"Welcome to Zion" said no sign nor person when the early Saints entered Missouri. Instead, they found only a few homes and stores, a somewhat irreligious society, and a situation that prompted at least some degree of disappointment. Finding Zion turned out to be the easy part: building Zion that hard. So too it is with us: knowing what we want our lives to look like--what kind of "Zion" we want--is simple; building that Zion takes work and effort. In this episode we study some of the not-so-easy/not-so-pretty side of growth and change to help us conscientiously roll up our figurative sleeves and go to work.

Show Notes:

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Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward

Where is Zion? This is the question that drove early members of the Church to seek for revelation in 1831, that motivated them to continue their sojourn across the country, and catalyzed their conversion to and application of restored truths. It is also a question that can similarly motivate us. In this episode we look at lessons learned about Zion before we get to Zion. What do we need to know, feel, do, or become before we can fully inherit the promised land?

Show Notes:

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Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward

Joseph Smith once wrote that all of us "must have the discerning of spirits" if we are to avoid deception and progress in the Kingdom of God. As we seek to follow President Nelson's challenge to "grow into the spirit of revelation", being able to discern the voice of the Spirit is important and difficult. In this episode we study key revelations given to early Church members on they way to both improving our ability to discern as well as solidifying our own certainty of what really is "of God" and what is not.

Show Notes:

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Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward

Perhaps the most-asked question in the whole Church is, "How do I recognize when the Spirit is speaking to me?" Early members of the Church had the same question and, as we study sections 46-48 this week, wee study the Lord's revelation of true spiritual manifestations or "gifts" He gives to indicate when the Spirit is present. Ask yourself: what "gifts" have I seen or received that evidence God's presence?

Show Notes:

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Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward

As Church members started a new life in a new place they had to encounter new and increasing problems. One of those--attacks on their faith from other inhabitants of Kirtland, printed in the newspaper, and spreading almost as quick as the gospel itself--caused many Church members to struggle with their newfound faith. Today, we are no strangers to challenges and criticism, but retaining and embracing our own faith is often no less difficult. Study with us this week as we study what we can know, feel, do, and become to better enable us to embrace our faith in the face of challenge.

Show Notes:

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Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward

Am I obeying the Lord's Laws? That's the question at the heart of our study this week. On the way we make our own (very presumptuous and super unofficial) list of ten commandments from the different laws and instructions the Lord gives to the early saints who have just arrived in Kirtland. We list some of the commands that most resonated with us and invite you to study along and make your own list. 

Show Notes:

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Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward

"All things are present before me," says the Lord to the early saints. That phrase is mind-blowing especially when we start to consider its implications. However, for us, all things are not present; we have a past that might weigh on us and a future that might worry us. In this episode we study the past, the present, and the future as we ask ourselves what we should put (and keep) in our past, prioritize in our present, and focus on in our future. 

Show Notes:

scripturestudyproject.com or connect to us on Instagram or Facebook

Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward

We all have a voice and, it's evident from the Doctrine & Covenants, that the Lord expects us to use that voice to share the gospel. But how? and where? and why? This week learn from the Lord's instructions to early servants He sends to proclaim the gospel as we examine our own efforts to gather Israel. What is your voice? Study with us this week and begin to find out!

Show Notes:

Henry B. Eyring, "A Child and Disciple," April 2003.Visit our website scripturestudyproject.com or connect to us on Instagram or Facebook

Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward

For this week we replay an episode that originally aired two years ago:

On Sunday he entered Jerusalem, on Monday he cleansed the temple, Tuesday and Wednesday he taught and Thursday through Sunday he suffered, died, and resurrected. What do each of these events symbolize in our relationship with Christ. Study this episode with us today in preparation of a daily worship of the Savior this Passion Week.

Show Notes

Music: Blue Dot Sessions, "Weathervane," Creative Commons.

When the topic of the Second Coming of Christ comes up, if we're honest, there also come accompanying feelings of anxiety, worry, and even fear. However, when early Church members discussed the topic it filled them with excitement, hope, and motivation to gather themselves and others to Him. In this episode we study a foundational revelation to the early Church which can help us both shift our emotions surrounding the coming of Christ and our desire to be (and help others be) more closely gathered to Him.

Show Notes:

Visit our website scripturestudyproject.com or connect to us on Instagram or Facebook

Music: “Do Not Go Gentle” by Josh Woodward