Not many years ago the only way to have access to this type of content was to sit in a BYU classroom. Thank you so much guys for making these wonderful lectures available literally to everyone in the whole world, and for FREE!!
All of this knowledge we have was once mind blowing to the people who recived it! We are so blessed to live in the fullness of times and have all this knowledge before us.
Hank Smith and John Bytheway, for decades I have been blessed by your words and lives. Thank you for continuing that for me and my children. We love you!
What a joy to see Josh on this program. He opened up his home in Austin every Sunday to our Choir. What a scholarly and genuinely nice man! We enjoyed both parts of this broadcast. We are new to the broadcasts but have set a goal of watching each podcast this year while studying The Book of Mormon. What a great companion to the Works!
I just want to thank you both for doing this podcast every week I look forward to listening to it and learning from it. Nothing has been better for me than this because I was not able to attend a BYU institution class. Thank you so much this is really enriches my life and my testimony!
As I have been listening the thought came to me that the vision came to Lehi and Nephi in answer to different questions and concerns. It seems Lehi, as a father, could have been concerned about being called a visionary man by sertain members of his family and wondered about that. On the other hand Nephi was interested in the meaning of the vision. Thank you for your lesson and I'm going to go back and listen to the rest of it. Thank ♥️ you again 😊
Thank you for not having “silly, Mormon babble” so many podcasts make me 🤢 the delivery of your podcast is clear, non preachy and simple yet very intelligent and insightful!!! A clear representation of Christs message in the gospel! So refreshing!!!
Thanks so much for your great guests and their incredible insight into the Book of Mormon. I am a 12-13 yr old Sunday School teacher and I often find myself struggling to make my lessons relevant to them and to help the students feel the spirit of the BOOK. Your guests and your conversations often give me ideas that I feel are helpful and useful for my classes. Keep up the good work. I know it’s not a competition but I also take John Hilton III and Jared Halverson and some weeks I feel like I am swimming in Book of Mormon pool. Feel so blessed to have all of you guys in my life. 💕💕
Hasn't it been said that after we die, we are taken to that God that gave us life. And those who truly know the Savior... not just know about Him... when they see Him will fall at His feet and worship Him.. bath His feet with their tears! That is what I have thought of when reading the scriptures that day, "When the people reached the Tree, they fell down and partook of the fruit... love of God!"
Bro. Smith and Bro. B - particularly appreciated the comments about being so tired trying to follow the gospel as I have felt that, but reinforced that we should likewise feel joy. thank you...
I agree with John that the falling down before Christ is worshipping Him and that the Gospel should energize us and bring us joy, not exhaust us. I am sure the Brethren get very tired, from all of their labors and travel, but it is a wonderful wearing out of their lives in His service.
I feel Hank is right, at times the gospel and life can be hard and exhausting. It offers so much help and peace but can often feel overwhelming at other times too. I love how real Hank’s comments are.
Thank you so much it is just amazing how much I have learned from your episodes weekly. How thoughtful of you to take your valuable time to do these for us weekly
I love that Nephi sees the future of his people and instead of pulling away from his brothers he leans in Hardee pleading for them to change because not only did his heart break for the future of his people but he also hurts for the loss of his brothers and their children 💔
It appears from looking at Portuguese/Spanish/German translations that "I know in Whom I have trusted" is the factual/cerebral kind of "I know." I do like to think about it meaning the "being acquainted with" version of "I know," too. While it may not be scriptural, thinking of Nephi saying this is so hard, but "I am acquainted with Whom I have I trusted" makes a lot of sense, too. And feels very hopeful and loving.
As I listened to this podcast and heard the background of term "Messiah", meaning one who has been anointed and there are many messiah's I was remained of the saying that we will become Saviors or Messiah's on Mount Zion. And how is this possible? It is through the temple ordinances we carry out vicariously for our kindred dead. But first, we ourselves are washed and anointed, becoming Messiahs or Saviors for whom we are doing the vicariously work for. What a sweet thought and connection to the Savior of All Mankind. Yet, as John points out, there's still only one King of kings and Lord of lords, or the one Messiah of messiahs, and it is Jesus Christ.
at 51:28 ... I actually laughed, and I don't laugh much these days... "you are not a rebel, you are just weak... a message from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints". hahahaha thank you.... even funny, a valuable message if it applies.
