Talking Scripture

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Joseph of Egypt: An example of living the covenant with steady discipleship.(06:51) Shechem defiles Dinah. Simeon and Levi seek revenge by wiping out the inhabitants of the city.(13:02) Rachel bears Benjamin and dies in childbirth. She is buried in Bethlehem.(17:57) Reuben sins with Bilhah.(21:29) Joseph is sold into Egypt by his brothers. Joseph is a visionary man.(25:01) Alternate readings of “the coat of many colors.”(28:45) In Jewish legend, Joseph of Egypt possessed a sacred stone that was passed down from Adam.(36:05) Judah sins with Tamar, his widowed daughter-in-law, and she bears twins.(43:11) Joseph rises to prominence wherever he goes. Joseph is a seer.(46:57) We can employ Joseph’s strategies for overcoming temptation.(51:34) Joseph interprets dreams and eventually becomes a ruler of Egypt.(55:46) Finding temple symbolism in this story.(58:41) Joseph marries Asenath. Hugh Nibley’s research teaches us more about her identity.(1:03:49) Joseph as a type of Christ.(1:06:48) As descendants of Joseph, we are called to gather God’s children. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 362 | Genesis 37-41, Come Follow Me 2026 (March 9-15) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Those searching for an eternal companion can learn valuable lessons from the story of Isaac and Rebekah.(04:18) “He shall send his angel before thee to help” in Genesis 24.20.(06:47) A caution: The Lord may have not chosen one particular person to be your spouse.(09:16) The servant’s test of how to choose an eternal companion. If you are looking for a 3-3 marriage, be a 3!(23:05) Four ways to read the text, with three important lenses. The temple symbolism of Rebekah at the well.(30:17) Abraham marries Keturah after the death of Sarah.(33:15) The sons of Ishmael and their “castles” in Genesis 25.12-18.(34:50) Abraham died and was gathered to his people. These verses echo eternal truths regarding the reunification of families in the Spirit World after death.(38:38) Rebekah and Isaac have twins named Jacob and Esau. These men represent two nations.(45:51) Esau is the progenitor of the Edomites.(49:20) Esau sells the birthright in Genesis 25.29-34. Esau’s tears remind us to not despise the blessings within our reach.(57:46) The people of the covenant always seek sacred places to commune with God.(1:03:13) The literal reading (peshat) of Genesis 27.1-40 with 4 points of emphasis from the Institute Manual.(1:10:27) Patterns, types, and figures may provide deeper meaning to Genesis 27. Reading this text with an allegorical (remez) and sacred temple approach (sod).(1:21:36) The three fold structure of the creation and the three Patriarchs may increase our understanding of temple symbolism and show us Rebekah’s essential purpose in this story.(1:31:10) We can accept the responsibility of the Abrahamic Covenant by sharing the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jacob’s story emphasizes the importance of keeping the covenant in the family first.(1:36:46) The geopolitical situation between Judah and Israel may have influenced the text.(1:38:29) The Book of Mormon teaches that when we treat family like the enemy, we open the door to the real enemy.(1:39:42) “Jacob’s Ladder” can be viewed as a heavenly vision of the Lord. Bethel as a representation of modern-day temples.(1:47:56) Jacob meets Rachel at a well. The matriarchs are often associated with water.(1:50:02) Laban tricks Jacob into marrying Leah first since she is the older sister. He then marries Rachel, but serves 7 years for her because he loves her. The challenges of plural marriage.(1:53:47) The image of opening a mother’s womb as a manifestation of heavenly power. The sanctity of life is very important to God.(1:58:30) The names of the children of Israel are puns that expose the rivalry between the sisters Rachel and Leah.(2:06:20) Faith in God includes faith in his timing, even for righteous desires. God remembered Rachel and he will remember you.(2:09:11) The Lord (or an angel) tells Jacob to leave Haran. Jacob and Laban hold a contest regarding the fertility of their flocks. Rachel hides Laban’s “household gods.”(2:14:41) Jacob’s reconciliation with Laban through a covenant.(2:18:38) Jacob asks God for a blessing to endure well and reconcile with Esau in Genesis 32. Jacob wrestles with a “man” or God. A comparison between Jacob’s wrestle in Genesis and Enos’ wrestle in the Book of Mormon.(2:25:06) Jacob’s name is changed to Israel, which can mean “let God prevail.” We also receive a new name when we become followers of Christ and in other times of our lives. The symbol of the embrace. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 361 | Genesis 24-33, Come Follow Me 2026 (March 2-8) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) An overview of these chapters.(02:05) Abraham’s prophetic call and the symbolism of the mighty tree with sacred associations.