The Scriptures Are Real (TSAR) with Kerry Muhlestein is a podcast where we look at elements of the scriptures that have become real to us. We interview both experts (people with language, archaeological, historical backgrounds, etc.), and lay folks, and explore times when the scriptures became real to them. This is done from the viewpoint of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We believe that there is real power in the scriptures and that as they become more real we can better apply them to our lives and draw more power from them. If you listen to this podcast you will learn all kinds of interesting background information that will help you understand and learn more from the scriptures. We believe it will allow you to add real power to your life. My gratitude to my co-host Lamar Newmeyer. Also to my friend Rich Nicholls, who composed the introductory music.
Get a 15% discount on D&C and Restoration titles at Seagullbook.com by entering the code KERRY2025
Also, consider getting access to a lot of extra material by joining us at TSAR.website.
In this episode Kerry and Robert Millet explore facets of Moroni's visits to Joseph Smith. In particular they talk about the prophecies of Elijah's return that Moroni quoted, and how that was fulfilled and the importance of that. They also explore other teachings of Moroni, and the visit of John the Baptist, and the keys of ministering of Angels that he restored. They talk about the truth of the Book of Mormon and the power of knowing.
We are grateful for our generous donors and for Launchpad Consulting Studios for producing this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.
Please join us at our Patreon website (TSAR.website) to get fantastic extra content from Dr. Skinner and many others. We also encourage you to reach out to [email protected] for all your marketing, brand, recording, and production needs.
In this episode Andrew Skinner and Kerry explore the beginning of the Restoration. They first delve into the prophecies about Joseph Smith and the restoration in general. They also look at the large societal, historical, and cultural movements that created the environment for the Restoration. They look at the specific history of the Smith family, and how that lead to Joseph's experience in the Sacred Grove. They talk about the experiences that Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith had that were part of Joseph Smith's predicament and why he went to pray in the Grove. They also explore the amazing and profound elements of the First Vision.
We are grateful for our generous donors, and for Launchpad Consulting Studio for producing the podcast, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.
Get a discount on all D&C and Church History books and products (including Kerry's on the First Vision called "I Saw the Lord") by going to Seagullbook.com and using the code KERRY2025.
In this episode Kerry interviews Robin Jensen from the Church History Department of the Church. Together they explore what it means to receive revelation from God, and how God worked with Joseph Smith as He revealed truths to His children. They talk about what that would have looked like for the early Saints. They delve into the simultaneously sacred and mundane nature of God speaking to His prophet, and how important it is that God does speak to prophets. They investigate the intimate nature of revelations, and the process of them becoming public. They speak about how this process applies to us in our personal revelation. They show how what we learn about Joseph receiving revelation echoes our own lives and is valuable for us to learn about. They discuss how Section One was revealed to be a preface for the D&C, and then they talk about how revelations came in general, and how that can help us understand the revelations we will study this year. Robin leads us through a discussion of what the Doctrine and Covenants is in general. They also explore the resources that are available as we study revelations this year.
We are so grateful for our generous donors, and for Launchpad Consulting Studios for producing the episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.
Join us for extra and fantastic content on our Patreon website each week (TSAR.website). This week Steve Harper talks about different ways to learn from the Restoration material there.
Also, you can get a 15% discount at Seagullbook.com on Church History and D&C products by using the code KERRY2025.
In this episode Steve Harper takes us through how we can know about the Restoration and how to learn about and think through the history and issues of the restoration. He helps us see family and other factors that brought Joseph Smith to the Grove, and how to think about that and understand that. He and Kerry discuss resources and go through little known stories that help us learn about Joseph Smith and those who knew and believed him.
We are grateful for our generous donors, and for Launchpad consulting studios for producing the episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.
To see the Archaeology of Nazareth lecture, and so much more, join us at TSAR.website. To get a discount as Seagullbook.com, use the code KERRY2025. In this episode Kerry and Lamar are joined by Andrea Woodmansee, who has been studying Jewish wedding traditions from the time of the Savior and how it helps us understand biblical texts. They begin by exploring imagery in John 10, and then follow that line of reasoning to understand the betrothal process and other elements of Jewish weddings that make the Christmas story come to life. You will understand and appreciate Mary and Joseph like never before. They also focus on the gift of Christ. We are grateful for our generous sponsors. We are also grateful for Launchpad Consulting Studios for producing the podcast, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.
Please give even $10 to help the podcast keep going. Go to TheScripturesAreReal.org to see ways to donate.
