The slides for this podcast are in pdf format here. The podcast outline with notes is here. To read p. 85-87 of Howard Schwartz’s Tree of Souls: The Mythology of Judaism (Oxford University Press, 2004), go here. To view the two separate accounts of the betrayal of Joseph, with bothContinue Reading

Historical Background to Section 111 After the great spirit that was felt at the dedication of the Kirtland temple in the spring of 1836, missionaries for the church left in every direction to go and preach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Bishop Edward Partridge, who had come north toContinue Reading

D&C 12 is given to Joseph Knight Sr., at Harmony, Pennsylvania, May 1829 Who was Joseph Knight and what was his association with the Prophet Joseph Smith? How is D&C 12 like other revelations? How does this section of scripture apply to us? Joseph Knight (1772-1847, dies at Mount Pisgah,Continue Reading

This post contains links to a few books that have helped me understand the context and content of the scriptures. As an Amazon Affiliate, I do earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you). Click here to see all of my favorite books on Amazon. In thisContinue Reading

Truth tastes good This is good doctrine. It tastes good. I can taste the principles of eternal life, and so can you. They are given to me by the revelations of Jesus Christ; and I know that when I tell you these words of eternal life as they are givenContinue Reading

President Thomas S. Monson was 22 years old when he was called to be a bishop. As a young bishop, he watched carefully over the members of his ward, especially those who didn’t often come to church. One Sunday morning he noticed that a young man named Richard was missing. ThisContinue Reading

In 2 Nephi 4 Lehi gives a blessing to the sons of Laman and Lemuel, his grand children. He says: Wherefore, after my father had made an end of speaking concerning the prophecies of Joseph, he called the children of Laman, his sons, and his daughters, and said unto them:Continue Reading

I always like to go through the narrative of David’s call to kingship as found in 1 Samuel. Right off the bat, we see three different narratives: He is chosen and anointed king by Samuel (1 Samuel 16.1-13). David is chosen due to his musical skill in healing King Saul’sContinue Reading

This document contains the show notes for a podcast I made in November 2019 about bishops in early Christianity and the counsel in the Pastorals regarding the choosing of a bishop. I was interested in doing something like this for a while, due to the scholarship that exists regarding theContinue Reading

Matthew 14 illustrates to young people the fact that there are times when we associate with the wrong people, we put ourselves in positions that can quickly spiral out of control.  Herod and Herodias are in an unlawful relationship, and when John calls them out on this, Herod has himContinue Reading