(13:26) “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”(14:00) Hebrew word play with laugh, rejoice, and Isaac’s name. Doubts and hopes are tied together in this story.(16:36) Abraham bargains with the Lord for Sodom and Gomorrah to be saved because he knows the mercy of God.(23:25) The story of Sodom and Gomorrah also portrays God’s justice.(24:34) Lot makes efforts to save his family from destruction in Genesis 19.(29:33) Lot pitching his tent toward Sodom cost him his family.(33:41) The troubling narrative of Lot’s two daughters and the cave in Genesis 19.30-38.(38:22) Beauty for ashes in Isaiah 61.3. Through tragic experiences, beauty can come to pass. Your origin story is not who you are.(41:48) Genesis 20 is a triplet of the same story. This chapter introduces the Elohist’s narrative, a source text most likely related to Lehi’s Brass Plates text.(43:04) The long-promised day finally comes and Isaac is born. We should trust and have faith in promises that take time to be fulfilled. The Song of Sarah.(44:57) Hagar and Ishmael are cast out of Abraham’s household and they wander in the wilderness. Their water runs out and God shows her a well of water. God helps us, but also wants us to do all we can.(55:22) Complexities, gaps, and anachronisms in Genesis 21. A covenant, a sacred well, and a tree at Beer-sheba are illustrations of temple imagery, connecting the Patriarchs to figures of the temple and visionary experiences.(58:41) The burial of Sarah in Genesis 23. Different ways to read Abraham’s “mourning” and “weeping” for Sarah.(1:03:00) The Lord asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac upon Mount Moriah, the foundation stone, Jerusalem’s most sacred ground.(1:06:47) We are here to be tested. We will have trials of faith equal to Abraham’s.(1:11:05) Isaac is an excellent type of Jesus Christ. Elder Melvin J. Ballard shares his feelings regarding Heavenly Father sacrificing his Son. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 360 | Genesis 18-23, Come Follow Me 2026 (February 23-March 1) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant include preservation, protection, priesthood, power, a place, and posterity.(09:20) The responsibility of the Abrahamic Covenant is to make Christ’s name known to the world and help all to obtain priesthood and temple blessings.(19:29) The Lord places Abraham and his posterity, Israel, in the center of the world. Our challenge is to influence the world without being influenced by the world.(29:51) Abraham and Sarah experience “The Hero’s Journey.” Sarah’s combat with Pharaoh is similar to Eve’s battle with the serpent.(39:01) Abraham grants the superior land to Lot. We should be generous with others as was Abraham.(40:32) Anachronisms in Genesis 14 are clues as to when it was written.(43:20) Melchizedek has largely been removed from the Hebrew Bible, but was on the Brass Plates. Melchizedek is a type of Jesus Christ.(49:57) Abraham and Sarah both gave God the benefit of the doubt in regard to his promise of having seed. Like them, we should do all we can to ensure the Lord’s promises are fulfilled.(52:49) The ritual cutting of sacrificial animals in Genesis 15 relates to ancient covenant making.(57:53) Abraham’s visionary experience included both light and darkness.(1:01:04) The Lord tells Sarai to choose Hagar to bring forth Ishmael. The word used for bringing forth children relates to the idea of “building.”(1:05:40) Circumcision is a token or sign of the covenant given to Abraham.(1:07:04) How El Shaddai (the Almighty God) can be read as a representation of our Divine Mother in Heaven, with blessings connected to children and life. The historical evolution of Israel’s view of the nature of God. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 359 | Genesis 12-17; Abraham 1-2, Come Follow Me 2026 (February 16-22) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Different approaches to reading the flood account.(03:47) The flood can symbolize a second creation of the earth.(05:55) A strange passage in Genesis 6.1-4. This text introduces concepts like Watchers, Giants, and a conflict between Enoch and the forces of darkness. It can be read as a polemic against Babylonian religious and political views.(18:26) Mount Sinai and Mount Hermon as headquarters of the opposing forces of good and evil.(25:01) Jesus addresses his disciples in Caesarea Philippi, at the foot of Mount Hermon in Matthew 16.13-19.(32:00) The harsh reality of the portrayal of destruction throughout the scriptures. The Book of Mormon provides a pattern for how to live in peace.(39:05) The people of Noah’s day were swept off because the earth was corrupt and filled with violence.(43:33) The Lord sent a prophet and gave them 120 years to change. The people were warned before they were destroyed.(48:22) Noah’s Ark can be a symbol of the temple.(57:19) A pattern of how to follow a prophet. It takes patience and faith to follow prophets in a day of peace.