ABOUT THE PODCAST
Over 2600 years ago a prophet explained how he used scriptures for their real purpose - that he might more fully persuade people to believe in Jesus Christ, the Lord their Redeemer (2 Nephi 25:23, 26). He wrote…
"For we labour diligently …, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."
"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."
Note that he mentions that he laboured not only for them to believe, but also for them to show their belief or faith in action – for as we know from James 2 (17, 20), faith without works (belief without action) is dead. His successful formula for making scripture effective in his own life and the lives of others was to liken all scriptures to himself, and help others liken it to themselves that it might be for their profit and learning (1 Nephi 19:23). He wrote…
"And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning."
Likening scripture helps to move the focus from interesting story to practical application. This podcast attempts to promote this type of practice by sharing our perspective on needed application for us. It could be the same as yours, but more likely verses that strike us will be different, or our application of the same verse may differ, because we may be at different stages of life and/or facing different current priorities and choices. But whether the verses that resonate in any particular chapter of scripture are the same or different, hearing the comments in this podcast may help to clarify what might be meant by likening the scriptures and how it might be done, and should also give you additional perspective or food for thought.
The podcast will mostly move sequentially through a book of scripture over the course of a year. In 2024 it is "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ", in line with the "Come Follow Me" home study programme. There is at least one episode every week there are chapters assigned by the "Come Follow Me' schedule. If there is more material to cover there are additional episodes in the same week.
We aim for episodes somewhere around fifteen minutes, but because we have no commercial obligations or restrictions, episodes can be as long as they need to be to cover the chosen material. We seldom cover all the verses in any chapter. We will include insights and responses to selected questions from our audience in episodes if deemed to be potentially beneficial to others.
While sincerely hoping this podcast will provide insight and practical benefit for you, please remember what Marion Romney, a wise man, once said: “I don’t know much about the gospel other than what I have learned from the [scriptures]. When I drink from a spring, I like to get the water where it comes out of the ground, not down the stream after the cattle have waded in it. I appreciate other people’s interpretation, but when it comes to the gospel we ought to be acquainted with what the Lord says and we ought to read it. You ought to read the gospel…. You ought to read all the scriptures with the idea of finding out what is in them and what the meaning is and not to prove some idea of your own. Just read them and plead with the Lord to let you understand what He had in mind when he wrote them.”
It is the application of scripture currently relevant to you, and the focus on Jesus Christ in your own life that are important, and not the opinion of the people associated with this podcast. If you find value in this podcast, maybe follow/subscribe with your preferred podcast provider. Also, we would appreciate you sharing it with any others you feel would enjoy being involved. If you have specific examples you’d like to share of how your own efforts at likening scripture have benefitted you, if you have suggestions for improving this podcast, or if you have any questions that are specifically scripture related, we’d love to hear from you, and, with your permission, we may feature your comments or questions in a future episode.
Liken Scripture - for the soul's profit and learning and a life focused on Christ