The Scriptures Are Real - podcast cover

The Scriptures Are Real

Kerry Muhlesteinwww.patreon.com
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.
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Episodes

Christ and the Pharisees Roundtable Part 2 (Week of Feb. 27, 3rd to listen to)

In the second part of the roundtable discussion on the Pharisees, Kerry and Jeff Chadwick discuss the different pharisaic schools of thought, and how those schools are seen in the New Testament stories, and how it can affect our understanding of those stories and how it can affect us. We discussed the following books in this episode: https://deseretbook.com/p/life-teachings-jesus-christ-vol-1-bethlehem-through-sermon-mount-richard-neitzel-holzapfel-5740?variant_id=182293-paperback&gclid=Cj0K...

Feb 26, 20231 hrSeason 2Ep. 19

Christ and the Pharisees Roundtable Part 1 (week of Feb. 27, 2nd to listen to)

In this special episode Kerry interviews Trevan Hatch and Avram Shannon to understand their points of views on who the Pharisees are, their impact on Jewish culture at the time of Jesus, and how they interact with the Savior. They don't always fully agree, but together they explore how the Pharisees are often misunderstood, how understanding their role in Jewish life can help us understand the New Testament, how misunderstanding them can lead to anti-Semitism, and other topics. Make sure you lis...

Feb 26, 20231 hr 16 minSeason 2Ep. 18

John Hilton on Healing and Coming to Christ (week of Feb. 27, first to listen to)

In this episode Kerry and John discuss the healing of the paralytic man who was lowered through the roof by their friends. They speak of coming to Christ and helping others come to Christ and of healing and of the reality of this story in Capernaum. They discuss how all of this applies to our lives. In this episode we mention how John has divided up The Chosen into episodes that help with Come Follow Me. You can find his website at https://johnhiltoniii.com/ . We are grateful for our sponsor, Li...

Feb 26, 202321 minSeason 2Ep. 17

Shortcast on the Real Meaning of Judgement in the Sermon on the Mount (week of Jan. 20, second to listen to)

In this shortcast Kerry builds on our Old Testament understanding of what it means to judge or to do righteous judgment and helps us explore the real meaning behind the Savior's famous injunction to judge not. This should change the way we understand that part of the sermon. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Feb 19, 202312 minSeason 2Ep. 16

Kim Matheson on the Power of Prayer and the Lord's Prayer (week of Jan. 20, first to listen to)

In this episode Kerry and Kim explore the Lord's prayer, and what we can learn from it. They explore how that prayer demonstrates the way we need to be and what we can learn and become from prayer. They explore the power of prayer in general, and how it affects our relationship with God. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Feb 19, 202338 minSeason 2Ep. 15

Little realities in the Sermon that bring it to life (week of Jan. 13, third to listen to)

In this shortcast Kerry talks about the meaning of "being perfect" in Aramaic, and also about Jesus speaking with authority. He also shares part of his son's podcast where they talk about the reality of the city set on a hill, salt losing its savor, and plucking your eye from you. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editors for this episode, Jacob and Kerry Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Feb 12, 202310 minSeason 2Ep. 14

Roger Hoffman on composing "Consider the Lilies of the Field" (week of Feb. 13, second to listen to)

In this episode Roger Hoffman tells the story of the inspiration that came as he composed the song "Consider the Lilies of the Field." He and Kerry discuss some of the meaning of the lyrics and its scriptural origin, and how it impacts their lives. The lyrics and many more can be found at hoffmanhouse.com . We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein who edited the episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast....

Feb 12, 202329 minSeason 2Ep. 13

Jan Martin on the Beatitudes and Becoming (week of Feb. 13, first to listen to)

Jan and Kerry discuss patterns we see in the beatitudes, and how Christ is teaching us how to progress. They find how He makes it all possible, and covenant connections. They also help us see how to make these things happen in our daily lives. They also explore how to avoid perfectionism on the path. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited the episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Feb 12, 202342 minSeason 2Ep. 12

Brad Wilcox on being Born Again (week of Feb. 6, only episode)

Brad and Kerry explore the story of Nicodemus and what it really means to be born again. They help us see how important this doctrine is for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and how it should affect all of us. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Feb 05, 202345 minSeason 2Ep. 11

Real Life for Jesus and His Followers, what was it really like? (week of Jan. 30, 2nd to listen to)

In this shortcast, Kerry talks about what life was really like for people in the Savior's day. Where did they live? What were their homes like? How did they interact with family? What did they eat? How did they prepare that food? What did they eat on? What was ritual cleanliness for them and how did that play out in regular life? Answering each of these questions allows us to understand better many stories and parables we read about in the New Testament. Further, it allows us to picture these st...