(1:01:48) The bow in the cloud is a token of the covenant in Genesis 9.12-13. When we look up at the rainbow we are remembering the promise of God to bring Enoch and Zion to earth.(1:06:35) Ways to read the curse Noah gives Canaan in Genesis 9.20-27.(1:12:27) The Table of Nations in Genesis 10. The dividing of the land and the languages. The Tower of Babel as a polemic against the beliefs of the Babylonians.(1:17:01) Our connection to Abraham and his covenant. God has promised to preserve us just as he preserved Noah. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 358 | Genesis 6-11; Moses 8, Come Follow Me 2026 (February 9-15) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Moses 7 reveals the true character of God. He is an eternal being who weeps for His children.(09:06) The law must be administered. Moses 7.38 – “a prison have I prepared for them.” There is an exit from hell as explained in D&C 19.(14:51) Terryl and Fiona Givens share their view on “The God Who Weeps.”(22:19) The teaching that “The Son of Man” will come down to earth, be lifted upon the cross, resurrected, and take up the saints to be crowned (Moses 7.53-56) is rejected by those that edited the Old Testament. Enoch, Lehi, and Nephi teach the message of the Messiah.(27:40) Enoch literature is apocalyptic and was not included in the Christian canon.(30:49) Many ideas in the Bible are influenced by the writings of Enoch.(48:30) There is great wickedness upon the earth. Boyd K. Packer discussed how the youth of our day face greater challenges than those of his generation.(57:24) Defining what Zion means. Enoch and his people established Zion and were taken up to God.(1:06:04) In the last days, we are to gather again into a holy city called Zion and the city of Enoch will return. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 357 | Moses 7, Come Follow Me 2026 (February 2-8) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) The book of the generations of Adam. Another way to view the long lives of the early Patriarchs. The Sumerian King List may help give context to their ages.(11:38) A brief overview of Enoch literature. The name Mahijah in Moses 6.40 was also found on second century fragments discovered at Qumran in 1948.(19:13) Scriptures are a book of remembrance.(21:15) Seers see things we cannot see.(31:54) The call narrative. Enoch’s prophetic call is consistent with elements of the narrative call pattern.(34:44) The Plan of Salvation as taught by Adam and Enoch is the same message the Savior taught. The Atoning Messiah is central to the plan, but was removed from the Old Testament.(49:26) Another way of understanding “children conceived in sin” in Moses 6.55. This text can be connected to the Fallen Angels or the Watchers in 1 Enoch.(54:50) Children of Christ versus Children of Satan as portrayed in Alma 5 and its connection to Moses 6.55.(56:19) “Man of Holiness” in Moses 6.57 can be describing God as a man of the temple or the husband of the divine woman.(58:55) An invitation to find Jesus everywhere. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 356 | Genesis 5; Moses 6, Come Follow Me 2026 (January 26-February 1) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps:(00:00) Heavenly Father’s plan in the premortal council and Jesus’ role as Savior. The Savior sought only the glory of the Father.(06:15) The Serpent (Satan) comes to Eve. The serpent was subtle, a word with many meanings. 2 Nephi 2 explains how agency works its requirements.(13:40) Adam and Eve were commanded to not eat the fruit and to also multiply and replenish the earth. A discussion on these potentially conflicting commands.(20:23) Another view on the divine commandments given to Adam and Eve.(26:01) Eve’s temptation and the Fall. Understanding Lehi’s discourse on the Fall helps us see how it was a blessing to all mankind.(31:07) Reading Genesis 3 through the lens of the temple and Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount will help us see layers of meaning.(45:16) The curse given to the serpent as an allusion to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.(47:39) The curse given to Eve relates to sorrow in conception. Other ways to interpret “He shall rule over thee.” The curse given to Adam.(58:54) Moses 4 introduces the two first laws of heaven: obedience and sacrifice.(1:03:52) Moses 5 shows how Cain’s choices led him down a dark path.(1:10:07) The Mahan principle is converting life into property.(1:15:50) The Lord invited Cain to think about his choices. One lesson from this story for parents is “Don’t freak out!”(1:19:54) Hidden meaning in the names of Cain and Abel. Their story can be read as a rivalry between two priesthoods.(1:24:23) The Book of Mormon helps us see that the curse and mark put on Cain was an absence of the Light of Christ or a dark countenance. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 355 | Genesis 3-4; Moses 4-5, Come Follow Me 2026 (January 19-25) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) An overview of the The Old Testament.(04:27) Bryce breaks down the Old Testament into nine time periods.(09:41) Canonization and the creation of the Greek Septuagint. The authors of the New Testament quoted the Greek version of the Old Testament. The version that Jesus used is unknown.(13:01) The Old Testament is not one book written by a single author. It is an anthology of books written over centuries by individuals. Later authors sometimes rejected and edited earlier authors. Remnants remain that multiple Gods participated in the creation. The first word in Genesis invites us to consider the Grand Pre-mortal Council.(20:03) The creation accounts address why the world was created, not how. The purpose of the earth is to create eternal families.(33:17) Ancient cultures shared the creation story at their temples during the New Year. The time-honored principle of marriage and family are connected to the purposes of creation.(36:21) Chaos played a role in the formation of the earth. God transformed unorganized matter into something beautiful. The cosmology of the Bible invites modern readers to think about scripture differently.(41:18) The temple takes us to the creation and the creation takes us to the temple because each us back to God.(48:25) Moses 2 and 3 can be read as a single account. This is contrasted with the documentary hypothesis, where scholars believe Genesis 1 and 2 come from two different sources because of differences in the text.(54:21) Seven eternal lessons in the creation account invite us to find success during our time on earth. Finding balance between work and rest.(1:00:29) Seek spiritual things first, then temporal.(1:01:50) Cherubim and a flaming sword foiled Satan’s plan and preserved the space between the trees. God protected our probationary estate. God knew from the very beginning that we would sin and need time to repent.(1:13:11) Satan’s Plan B is to get us to take away our own or someone else’s probationary state. Toxic perfectionism is addressed. Continual progression is what matters to God.(1:16:55) The river flowing out of Eden as a symbol for the division found in mortality. We must find ways to be unified.(1:23:08) Instead of focusing on what we are missing, our focus should be on all our blessings.(1:28:23) Pardes is an acronym to describe the ways of reading scripture: Peshat, remez, derash, and sod. The plain reading (peshat), allegorical or hidden reading (remez), the moral or imperative sense or application (derash), and the mystical, esoteric, or temple reading (sod).(1:30:13) The rib in Genesis 2.22 symbolizes partnership in marriage.(1:38:44) “Helper” or ʿēzer as found in Genesis 2.18 has often been misread and used to subjugate women. The term translated as “help meet” actually denotes the kind of powerful help that God gives. Eve’s position next to Adam places both in a setting as having dominion over the whole earth. Eve is called “Zoe” in the LXX, the mother of all the living ones. There is no kingdom without Eve.(1:47:02) Fig leaves can represent covering our sins with bigger and bigger lies.(1:52:47) Garments are a piece of the temple that we wear to remind us of our connection to the Savior’s atonement. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 354 | Genesis 1-2; Moses 2-3; Abraham 4-5, Come Follow Me 2026 (January 12-18) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) The book of Moses is the JST of Genesis. The word translation has multiple meanings. Moses 1 is the missing preface to the Old Testament which reveals three important truths.(07:03) We are God’s children, and have infinite worth and potential.(08:45) The name of God. The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew and many words can have various interpretations.(12:06) Divine investiture of authority allows the Son to have the power to speak as if he is the Father.(18:11) The creation story is not about how. It’s about why. Man is nothing and yet God wants to give us everything He has.(21:18) The historical timeframe of Moses 1.(23:54) Satan’s name only appears in the Bible 13 times. His presence in the Book of Moses is significant.(27:43) The difference between the glory of God and the glory of the world.(33:50) We can cast out Satan and control darkness by inviting light.(35:39) Moses 1 ends with the command to show the words only to those that believe. Levels of exoteric and esoteric are in scriptural texts.(39:44) The book of Abraham originated with Egyptian papyri that Joseph Smith translated. Fire destroyed most of the original scrolls and only small fragments remain. These fragments, called JSP I-XI, contain burial texts called The Book of Breathings.(45:36) The relationship between the remaining fragments and the text of the Book of Abraham is not fully understood.(47:28) Some counter-arguments to criticisms of the Book of Abraham include the missing text theory, the catalyst theory, and the Jewish redaction theory.