In comparison of Lehi and Nephi visions. Someone once pointed out to me that Lehi was "old school". He was seeing the vision through his traditions. Nephi is seeing things perhaps with fresh eyes. Lehi would have had a different concept of water. So maybe he assumed what it was. I may be completely off but I think that's why there are prophets and apostles (plural). They all bring their life's experiences to the table. I like that explanation. Maybe Nephis vision was expanded, because like Joseph Smith (vs the ministers of the time) brought fresh eyes and unpolluted thoughts of God to the restoration.
I pondered on the 'fell down' part a long time ago. I thought that the ones who fell down after they reached the tree were both tired from their ordeal AND full of awe as they worshipping He who created the tree and its fruit!
I wonder if a possible explanation of the differences between Lehi and Nephi's visions were that Lehi dreamed a dream, where as Nephi went to the source and asked for a detailed explanation. Lehi was taken up and without direct interaction received what God wanted to show him and teach to his family. Nephi took it further and got a more personal revelation as he interacted with the messenger. Great show, thank you.
If you think the gospel isn't exhausting, Brother Bytheway, you clearly haven't served in Young Women! Lol! All joking aside, thank you all for this awesome program and all the amazing insights I get to learn on a regular basis.
The tree is the divine feminine. I'd recommend checking out David Butler's book "In the Language of Adam". Mind blowing the layers and depth found here in the Book of Mormon
And take this to all the world. All maybe blessed. Look at the temple building going on. I think that too would be part of this. All ppl have the blessings
Did Nephi actually see more than Lehi? I feel like he just abridges Lehi's vision because it was told to him. I feel Nephi tells us more because he can personally testify of what he saw and the truthfulness of it.
Could you possibly please ask your guests to cite the VERSES they are reading? He often says, “in chapter… we read…” I then have to pause it and spend several minutes trying to find those verses so I can make notes in the appropriate place. Really frustrating. I loved how Taylor and Tyler would show the verses on the screen, but at least if they would say the #s before reading, we could follow along better. Thanks.
That is good to point out. Were they not ever taught about Jesus and his birth and his atonement ? What about Moses teaching it ? Oh yes they did not recognize that the lamb slain was Jesus Christ . As they still have no idea why they want to sacrifice animals . So Nephi. Does not see his dying on the cross in these chapters ? So it would be hard hard for Jews to see animal sacrifice as Jesus being the lamb. If this was not taught right away .
59:20 one of my favorite connections about the Abrahamic Covenant is the word "Gentile." In D&C 90 the Lord talks about nations of Israel, nations of gentiles and then heathen nations. Who are these 3 divisions of nations? Israel is clearly the Covent people. Heathen is kind of definitionally known to be godless, so where does that leave the gentile nations? Maybe those who know Christ but are not of the covenant? Would that mean the Christian nations of the world? I think maybe that is who is to have the Holy Ghost poured out upon them as a fulfillment of the Covenant. Want a visual aid? Think about what the effects of having the Holy Ghost poured out on you would be and look at the National Geographic map of the world at night.
I enjoy your program and listen nearly every week. I also understand that regardless of the background and educational titles of your experts, often the views expressed fall under “Gospel opinion” rather than Gospel doctrine. However, this week not only did Dr. Sears express an opinion that directly contradicted verses in I Nephi 11, but you as hosts didn’t correct him and fell in line saying such things as what a wonderful way to look at it! I am referring to I Nephi 11: 21-25. The scriptures say clearly, twice, that the tree is the love of God. Dr. Sears stated that he liked to think of the tree as standing for Christ, as well as becoming Christ! This sounded to me very much like the Catholic belief that the bread and wine literally change into the flesh and blood of Christ. What bothered me the most wasn’t so much that Dr. Sears said this, but the eagerness with which it was accepted! I’m no scholar, but I am a reasonably well read life-long member, and this was like a slap in the face to me, especially since the scriptures clearly state, twice, that the tree is the love of God. Nowhere do they even insinuate anything different. I think perhaps a bit more care should be taken before so eagerly accepting even a “qualified scholar’s” opinion, especially when the scriptures say explicably otherwise.
I felt a pause at that same part…The tree is the love of God! But then as I continued to ponder on it the verse came to mind- For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 What represents the love of God more than that?! The tree is a symbol.
comment to around 19th minute - I think that the knowledge of a Messiah of messiahs (aa a Son of God) is very well understood by the Hebrews, as in PofGP in book of Moses,,, Adam celebrated this knowledge, and also Moses saw all things in a vision, so I'd assume that the knowledge of a Messiah Son of God in the flesh was not new information to Lehi, and maybe not Nephi.
