What is religion for? What are people for? These are exciting, challenging chapters that tell how Jesus’ family thought he was crazy and the religious elite thought he was blasphemous, all for teaching that caring for our fellow humans is more important than religious observance. Reading: Mark 2-5; Matthew 8-9 You can access my Lesson… Continue Reading
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My name is Jared, and I’m a recovering idealist. Anyone else? I used to waste so much energy being anxious. Well, Jesus said not to. These days I try to live each day well, to live with proper form. This is what Jesus taught–to live well each day, to be good for the sake of… Continue Reading
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Jesus’ teachings get at the heart of the gospel: Be good. Be happy. Be whole. The tricky thing is, we humans are terrible at predicting what will make us happy and well, which is why it is so important to internalize the principles of the gospel. We become good as we practice goodness. When that… Continue Reading
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If we have not faced our darkness, we are not good…merely fortunate. The account of Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness masterfully teach us to use our strengths to manage appetite, ego, and greed. We also learn the best way to manage temptation… to devote ourselves to the good we can do in the world. Reading:… Continue Reading
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What are the first steps toward our vocation? Baptism reminds us that we can become new versions of ourselves, new versions that better align with that self that can improve the world. As we follow Jesus’ example, we invite others to “come and see” and bring the Kingdom near. Reading: Mark 1; Matthew 3; Luke… Continue Reading
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Christmas comes a bit late! This first episode where we actually get into the New Testament covers the first two chapters of Matthew and Luke. I review the new, more devotional/ministry focused format of the episode, and focus the lesson on what we learn from members of Jesus’ family. Video Audio Lesson Resources You can… Continue Reading
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I reissued this introductory episode to provide additional perspective on studying the New Testament from both devotional and academic approaches. Review the Sunday School lessons and approach Explain the format of Engaging Gospel Doctrine this year Provide recommendations for devotional New Testament reading Provide recommended resources (also linked below) Explain what you can do as… Continue Reading
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Welcome to the new curriculum! This introductory podcast Outlines the devotional-centered podcast approach for the year Reviews the Come, Follow Me curriculum (Both Sunday School and for Individuals and Families) Recommends resources for effective scripture study Provides an overview for understanding the New Testament You can access my Lesson Notes here (or PDF) ResourcesCome, Follow… Continue Reading
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“The Great and Dreadful Day of the Lord” The Second Coming (or “Day of the Lord” in Old Testament language) is the blockbuster of scripture topics. But focus on the sensational aspects can distract us from more important questions. This portion discusses beliefs about the end of the world from a historical-critical perspective. … Continue Reading
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“The Great and Dreadful Day of the Lord” The Second Coming (or “Day of the Lord” in Old Testament language) is the blockbuster of scripture topics. But focus on the sensational aspects can distract us from more important questions. This episode explores three themes all important in an LDS context: the Second Coming, tithing,… Continue Reading
Engaging Gospel Doctrine 