(55:23) The JSP I-XI fragments date to the 2nd century BC, not 1900 BC when Abraham lived. The rolls were likely copies of copies.(1:01:08) In the Book of Abraham, the greatness of the Messiah is found in the symbolism of the cosmos and stars.(1:10:37) Abraham learns about the pre-earth life.(1:11:54) Joseph’s introduction to the Hebrew language likely influenced some of the words found in Abraham. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 353 | Moses 1; Abraham 3, Come Follow Me 2026 (January 5-11) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Watch on YouTube: Mike’s related video with Stick of Joseph, Ep 230 BONUS VIDEO | Was Jesus DELETED from the Old Testament?→ Timestamps: (00:00) Israel is God’s special possession and chosen to bring Heavenly Father’s children home.(08:24) Three main covenants that God made with Israel: The Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Davidic Covenant.(16:00) The Old Testament is a witness of Christ.(21:06) Types of Christ in the Old Testament.(36:55) Jesus is Jehovah, the God of the Old Testament.(40:37) Jesus is edited out of the Hebrew Bible during Josiah’s reign.(48:40) The canonization of the Old Testament.(55:58) What to look for in this year’s study of the Old Testament. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 352 | Introduction to the Old Testament, Come Follow Me 2026 (December 29-January 4) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Proclamations are major declarations from prophets, seers, and revelators. This proclamation states that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.(05:11) There are three parts: prophetic declarations, prophetic warnings, and prophetic counsel. Prophetic declarations are clear statements of our core doctrines.(14:04) The Family Proclamation warns that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.(16:35) Prophetic counsel is given for successful marriages and families.(20:06) Faith and prayer.(22:05) Repentance and forgiveness.(28:21) Respect, love, and compassion can be combined to define charity. Respect is to see the value God has placed in every person.(37:02) Love is a choice, not just an emotion.(45:07) Compassion is to feel what others feel.(50:24) Balancing work and wholesome recreational activities. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 351 | The Family: A Proclamation to the World, Come Follow Me 2025 (December 15-21) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) The 9th Article of Faith explains that the restoration is ongoing.(04:05) President Woodruff issued Official Declaration 1 in 1890. This Manifesto led to the end of the practice of plural marriage.(08:59) Elder Bruce C. Hafen invites us to examine ambiguity in the church with open eyes and hearts.(17:00) The Church today disavows all theories church leaders and members advanced to explain the priesthood and temple restrictions.(20:21) During an era of great racial division in the United States, the Saints were persecuted for their anti-slavery stance.(24:57) Joseph Smith ordained Walker Lewis and Elijah Abel to the priesthood. Later, in 1852, President Brigham Young officially announced that black members would no longer be given the priesthood. The power to decide is given to the President of the church in D&C 107.78-80.(35:50) The 2013 edition of the scriptures adds an insightful paragraph to Official Declaration 2. Church records offer no clear insights into the origins of the priesthood restriction.(42:39) Three slaves came into the Salt Lake Valley in the first pioneer company. Brigham Young did not segregate congregations or deny membership to African Americans.(52:27) Brigham Young felt the priesthood restriction would be temporary and that it would be removed at a future time.(53:47) In 1978 President Spencer W. Kimball received a revelation extending priesthood and temple blessings to all worthy male members of the church.(56:37) The Warmth of Other Suns, by Isabel Wilkerson, gives accounts of African Americans during the great migration in American history. The Clark family experienced tragic persecution in 1951.(1:01:12) The Church today unequivocally condemns all racism, past and present, in any form. The love of others should be what characterizes the Latter-day Saints. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 350 | Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 & 2, Come Follow Me 2025 (December 8-14) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) The doctrine of salvation for the dead is revealed in Section 137.(01:43) Divine curiosity is a catalyst for revelation.(07:25) Joseph marvels at how Alvin obtained Celestial glory without being baptized. He learns that all who have died without a knowledge of the gospel, who would have received it, shall be heirs of the Celestial Kingdom.(12:30) All children that die before the years of accountability are saved in the Celestial Kingdom.