I thought people in the Old Testament knew that Jesus Christ was the son of god- the condescension was taught whenever there has been a prophet in each dispensation- since Adam and Eve- they had the fullness of the gospel and taught it to their children. So why was it so mind blogging to Nephi- it should have been taught to him before the vision.
John and Hank- I love your podcast and listen frequently. I feel like your podcast would improve if Hank didn't spend so much time recapping what the guest just said. Remember we can pause and move the video backward if we need to hear it again. It's frustrating hearing a great message and then hearing Hank repeat it again, and then ask "Did I get that right?"
22:25 wait what...God's son is not God his Father. Game changer ...can't be his own father. So who resurrected him, who was he talking to on the cross.come on..
I appreciate the follow him content, but it is very unsettling when the guest and hosts “speculate” and “speculate” without ever stating this is our opinion. Nothing can or will ever replace personal study. This is not doctrine and shouldn’t be presented as such. This is supplementary to individual reading and study.
Seriously? Hearing other peoples’ opinion is a wonderful part of personal study. And I don’t need to be spoonfed that something is or is not speculation…
The tree is Mary, Mary is similatude of Ashara the heavenly mother, the love of a mother is the love of God. The fruit is Jesus a baby, the love of God
Not many years ago the only way to have access to this type of content was to sit in a BYU classroom. Thank you so much guys for making these wonderful lectures available literally to everyone in the whole world, and for FREE!!
😊
I'm sooo lucky.. Praise God🙏
What a FANTASTIC learning experience it is to listen to this!!! Thank You, Dr. Sears and hosts!!!
All of this knowledge we have was once mind blowing to the people who recived it! We are so blessed to live in the fullness of times and have all this knowledge before us.
Hank Smith and John Bytheway, for decades I have been blessed by your words and lives. Thank you for continuing that for me and my children. We love you!
What a joy to see Josh on this program. He opened up his home in Austin every Sunday to our Choir. What a scholarly and genuinely nice man! We enjoyed both parts of this broadcast. We are new to the broadcasts but have set a goal of watching each podcast this year while studying The Book of Mormon. What a great companion to the Works!
I just want to thank you both for doing this podcast every week I look forward to listening to it and learning from it. Nothing has been better for me than this because I was not able to attend a BYU institution class. Thank you so much this is really enriches my life and my testimony!
I really appreciate your time and devotion to help me (us) understand better the teachings contained in The Book of Mormon.
I am so blessed to be able to hear Dr. Sears again. I am telling all my friends!
As I have been listening the thought came to me that the vision came to Lehi and Nephi in answer to different questions and concerns.
It seems Lehi, as a father, could have been concerned about being called a visionary man by sertain members of his family and wondered about that. On the other hand Nephi was interested in the meaning of the vision.
Thank you for your lesson and
I'm going to go back and listen to the rest of it. Thank ♥️ you again 😊
Thank you for another amazing episode. It is a blessing to listen to you and your fabulous guests every week. Keep up this great work
Thank you for not having “silly, Mormon babble” so many podcasts make me 🤢 the delivery of your podcast is clear, non preachy and simple yet very intelligent and insightful!!! A clear representation of Christs message in the gospel! So refreshing!!!
Sr. Sears never disappoints!! :) thank you for a worthwhile lesson.
What a great lesson about the children of the covenant! Among other lessons, of course. Thank you!
Thanks so much for your great guests and their incredible insight into the Book of Mormon. I am a 12-13 yr old Sunday School teacher and I often find myself struggling to make my lessons relevant to them and to help the students feel the spirit of the BOOK. Your guests and your conversations often give me ideas that I feel are helpful and useful for my classes. Keep up the good work. I know it’s not a competition but I also take John Hilton III and Jared Halverson and some weeks I feel like I am swimming in Book of Mormon pool. Feel so blessed to have all of you guys in my life. 💕💕
Hasn't it been said that after we die, we are taken to that God that gave us life. And those who truly know the Savior... not just know about Him... when they see Him will fall at His feet and worship Him.. bath His feet with their tears! That is what I have thought of when reading the scriptures that day, "When the people reached the Tree, they fell down and partook of the fruit... love of God!"
Bro. Smith and Bro. B - particularly appreciated the comments about being so tired trying to follow the gospel as I have felt that, but reinforced that we should likewise feel joy. thank you...
I agree with John that the falling down before Christ is worshipping Him and that the Gospel should energize us and bring us joy, not exhaust us. I am sure the Brethren get very tired, from all of their labors and travel, but it is a wonderful wearing out of their lives in His service.
