book of Joshua. There is a surprising amount of important theological meaning in a book that most people think of being about warfare.Lamar and I referenced some videos I have posted with more details about history and geography and archaeology. These can be found by going to the following website and scrolling to the bottom to find the "Old Testament Video Series" column. https://www.outofthedust.org/old-testament-aids/ Our thanks to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music.

Kerry and Lamar give a bird's eye view of the Old Testament so far. As we leave the Torah, or Pentateuch, and enter into the Promised Land, it is worth looking at the big picture. It will help us understand the rest of the Old Testament. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and played the music.

Kerry interviews George Pierce on what we can learn from archaeology about the Israelites coming into the Promised Land. With all of that we can flesh out the stories better.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, to Kaleb Muhlestein for producing the episode, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing our music.

Sam and Kerry explore why Moses couldn't go into the Promised Land, and lessons we can learn from that for our own lives.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to our editor, Kaleb Muhlestein, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the song.

In this episode Kerry and Jenet have an open discussion about some elements of the covenant in our lives and how it affects us. They explore how understanding the covenant and God's relationship with us correctly affects the way we view how we approach salvation. Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music.

In this shortcast Kerry gives a quick overview of Deuteronomy. Because Deuteronomy is largely about the covenant, Kerry especially explores the most crucial verses in Judaism and in the covenant, and what it means for each covenant holder in their life.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music.

Keith Wilson and Kerry explore the story of the fiery serpents who bit the children of Israel in the wilderness. They discuss the theme in the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon and what it may really have been like and how it applies to us.Thanks to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Kaleb Muhlestein for editing this episode, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music.

In this shortcast Kerry explores how the journey of the Israelites is similar to our journey to be with God. This allows us to better understand the role of faith, atonement, and believing Christ in our lives.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Kaleb Muhlestein, for editing this episode, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music.

Kerry interviews Julianne Muhlestein about times when they witnessed people living the Law of Moses and how it impacted them in a positive way. They especially focus on holiness and the atoning sacrifice of Christ and how it affects them and their family. Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, to Kaleb Muhlestein for editing the episode, and to Rich Nicholls for playing and composing the music.

In this shortcast, Kerry explores elements of the Law of Moses that demonstrate mercy and love. He talks about how this is part of the covenant and how to think about applications today, even post-Law-of-Moses. Our gratitude to Lisa Spice for being our sponsor, and Kaleb Muhlestein for editing this video, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music.