(19:23) After losing dear family members, Joseph F. Smith receives revelation about the Spirit World.(25:11) Joseph F. Smith has a vision of Jesus coming into the Spirit World after His crucifixion.(28:33) Those in the Spirit World see the absence of their bodies as bondage. The body and spirit are very much connected.(32:44) Coats of light and coats of skins in Genesis 3.21.(34:16) The great feast in a temple setting as contained in D&C 138 and Isaiah 26. The Saints are invited to rise from the dust and enter into kingship.(44:29) The Savior organizes the righteous to preach to the spirits in prison, but then he resurrects the righteous. Perhaps the work of saving the dead is for our dispensation.(51:17) As children of God we are all connected and will continue preaching the gospel in the Spirit World after death. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 349 | D&C 137-138, Come Follow Me 2025 (December 1-7) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) D&C 136 details the will of the Lord as the Saints move west. Winter Quarters was a place to prepare for the final trek to the Great Basin.(04:31) D&C 136 reads differently and Brigham Young’s personality seems to come through.(14:25) Some of the events that led Joseph Smith to Carthage Jail. Plural marriage.(17:00) Joseph established the Nauvoo Charter and the Nauvoo Legion to protect the Saints from persecution.(27:21) The August 1843 election and its consequences.(33:24) William Law was hurt by the way he was excommunicated and also felt economically persecuted. He and others start the Nauvoo Expositor.(36:49) The Nauvoo City Council votes to destroy the printing press of the Nauvoo Expositor. Dallin H. Oaks’ legal paper in the Utah Law Review cautions about the dangers of presentism.(40:12) Joseph Smith is charged for destroying the press. Thomas Sharp calls for his extermination with powder and ball in the Warsaw Signal. Joseph is told by the Lord to flee to the Rocky Mountains. Many in Nauvoo urge him to come back. Joseph surrenders to authorities and is brought to Carthage Jail.(50:15) Joseph Smith is charged with treason for declaring martial law and calling out the Nauvoo Legion.(51:55) Joseph Smith’s final hours before the martyrdom.(58:39) John Taylor recovers and writes Section 135 in tribute to the prophet.(1:00:26) Joseph Smith has given us so much more knowledge of Christ. He produced more canonized scripture than any other. He stands at the head of the largest dispensation on earth and brought forth the keys and ordinances to redeem the dead.(1:05:21) Joseph Smith restored essential doctrines associated with the nature of God and man. Vital questions are answered in the revelations of the Restoration. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 348 | D&C 135-136, Come Follow Me 2025 (November 24-30) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Section 133 was intended to be an appendix to the Doctrine and Covenants.(00:55) The role of government is to maintain a balance between rights and responsibilities.(06:59) Section 133 is a companion to Section 1. Prophecies in the Bible will be fulfilled as the Latter-day Saints gather the House of Israel.(17:35) Temple imagery in D&C 133 and its connection to Isaiah 52 and Moroni 10.(26:38) Rising from the dust as a symbol of enthronement and heavenly kingship.(28:09) Moroni’s appendix parallels many of the ideas in D&C 133 and Isaiah 52.(31:17) Come out of “digital” Babylon and build Zion.(32:44) Literal and symbolic interpretations of the divided land becoming one again.(36:06) The members of the Godhead are separate beings, but perfectly united in purpose.(41:13) The Millennial possibility of a pure, unified language and people.(42:20) Symbols of cosmic conflict in section 133: Mount Zion, the Great Deep, and North Countries. Rival religions at the time of Israel had images that were also associated with these ideas.(51:40) Loving kindness or ḥesed means a very deep feeling of love.(54:16) The parable of the ten virgins. They that are wise have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide.(56:07) John prophesied that an angel would fly through the midst of heaven with the everlasting gospel.(58:06) The 144,000 have priesthood authority and represent all the tribes of Israel.(1:00:08) The symbolism and significance of the Savior’s red garments.(1:07:39) Elder Holland’s statement regarding previous dispensations and how their hope rested on us. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 347 | D&C 133-134, Come Follow Me 2025 (November 17-23) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Three grand keys on the nature of ministering angels and spirits.(02:04) Joseph Smith teaches that God has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s. Traditional Christianity has lost the understanding of Heavenly Father’s physical nature.(07:53) God resides on a globe like a sea of glass and fire.