The Scriptures Are Real

In this shortcast Kerry explores the meaning behind having clean palms and a pure heart, tying it into the rituals of the tabernacle and temple that he has spoken about before, as well as into images in Isaiah. There is more to this meaning than you may have supposed. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Jacob Muhlestein, who edited this episode, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed...

In this episode Kerry is joined by Shon and Arden Hopkin. Shon is the Ancient Scripture Department Chair at BYU. His father, Arden, was a professor of music and a professional cantor for multiple synagogues. Along with Kerry they explore what the psalms are, how they are used in various traditions, how they have affected music, and how they can affect us. This episode includes demonstrations of a...

In this shortcast Kerry gives a brief introduction into the Book of Job, helping us think through the reality of Job as a person and outlining some of the things Job suffered. This is an updated version of this episode. Somehow the upload of the last version had a spot with no audio. In this version not only is there audio throughout, but I added just a little more information. We are grateful for...

In this episode Kerry interviews Josh Sears, and together they explore what the scriptures can teach us about suffering. They explore several examples of scriptural characters who endured suffering and what we can learn from them. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for this podcast.

In this episode Heather B. Moore, who wrote a historical fiction novel about Esther, helps Kerry explore both what it takes to think through the life of a biblical character and some lessons from the Book of Esther and her actions. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Jacob Muhlestein, who edited this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry gives a brief introduction to the Book of Esther and its major themes, making it possible for you to get the most out of your study and other episodes dealing with Esther. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Jacob Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Kerry and John discuss Nehemiah as he tries to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. They highlight several lessons we can gain from Nehemiah's experience. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Jacob Muhlestein for editing this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Jennifer Lane helps us think through many elements of life that those returning from Babylon had to negotiate. She helps us relate those to ourselves and highlights some lessons to take away. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this shortcast Kerry walks us through the history of how we get from the Babylonian captivity of the Jews to their return and the rebuilding of the temple. This allows us to understand several prophetic works better as well as the era of the New Testament, and even our own day.

In this very short shortcast, Kerry discusses Josiah and the influence he has on the Bible and the Book of Mormon. We are grateful for our sponsor Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for this podcast.

In this episode Kerry interviews Andrew Skinner, who walks us through a number of elements of Hezekiah's reign and ministry. He helps us learn about the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem and Hezekiah's leadership in preparing for that and national repentance. In this interview Kerry and Andy discuss Hezekiah's tunnel, a run through which Kerry posts on his Scriptures Are Real YouTube channel. You can wa...

In this shortcast, Kerry goes just a little more in depth into the Fall of the Kingdom of Israel. He then spends some time on some of the powerful lessons we can learn from this, and how they apply to our lives. He also helps us understand the scattering and gathering of Israel. Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

In this episode Gaye and Kerry discuss the archaeology and texts from Lachish, one of the most fortified cities in Judah. They go through some of the evidence that makes the fall of the last city to be attacked before Jerusalem, both by the Assyrians and the Babylonians, become real to them. They also discuss lessons we can learn from this. On the YouTube version of The Scriptures Are Real I have...

In this episode Kerry takes us through the story of how the kingdoms of Israel and then Judah fall. He gives a quick storyline, hitting only highlights. He then spends some time on some lessons we can learn from why they fell, and the role that their leaders played in that fall. For more details and geography, etc. on this storyline, consider watching https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/d...

In this shortcast Kerry reviews the storyline of Elisha, the kings of Israel and Judah, and other key stories that are necessary for understanding the Old Testament and drawing the lessons we need to draw. To further understand these stories and picture them, consider watching https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180172416001 and https://players.brightco...

In this touching and hope filled episode, Kerry and Kristen explore the story of Elisha and the chariots his servants sees when Elisha tells them "they that be with us are more than they that be with them." Kristen compares this to the ways God helps us in our day, and shares how that has helped her with some mental health challenges. You can see more about what Kristen does at https://kristenwalk...

Kerry and Lamar explore some of Elisha's better known miracles, and some strange stories that are hard to make sense of. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Sabrina Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for this podcast.

Kerry and Lamar discuss the calling of Elisha and what it meant for Elijah's day, and what it means for our day. The story and the symbolism is very real and very powerful. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Sabrina Muhlestein, who edited this episode, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Kim talks about the story of Elijah learning from the Still, Small Voice and how it has worked in her life, and together she and Kerry explore some lessons for everyone. We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Kerry casts light on the story of Elijah using knowledge of the Canaanite pantheon. He also explores what we can learn for our own lives from the real meaning of Elijah's question about how long we will limp between two opinions. There are very real applications for our lives. Consider watching https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180200925001 and https:...

Kerry explores how the kingdom divided upon the death of Solomon, and how the Kingdom of Israel hurtled towards idolatry, and asks of us how we might have the same proclivities. Consider watching https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180156329001 and https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180161071001 and https://...

In this shortcast Kerry explores lessons we can learn from the life of Solomon. He pays especial attention to Solomon's dedicatory prayer and the themes of forgiveness, covenant and atonement that are present in the prayer. Consider watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVDzTF5iG6E and https://players.brightcove.net/1126213333001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5180201039001 , and https://pl...

In this interview Trevan and Kerry explore the importance of looking at the daily and personal elements of the scriptures, using the story of David and Goliath as an example. Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music for the podcast.

Kerry discusses the steps that led to David's fall (including how we often think of mistakes he made that were not necessarily mistakes), and what we can learn from it. He also discusses David's repentance, and what David's life was like after that. Consider watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4cmp9KZT8E and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_ionP-CFdc and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0Iu...

In this shortcast Kerry reviews how David became king of Judah, and then all Israel. The establishment of Jerusalem, the problems with Joab, and lessons we can learn are all discussed. Consider watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlaisNkRMDY . We are grateful to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music for the podcast.