Also, please register for the Church History Workshop that will be held on January 2nd (not the 3rd) at my house. Go to TSAR.website to register. Here is what we will talk about:
10 am: Welcome
10:15 – 11:00: Smith Family and First Vision
11:00-12:00: Moroni’s visits and Joseph’s Tutoring
12:00-12:15: break
12:15 – 1:00 Translation of the Book of Mormon and the development of a prophet
1:00 – 1:45: lunch
1:45 – 2:45: Translation of the Bible and its impact on revelation
2:45 – 3:45: Consecration in Ohio and Missouri and what it teaches us about consecration today in our lives
3:00 – 4:00 break
4:00 – 5:00 Missouri Period and how it ties to the development of the Church
Afterwards, those who want to go to dinner together can.
In this episode Kerry and Andy talk about the role of Moroni and how he leaves us with a powerful testimony. They especially explore the role of the Holy Ghost in the way that Moroni talks about it, and how it draws on the Doctrine of Christ.
Dr. Skinner points out and teaches about the 8 exhortations that Moroni gives us in this one chapter. He touches on the need to remember, and to ask, and the power of the Holy Ghost and how it enters us and changes us and helps us understand and know all things. They also talk about the gifts God gives us and how they are not over and we should experience them. They also talk about how pride can rob us of joy and these gifts. They also talk about loving godliness more than ungodliness, and letting God prevail in your life. They talk about the grace of God in all of this.
We would love it if you joined us for a Church History workshop this Saturday, Jan. 14th. We will cover a bunch of topics that we think will make it so that you get more out of the entire year of studying D&C and Church History. Go to TSAR.website to register.
In this episode renowned scholar Robert Millet explores with Kerry the powerful teachings in Moroni 7-10. They look at what hope and faith mean, and how they are interrelated. They also discuss how charity springs from those attributes, and how those attributes come from charity. They talk about how the Holy Ghost is a key component to all of this, and how recognizing that all good things come from God can increase your ability to receive promptings from the Spirit. They also talk about the profound things we learn about Christ's atoning sacrifice as they discuss Mormon's teachings about infant baptism.
We are so grateful for our generous donors and sponsors. We are also grateful for our producer, Launchpad Consulting Studio, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.
Please consider giving to us for the week of Giving Tuesday. We could use any amount of donation. Go to TheScripturesAreReal.org for giving options, or email us at [email protected].
Also, we would love for you to join us in a workshop at Kerry's house to prepare for Church History. Go to TSAR.Website to learn more and to register. Or email at [email protected] for more information.
In this special episode Kerry leads a roundtable discussion with Jenet Erickson and Byran Korth. They look at hos Moroni's teachings about how to help the Church nourish and flourish also applies to families and friends. They discuss how to nourish with the good word of God when people may not want to be nourished. They also look at how Moroni's teachings tie covenants to nourishing and coming to Christ. They talk about the importance of centering on and having faith in Christ, and how that brings hope to all of us regardless of circumstances. They address the importance of finding joy while loved ones struggle.
We are grateful for our generous sponsors who make the podcast possible. We are also grateful for Launchpad Consulting Studios, who produce the podcast, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.
To help you and your family with your health and happiness balance using all natural products by going to www.happierhormones.com.
In this episode Brett Miller and Kerry discuss the way that Moroni uses Ether to teach lessons they have both learned in the trials they went through. They explore how trials refine us and the lessons Moroni and Ether try to help us understand it very well. They teach about how our relationship with the Savior affects the way we learn from trials and from life, and bring in insights from their service as bishop. They discuss how we need to come to a place where we completely rely on Christ, and how Christ then prepares for us a personalized place in the mansions of His Father. They also teach about how we need to be filled with love for others, and then remember how that felt when we are not feeling it.
We are grateful for our generous sponsors, and for Launchpad Consulting Studios who produced the episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.
In this episode Kerry and Lamar explore the Jaredite barge stones and possible parallels with the ark and the flood (see season 1, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PptNX0rL1cs). They also discuss the symbolic journey of the barges, and lessons to be learned from the cycle of righteousness that the Jaredites continually went through. They discuss the secret combinations of their day and lessons Moroni wants us to learn for our day. They also talk about the peace that can come from living righteously and believing even during times of terrible chaos and insanity.
We are grateful for our generous sponsors, and for our producer, Launchpad Consulting Studios, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.
In this episode Kerry and Sister Michelle Craig talk about learning to ask for blessings and miracles from God. They delve into how that interacts with personal revelation. They also talk about the archetypal journey the Jaredites were on and how we can learn from it They explore the practice God gave them on that journey, and the miracles that came as a result. They also talk about the fears, growth and faith of the brother of Jared. They tie that faith into the ability to move forward with God's power, tying that into Sister Craig's call and her response to it. They then see God's redemptive power in the story.
We are grateful for our generous sponsors, and for Launchpad Consulting Studios for producing the podcast, and to Rich Nicholls who composed and plays the music for the podcast.
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