(09:08) Joseph asks the Lord about the timing of His Second Coming.(10:34) Truths learned in mortality will rise with us in the resurrection. Blessings are predicated upon obedience to law.(12:52) Section 130 prepares the Saints for truths that are revealed in the temple.(13:46) The crowning blessing of the gospel is to seal families for eternity. There are requirements for making marriage eternal.(18:39) Elder Howard’s story of the silver as it relates to eternal marriage. If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently.(24:23) 1st Scenario: If we choose to neither be married nor given in marriage in the eternities, we will remain separately and singly without exaltation. The compensatory grace of Jesus Christ will make this blessing available to all who were deprived of it through no blame of their own.(28:25) 2nd Scenario: If our marriage is not sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise then it is not in force when we are out of the world.(30:03) 3rd Scenario: If we marry in the temple and strive to keep the covenant, we will inherit the highest degree of the celestial kingdom and have continued increase. We will be as God, participating in His divine nature. The covenant allows for mistakes, repentance, and forgiveness.(37:01) Section 132 addresses plural marriage. Plural marriage played a role in Joseph’s martyrdom in 1844.(38:52) Plural marriage can be compared to Abraham’s test.(41:15) Plural marriage was practiced by the Patriarchs in Genesis.(42:59) The historical background of Section 132.(45:44) The RLDS Church (now The Community of Christ) contended that the President of the Church should be a direct descendant of Joseph Smith and that plural marriage was never taught by Joseph Smith. This letter to Emma (D&C 132) was used as a polemic against the RLDS teaching that Joseph did not practice plural marriage.(46:55) The Temple Lot Case was a property dispute between the RLDS Church and Church of Christ. In these proceedings, women testified under oath that they were married to the prophet Joseph Smith. This legal dispute provided a wealth of information about plural marriage in the Nauvoo period.(48:46) Plural marriage is not a requirement for exaltation. One man and one woman is the Lord’s standing law of marriage.(51:38) In D&C 132 the Lord gives several reasons why plural marriage was commanded.(53:51) Baruch Spinoza’s advice in our quest to understand the past.(54:41) Joseph Smith wrestled with plural marriage as early as 1830 or 1831 as he worked on his translation of the Bible. We have few details of his marriage to Fanny Alger during the Kirtland period.(59:53) During the Nauvoo era Joseph taught several close friends about plural marriage. Estimates are given of how many members lived this law.(1:01:45) The Saints during this time thought differently about temple sealings than we do today. They believed that the law of adoption and dynastic ties increased their glory.(1:07:36) Wilford Woodruff saw that adoption theology wasn’t right and worked to bring the Church into a greater understanding of what it means to seal families for eternity.(1:08:52) There were 3 types of plural marriages: time, time and eternity, and adoptive/dynastic/eternal only. Some examples of Joseph’s dynastic marriages include Elizabeth Rollins Lightner and Helen Mar Kimball.(1:15:11) A timeline of how long plural marriage was practiced. The Reed Smoot Hearings.(1:17:27) None of Joseph Smith’s plural wives ever accused him of abuse or deception. Despite the difficulty of understanding plural marriage, we testify that Joseph was a prophet. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 346 | D&C 129-132, Come Follow Me 2025 (November 10-16) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) During the Nauvoo period, Joseph Smith receives substantial revelation pertaining to the ordinances of the temple.(03:45) The historical background of Section 125.(05:58) “Essaying” is a term that means trying. Becoming a Saint is a process.(07:39) Through the help of the Lord, Brigham Young and the Twelve gathered many converts in England. A revelation is given to Brigham commending him for his efforts and he is relieved of future travel abroad.(17:33) Joseph Smith reveals proxy ordinance work for the dead. Ezekiel’s visionary experience of the ancient temple.(19:39) Missouri is trying to extradite Joseph on charges of attempting to assassinate the previous Governor, Lilburn Boggs. Joseph goes into hiding for a time. The Nauvoo Charter helps prevent his extradition.(21:35) Orrin Porter Rockwell is also accused of the assassination attempt on Boggs. Rockwell is captured and spends many months in a Missouri prison.(30:29) While in hiding, Joseph writes encouraging epistles to the Saints with an outlook of gladness and joy.(34:13) The Lord always shows us our blessings and abundance. Satan emphasizes only what we lack in an effort to discourage us.