The Scripture Study Project

Do I really have to be perfect?

We are back with a new season of The Scripture Study Project with an all new approach. This season we are asking questions--sometimes hard, often personal, always important--that have everything to do with our relationship with God and then studying scriptures in search of truth and understanding. This episode we start with our first question of the season drawn from Jesus' own word: do I really have to be "perfect"? The answer, and a study of that answer, takes us from the sermon on the mount to the calling of apostles to our own personal wrestles with perfection.
Show Notes:
Russel M. Nelson, "Perfection Pending"
Jeffrey R. Holland, "Be Ye Therefore Perfect--Eventually"
For past episodes on the Come Follow Me blocks, click below
John 2-4
Matt 5, Luke 6
Matt 6-7
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Music: "Memories Replaced" by Josh Woodward

Malachi - Message

Malachi was a messenger, and he prophesied of other messengers to come. Of course John the Baptist stands out as one primary fulfiller of prophesy; but all of us in some small way can be messengers who prepare the way of the Lord. This episode, our final this season, and our final weekly episode of our podcast, we reflect on five years of podcasting and the "messages" we have learned, loved, and hoped to share with you.
 
Show Notes:
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Music: by Steve Oxen

Haggai-Zechariah - Consider

My grandfather was an architect. I remember visiting him in his office and seeing the tools laid out on his basement drafting board and being captivated by the idea that someone could plan such large buildings. As I've grown older I often think of similarities between designing and drafting a building and our efforts to conscientiously plan and live a life. In this episode we study the words of two prophets--Haggai and Zechariah--focused on the reconstruction of the temple at Jerusalem and, concurrently, the reconstruction of the Israelites life with the Lord. Study along and consider how you can better build your life this next year.
Show Notes:
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Music: by Steve Oxen
 

Nahum-Zephaniah - The Day

At the end of the book of Zephaniah, the prophet expresses that in the last days, "the king of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee". Imagine for a moment: what if we took that verse literally and pictured arriving home today from work or school or shopping to find Him in our living room. What would you think and feel if He were there? Would there be relief or reservation? Would there be excitement or anxiety? Would you rush to meet him or would you want  to rush to complete some procrastinated act of kindness? Would you be ready or wish you had more time to repent? This week we study Nahum through Zephaniah and focus on three ideas that can help us better prepare for the Second Coming of Christ.
Show Notes:
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Music: by Steve Oxen

Jonah-Micah - Flee

The story of Jonah is a masterpiece of scriptural story that weaves together a very human and relatable character in Jonah with a compelling illustration of the true character of the Lord interlaced with suspense and surprise. It may be one of the best books in our recent study to liken to ourselves. In this week's study we do just that and ask the question, "What am I running away from?"
Show Notes:
Steven J. Lund, "Flashes of Light"
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Music: by Steve Oxen

Amos-Obadiah - Savior(s)

I remember years ago watching an episode of a hidden camera tv show where actors acted out a scene where one man, dressed as someone living on the streets, was given money by other only to have that money stolen by some mocking teenagers. The episode focused on the actions of the surrounding people who did know they were watching and actor portrayal, to see if they would intervene, comfort the victim, or just walk on. In this sort of modern day reenactment of the good Samaritan, although some did stop to help, it was surprising to the hosts of the show how many people walked by without any action. If Obadiah were to describe it he might say they "stood on the other side" or "looked on" when someone was hurt. In this episode we study two chastisements Amos and Obadiah give related to our relationship with God and His children that might be painfully relevant to us today.
Show Notes:
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Music: by Steve Oxen

Hosea-Joel - Meaning in the Minor Prophets

Recently I heard a description of some of the reasons why members of the Church have struggled or are struggling with their faith. For a small group, they struggle because they no longer believe the Church is true. For a larger group, they struggle because they do not believe the Church is good. However, for the largest group they struggle because they do not feel like they belong in the Church. In our study this week we read two prophets speaking to people who may be felt this same lack of belonging and we identify both truths about the Lord and possible applications for us that help heal that hurt.
Show Notes:
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Music: by Steve Oxen

Daniel 1-6 - Excellent

There's a story told almost 100 years ago in a Church magazine about a young man named Creed Haymond who ran track for his college. The night before a meet his coach offered the team alcohol to help them relax for the next day's races. Creed refused, multiple times, and to the chagrin of his coach and teammates. The end of the story is powerful (and you can read it if you click the link in our show notes), but it's actually the middle of the story itself that interests us this week. In this episode we study the great story of Daniel, Mishael, Hananiah, and Azariah and ask the question: how can I live in the modern world and be both true to my beliefs and also harmonious with others?
Show Notes:
Creed Haymond story
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Music: by Steve Oxen