“Ye Shall Be Called the Children of Christ”   The culmination of King Benjamin’s speech summarizes the entire gospel and provides the key to genuine conversion.  Benjamin’s main argument is that God has given everything, and we too must give. Caring for others physically, emotionally, and spiritually is the key to conversion and maintaining a… Continue Reading

“Eternally Indebted to Your Heavenly Father”   King Benjamin’s sermon is a rhetorical and theological masterpiece, addressing key questions such as the nature of humankind,  the suffering of hell, condescension of Christ, and what God exactly needs from us. Natasha, Jody, and Nathan join the class.   Class Member Reading: Mosiah 1-3     Recurring Donation:… Continue Reading

“For a Wise Purpose”   Between Jacob and Mosiah we have an intermission of sorts, a transition between the Small and Large Plates. The books of Enos, Jarom, Omni, and Words of Mormon cover eight main characters and eight hundred years. This portion of the Book of Mormon reveals striking complexity and illuminates the nature of… Continue Reading

“The Allegory of the Olive Trees”   Jacob 5 is long, but relatively transparent–it is easy to discern that the vineyard is the world; the Lord is well, the Lord; and that the trees represent people. It makes sense that the “tame olive tree” is Israel and the “wild olive trees” represent Gentiles. But even… Continue Reading

“Seek Ye for the Kingdom of God”   Jacob tears into his community over their pride, materialism, and sexual morality. This episode discusses personal responsibility, mindfulness, God’s will respecting wealth, how respect underlies chastity, as well as tackling the topic of polygamy.   Class Member Reading: Jacob 1 – 4   Recurring Donation: $10   $25   $50… Continue Reading

“Press Forward with a Steadfastness in Christ”   Nephi’s final words contain some insecurity-driven harshness, but also powerful treasures of gospel insight. This episode explores powerful ideas such as the relationship between scripture and a personal manifestation by Jesus Christ; the relationship between reality and our language and understanding; and nature of enduring to the… Continue Reading

“He Inviteth All to Come unto Him”   In 2 Nephi 26-30 the attitudes of Devil and Christ contrast: the devil kindles anger and lulls complacency, but Christ rejects none, invites all, and mocks those who think they know all there is to know. Jenny and Michael join the class. This episode also includes Study… Continue Reading

“My Soul Delighteth in the Words of Isaiah”   Nephi may delight in the words of Isaiah, but the rest of us have a hard time. This episode models how to engage with scripture in general and the Isaiah chapters specifically–devotionally, textually, and historically. The discussion is fantastic and will give you respect for these… Continue Reading

“O How Great the Goodness of Our God”   Jacob, the sensitive soul born in the wilderness into a fractured family, presents our reading for this lesson. From Isaiah he shares a message of judgment and comfort, and teaches powerful lessons about Atonement and God’s call for us to wake up and use our agency… Continue Reading

“I Know in Whom I Have Trusted”   In the wake of Lehi’s death, two warring nations are born–the Nephites and Lamanites. 2 Nephi 3-5 invite us to reflect on a life well-lived, vulnerability, and what it means to “live after the manner of happiness.”   Class Member Reading: 2 Ne. 3-5 Additional Reading: Joseph… Continue Reading