(37:41) Chaos and creation narratives in antiquity are tied to the temple, covenants, and recording. One example is the Enuma Elish (The Tablets of Creation). When Tiamat steals the Tablets of Destiny, the rites of the temple cease. Moses’ reception of the tablets from God may have a connection to these ideas.(49:10) Baptismal fonts in our temples have associations with ancient symbols.(56:42) We need the dead and they need us. This welding link tying families together is Heavenly Father’s plan.(1:00:17) Michael Wilcox’s parable of The Keys.(1:11:34) Kim Sorenson’s account of receiving direct blessings from making family history a part of her daily schedule. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 345 | D&C 125-128, Come Follow Me 2025 (November 3-9) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Joseph Smith and his companions escape from Missouri custody in April 1839.(08:34) The Saints beautify Nauvoo. An overview of this section.(11:03) Joseph has not fallen from grace. The Lord emphasizes Joseph’s prophetic role even though he has weakness. What are our expectations of prophets?(14:31) The significance of official proclamations. Watchmen on the tower warn the Saints of the coming enemy. The disintegration of the family is one of the biggest challenges of our day.(19:11) The Lord asks Joseph to make the first official proclamation calling the nations of the earth to give heed to Zion.(22:42) The Lord’s global approach to Zion, inviting all to come unto Christ.(24:42) Specific Saints that have passed away are remembered by the Lord. The story of Edward Partridge and his trials in Nauvoo.(31:37) The Lord commands that a temple be built in Nauvoo. Temples are where the Saints receive the fulness of the priesthood.(39:15) The doctrine of baptism for the dead was taught at Seymour Brunson’s funeral. The Saints performed these in the Mississippi River for a short time until the temple was ready. The Lord will meet us where we are and guide us to higher places.(45:17) D&C 124 can prompt meaningful discussions about what happens in the temple. Appropriate communication about the temple is important.(53:13) In the temple we put on sacred vestments as a symbol of changing our very natures as we come into the grace of Jesus Christ. Endowment, sacred vestments, investiture, “putting on,” are all related to the Greek word enduo.(55:40) Nine individuals receive the endowment in the upper room of the Red Brick Store in May 1842.(1:00:32) The Lord’s emphasis on the Nauvoo House is a reminder to be more inclusive.(1:05:03) Ammon and Aaron’s different approaches to missionary work.(1:08:22) The scourge placed on the inhabitants of Kirtland is removed by President Benson in 1979.(1:10:11) Priesthood leaders are gifts given by a loving Heavenly Father. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 344 | D&C 124, Come Follow Me 2025 (October 27-November 2) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Historical background.(02:17) Joseph Smith demonstrated majesty in chains while in custody in Richmond.(05:35) Ten eternal truths we can apply to our lives from the Liberty Jail experience.(07:38) #1: God is aware of your trials, you are not alone. (11:11) #2: Your suffering will end. It will not last forever.(12:41) #3: Be faithful in tribulation and endure it well.(17:59) #4: Thy friends do stand by thee. Share your burdens.(24:18) #5: Other people, like Job, survived their challenges.(25:29) #6: God allows agency, but justice will prevail in the end. The Missourians eventually pay a bitter price for their actions.(29:13) The classic problem of evil.(31:54) #7: Mortality is oftentimes painful, but we are promised that joy will swallow up the suffering through divine compensation.(38:33) Like Job and Joseph, we can communicate directly with God about our how we really feel.(41:01) #8: All these things shall give thee experience and shall be for thy good.(44:40) #9: Jesus is familiar with our pain and knows what we need to be saved.(47:17) #10: Their bounds are set. Suffering is calculated for our benefit.(48:36) An alternate view of D&C 122.9. Perhaps this verse applies to Joseph Smith only and is not universal in its application.(51:05) An overview of the ten truths.(54:56) Lyman Wight collects affidavits which are used to seek redress from the federal government. It is our duty to seek truth and light.(57:39) The persecution in Missouri was both religious and political, but the main complaint against the Saints was their religion.(1:00:26) A discussion about unrighteous dominion. Power comes from righteousness, not from position or compulsion.(1:10:45) The end of this section contains an invitation to understand dominion as it is taught in the temple. A description of God as a Man of Holiness, who invites His children with meekness to partake in all that He has. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 343 | D&C 121-123, Come Follow Me 2025 (October 20-26) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.