I feel Hank is right, at times the gospel and life can be hard and exhausting. It offers so much help and peace but can often feel overwhelming at other times too. I love how real Hank’s comments are.
Brilliant, humble, and faithful. What a wonderful combination
Thank you so much it is just amazing how much I have learned from your episodes weekly. How thoughtful of you to take your valuable time to do these for us weekly
I love that Nephi sees the future of his people and instead of pulling away from his brothers he leans in Hardee pleading for them to change because not only did his heart break for the future of his people but he also hurts for the loss of his brothers and their children 💔
leans in Hardee …. i didnt understand that comment
It appears from looking at Portuguese/Spanish/German translations that "I know in Whom I have trusted" is the factual/cerebral kind of "I know." I do like to think about it meaning the "being acquainted with" version of "I know," too. While it may not be scriptural, thinking of Nephi saying this is so hard, but "I am acquainted with Whom I have I trusted" makes a lot of sense, too. And feels very hopeful and loving.
As I listened to this podcast and heard the background of term "Messiah", meaning one who has been anointed and there are many messiah's I was remained of the saying that we will become Saviors or Messiah's on Mount Zion. And how is this possible? It is through the temple ordinances we carry out vicariously for our kindred dead. But first, we ourselves are washed and anointed, becoming Messiahs or Saviors for whom we are doing the vicariously work for. What a sweet thought and connection to the Savior of All Mankind. Yet, as John points out, there's still only one King of kings and Lord of lords, or the one Messiah of messiahs, and it is Jesus Christ.
The best. Tears and laughter. Spirit so strong in my home. Thank you brothers🥰
Thank you!!!! So very much for sharing. I'm learning so much! 💖
Great!
Amazing thanks for everything
One of the BEST episodes yet…Absolutely incredible!! ❤❤
at 51:28 ... I actually laughed, and I don't laugh much these days... "you are not a rebel, you are just weak... a message from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints". hahahaha thank you.... even funny, a valuable message if it applies.
This is amazing! Thank you so much for your insights! I want to listen to this again and again and keep taking notes!❤
wonderful
Thank you!
My big question is why didn't Laman and Lemuel just stay in Jerusalem?
God had plans for them AND their posterity…. it was not just happenstance
In comparison of Lehi and Nephi visions. Someone once pointed out to me that Lehi was "old school". He was seeing the vision through his traditions. Nephi is seeing things perhaps with fresh eyes. Lehi would have had a different concept of water. So maybe he assumed what it was. I may be completely off but I think that's why there are prophets and apostles (plural). They all bring their life's experiences to the table. I like that explanation. Maybe Nephis vision was expanded, because like Joseph Smith (vs the ministers of the time) brought fresh eyes and unpolluted thoughts of God to the restoration.
I pondered on the 'fell down' part a long time ago. I thought that the ones who fell down after they reached the tree were both tired from their ordeal AND full of awe as they worshipping He who created the tree and its fruit!
I wonder if a possible explanation of the differences between Lehi and Nephi's visions were that Lehi dreamed a dream, where as Nephi went to the source and asked for a detailed explanation. Lehi was taken up and without direct interaction received what God wanted to show him and teach to his family. Nephi took it further and got a more personal revelation as he interacted with the messenger. Great show, thank you.
If you think the gospel isn't exhausting, Brother Bytheway, you clearly haven't served in Young Women! Lol! All joking aside, thank you all for this awesome program and all the amazing insights I get to learn on a regular basis.
The tree is the divine feminine. I'd recommend checking out David Butler's book "In the Language of Adam". Mind blowing the layers and depth found here in the Book of Mormon
Incredible. Thank you,
And take this to all the world. All maybe blessed. Look at the temple building going on. I think that too would be part of this. All ppl have the blessings
Did Nephi actually see more than Lehi? I feel like he just abridges Lehi's vision because it was told to him. I feel Nephi tells us more because he can personally testify of what he saw and the truthfulness of it.
I looooooong to go to the Temple that I might be in the presence of the Lord
Thx!
Could you possibly please ask your guests to cite the VERSES they are reading? He often says, “in chapter… we read…” I then have to pause it and spend several minutes trying to find those verses so I can make notes in the appropriate place. Really frustrating. I loved how Taylor and Tyler would show the verses on the screen, but at least if they would say the #s before reading, we could follow along better. Thanks.
I have a question.
You mentioned that Nephi wasn’t aware of Jehovah being Gods son born of a virgin, but doesn’t Isaiah talk about this?