Jan 29, 202322 minSeason 2Ep. 10

The Temptations of Christ and Prophetic Insights into Our Lives (week of Jan. 30, first to listen to)

In this episode Lamar and Kerry explore why the Savior went into the wilderness, what that wilderness may have been like, and the temptations of the Savior and what we can learn from that. They establish connections between what we read about this experience and what President Nelson has been teaching lately, and how that can impact our lives. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited the episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music fo...

Jan 29, 202350 minSeason 2Ep. 9

Andrew Skinner on John as the Forerunnner (week of Jan. 23, only one for the week)

Andrew Skinner and Kerry discuss who John is, what he does, how he does it so well, and why it is important. They explore the role of the forerunner and what that means for the Savior and his mission. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Jan 22, 20231 hr 4 minSeason 2Ep. 8

New Testament Jewish Daily Life and Messianic Expectations with Trevan Hatch (week of Jan. 16, second to listen to)

In this episode Kerry and Trevan discuss what life was like for a Galilean Jew. How long did they live, how did they get by, how did they dress, what was life like for them? Addressing these questions will make many New Testament Stories be more real and understandable for you. They also discuss what the Jews of the day were expecting in a Messiah, and how that interacts with what Jesus did during His ministry, and how He was accepted. Again, this will help you understand the rest of the New Tes...

Jan 15, 202348 minSeason 2Ep. 7

The Divine Christ taught in John 1 with Eric Huntsman (week of Jan. 16, first to listen to)

In this episode Kerry and Eric discuss ways to understand John in general, and specifically the rich and deep teachings in John 1. They help us understand what the divinity of Christ as taught by John means, and what it means that He is the word, and what it means to accept His light and be His disciple. This episode will enhance the rest of your study of the Book of John, and is indispensable for it. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Ni...

Jan 15, 202357 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Samantha Millburn on Luke 2 and 3 Nephi 1 (week of Jan. 9, third to listen to)

In this episode Sam and Kerry discuss the 3 Nephi account of the Savior's birth, and how that helps us better understand the biblical accounts, and also how it helps us understand how the Son does the Father's will, and how all of that helps us apply this story to our lives. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited the video, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Jan 08, 202323 minSeason 2Ep. 5

Jeff Chadwick on the realities of the Nativity Story, part 2 (week of Jan. 9, second to listen to)

In this episode Dr. Chadwick and Kerry discuss the Nativity Story and all the little details that make it real. From real reasons for the move to Bethlehem (not taxes), to what kind of housing Joseph and Mary had, to stone mangers, to where they would live in Egypt, and a hundred other little things, these two make the story become very real. It is guaranteed you will learn something new here. Listen to both parts to make sure you get the whole story. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice,...

Jan 08, 20231 hrSeason 2Ep. 4

Jeff Chadwick on the realities of the Nativity Story, part 1 (week of Jan. 9, first to listen to)

In this episode Dr. Chadwick and Kerry discuss the Nativity Story and all the little details that make it real. From real reasons for the move to Bethlehem (not taxes), to what kind of housing Joseph and Mary had, to stone mangers, to where they would live in Egypt, and a hundred other little things, these two make the story become very real. It is guaranteed you will learn something new here. Listen to both parts to make sure you get the whole story. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice,...

Jan 08, 202359 minSeason 2Ep. 3

Lori Denning on Luke and Matthew 1 and real families (week of Jan. 2, only one to listen to)

In this episode Lori and Kerry discuss what we can learn from the reality of life for Elizabeth and Mary. They talk about the power that can come from looking at their stories. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited the episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Jan 01, 202343 minSeason 2Ep. 2

Andrew Skinner and Keys to Understanding the New Testament from what happened after the Old Testament (week of Dec. 26, only one this week)

In this episode Kerry and Andy explore what happened between the Old and New Testament. They outline key events, ideas, and movements that help you make sense of the world of Jesus Christ and the New Testament. Without this information there will be so many things you won't understand, but with it, you will have so many "aha" moments as you see why they did what they did and believed what they believed in the New Testament. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Alexia ...