That is good to point out. Were they not ever taught about Jesus and his birth and his atonement ? What about Moses teaching it ? Oh yes they did not recognize that the lamb slain was Jesus Christ . As they still have no idea why they want to sacrifice animals . So Nephi. Does not see his dying on the cross in these chapters ? So it would be hard hard for Jews to see animal sacrifice as Jesus being the lamb. If this was not taught right away .
How do we get the free book you talked about?
59:20 one of my favorite connections about the Abrahamic Covenant is the word "Gentile." In D&C 90 the Lord talks about nations of Israel, nations of gentiles and then heathen nations. Who are these 3 divisions of nations? Israel is clearly the Covent people. Heathen is kind of definitionally known to be godless, so where does that leave the gentile nations? Maybe those who know Christ but are not of the covenant? Would that mean the Christian nations of the world? I think maybe that is who is to have the Holy Ghost poured out upon them as a fulfillment of the Covenant. Want a visual aid? Think about what the effects of having the Holy Ghost poured out on you would be and look at the National Geographic map of the world at night.
I enjoy your program and listen nearly every week. I also understand that regardless of the background and educational titles of your experts, often the views expressed fall under “Gospel opinion” rather than Gospel doctrine. However, this week not only did Dr. Sears express an opinion that directly contradicted verses in I Nephi 11, but you as hosts didn’t correct him and fell in line saying such things as what a wonderful way to look at it! I am referring to I Nephi 11: 21-25. The scriptures say clearly, twice, that the tree is the love of God. Dr. Sears stated that he liked to think of the tree as standing for Christ, as well as becoming Christ! This sounded to me very much like the Catholic belief that the bread and wine literally change into the flesh and blood of Christ. What bothered me the most wasn’t so much that Dr. Sears said this, but the eagerness with which it was accepted! I’m no scholar, but I am a reasonably well read life-long member, and this was like a slap in the face to me, especially since the scriptures clearly state, twice, that the tree is the love of God. Nowhere do they even insinuate anything different. I think perhaps a bit more care should be taken before so eagerly accepting even a “qualified scholar’s” opinion, especially when the scriptures say explicably otherwise.
I felt a pause at that same part…The tree is the love of God!
But then as I continued to ponder on it the verse came to mind-
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
What represents the love of God more than that?!
The tree is a symbol.
comment to around 19th minute - I think that the knowledge of a Messiah of messiahs (aa a Son of God) is very well understood by the Hebrews, as in PofGP in book of Moses,,, Adam celebrated this knowledge, and also Moses saw all things in a vision, so I'd assume that the knowledge of a Messiah Son of God in the flesh was not new information to Lehi, and maybe not Nephi.
yes these prophets saw the visions but not all people understood these concepts-unfortunately
Where can I find more information on when the thoughts changed from Messiah a title to as is the Redeemer? I can’t figure it out in the show notes.
I thought people in the Old Testament knew that Jesus Christ was the son of god- the condescension was taught whenever there has been a prophet in each dispensation- since Adam and Eve- they had the fullness of the gospel and taught it to their children. So why was it so mind blogging to Nephi- it should have been taught to him before the vision.
our information is complete -also Nephi was quite young and maybe had nit learned-all about these concepts yet
not. not nit
💙💙
You’re not a rebel. You’re just weak. - A message from the Church of…
😂 That was hilarious
It's for everyone who can afford to pay tithing.
John and Hank- I love your podcast and listen frequently. I feel like your podcast would improve if Hank didn't spend so much time recapping what the guest just said. Remember we can pause and move the video backward if we need to hear it again. It's frustrating hearing a great message and then hearing Hank repeat it again, and then ask "Did I get that right?"
I disagree. I appreciate the recaps. They help clarify.
22:25 wait what...God's son is not God his Father. Game changer ...can't be his own father. So who resurrected him, who was he talking to on the cross.come on..
I appreciate the follow him content, but it is very unsettling when the guest and hosts “speculate” and “speculate” without ever stating this is our opinion. Nothing can or will ever replace personal study. This is not doctrine and shouldn’t be presented as such. This is supplementary to individual reading and study.
On what, specifically?
Seriously? Hearing other peoples’ opinion is a wonderful part of personal study. And I don’t need to be spoonfed that something is or is not speculation…
What content do you mean?
The iron rode is a scepter of kings it is the word of God the gospel the gospel the gospel is Jesus Christ
The tree is Mary, Mary is similatude of Ashara the heavenly mother, the love of a mother is the love of God. The fruit is Jesus a baby, the love of God
All love is God