Dec 25, 20221 hr 8 minSeason 2Ep. 1

The Reality of Christmas in Bethlehem with the Chappells (week of Dec. 19, first to listen to)

In this episode the Chappells recount spending Christmas in Bethlehem, and what they learned from shepherds and songs and stars in the place where it happened. These things lead to a discussion of how these things apply in our lives and how we can better understand Christ. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Dec 19, 202238 minSeason 1Ep. 169

The Condescension of the Great Jehovah (week of Dec. 19, third to listen to)

In this shortcast Kerry helps us transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament by reviewing what we have learned about who the Great Jehovah really is, and what life in the Galille area and Nazareth were really like, so that we can better appreciate what it really means when Jehovah condescended to be born in Bethlehem. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the episode.

Dec 18, 202215 minSeason 1Ep. 171

Students, Angels, and Us Singing on High (week of Dec. 19, second to listen to)

In this episode Kerry and his Jerusalem Center student, Sterling, explore Sterling's experience with the song Angels We Have Heard On High, both on his mission and in Bethlehem. That leads to Kerry remembering a singing experience that helped the nativity story become more real to his family in Bethlehem. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Dec 18, 202228 minSeason 1Ep. 170

Malachi, the Old Testament, and Promises to the Fathers (week of Dec. 12, second to listen to)

Josh Matson and Kerry discuss the various ways the verses about turning the hearts of fathers and children to each other have been taken. They are used differently in our scriptures, and are even quoted differently, and we grapple with that. Josh also shows us how different ancient groups took these verses. We then tie it into the covenant, and wrap up the Old Testament with that. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who compo...

Dec 11, 202250 minSeason 1Ep. 168

The Exalting Message of Malachi (week of Dec. 12, first to listen to)

In this shortcast Kerry covers the major messages of Malachi, which are all really about the same theme. He looks at God's complaints about their sacrifices, and also about their tithes, and about their complaints against Him. Kerry identifies the underlying theme and what it has to do with us and what we are really trying to become, and with exaltation. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for...

Dec 11, 202221 minSeason 1Ep. 167

Zechariah's Incredibly Uplifting Visions (week of Dec. 5, second to listen to)

In this shortcast Kerry outlines Zechariah's visions. He gives us an idea of how to approach understanding Zechariah, and applies some of the visions to Zechariah's days and our lives. He also touches on his visions about the last days. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited the episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Dec 04, 202231 minSeason 1Ep. 166

Joshua Matson on Haggai and Us (week of Dec. 5, first to listen to)

Josh Matson and Kerry discuss how Haggai teaches us to focus on building the kingdom of God, and how remembering God is so important and changes us. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited the episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays music for the podcast.

Dec 04, 202247 minSeason 1Ep. 165

Paul Hoskisson on Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah (week of Nov. 28, only one this week)

Paul Hoskisson and Kerry explore the history behind these little known books. They then hit on the major messages of each one, focusing less on the pronouncements of judgment that make up most of these three books, and more on the rays of hope and gems of wisdom and edification that come from them. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Nov 27, 20221 hr 10 minSeason 1Ep. 164

The messages of Micah (week of Nov. 21, third to listen to)

In this shortcast, Kerry explores the major messages of Micah, including Micah's teachings about the most important things God wants of us. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the episode.

Nov 20, 202236 minSeason 1Ep. 163

Stephen Smoot with another take on Jonah (week of Nov. 21, second to listen to)

Stephen has another point of view for looking at the Book of Jonah. He helps us see how the author of the book teaches lessons using irony and humor. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Alexia Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Nov 20, 202251 minSeason 1Ep. 162

Bethany Jensen talks about Jonah (week of Nov. 21, first to listen to)

Bethany and Kerry talk about some of the history of how Jonah has been taken. They also talk about the key messages of the Book of Jonah, and how God always gives us second chances. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited the episode, and to Rich Nicholls, who composes and plays the music for the podcast.

Nov 20, 202224 minSeason 1Ep. 161
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