Ether 6-11 Part 1 • Dr. BJ Allen • November 18-24 • Come Follow Me
Nov 13, 2024
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Dr. BJ Allen, an Associate Professor of Marketing at Brigham Young University and author of 'The Compensating Power of Christ,' delves into the Jaredite journey and its lessons. He discusses the beauty of life when God is present and how weakness can lead us to Christ. Allen draws parallels between the Jaredites' trials and modern struggles, emphasizing the transformative nature of challenges. The conversation also touches on faith, humility, and the dangers of polarized beliefs in society, urging a return to compassion and understanding.
The journey of the Jaredites emphasizes how trials can be transformative experiences that refine faith and character.
Living a Christ-centered life leads to blessings and true joy, contrasting significantly with the unhappiness of wickedness.
The necessity of following prophetic guidance is underscored as essential for spiritual truth and personal growth in faith.
Deep dives
The Role of Prophets in the Jaredite Nation
The podcast emphasizes the critical role of prophets in the history of the Jaredite nation. It discusses how, despite receiving divine guidance through prophets, the people ultimately rejected their counsel, leading to their downfall. Specific examples are provided where the prophets mourned due to the wickedness of the people, who hardened their hearts and ultimately fell into apostasy. This theme illustrates the importance of listening to prophetic guidance for personal and communal well-being.
Living a Christ-Centered Life
The discussion explores how a life centered on Christ brings blessings, even in difficult times. The story of the Brother of Jared is highlighted, demonstrating how faith in Christ enables individuals to perform marvelous acts, as He compensates for human weaknesses. The contrast is drawn between a fulfilling, God-centered life and the misery that arises from living without divine guidance, emphasizing that wickedness only leads to unhappiness. This insight serves as a reminder that true joy and fulfillment come from inviting Christ into our lives.
Enduring Trials on the Journey
Listeners learn about the tumultuous journey the Jaredites faced as they sailed to the promised land, filled with storms and challenges. Despite this, their hardships became a means for growth and ultimately led them closer to their goal. The story illustrates how trials are not simply obstacles but can be transformative experiences that refine character and strengthen faith. By trusting in God’s plan amidst adversity, individuals can recognize that their struggles may carry deeper purposes.
The Dangers of Division and Contentiousness
The podcast addresses the destructive effects of division and contention within society, drawing parallels between the Jaredite experience and modern-day conflicts. It highlights President Nelson's emphasis on treating others with compassion, even amidst disagreements, to foster understanding and peace. Anecdotes are shared that illustrate how personal experiences of anger can be transformed through empathy, allowing for healthy relationships despite differences. This message underscores the necessity of unity and compassion in overcoming societal challenges.
The Spiritual Guidance of Prophets
Lastly, the importance of following prophets is emphasized as they serve as conduits to the Savior. Listeners are reminded that prophets guide individuals towards spiritual truths and help them navigate life's difficulties. Specific teachings from prophets that have positively impacted the speaker’s life are discussed, illustrating how prophetic guidance enriches understanding of Christ's role in individual lives. The message stresses that embracing prophetic counsel leads to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and fosters a loving commitment to His teachings.
What lessons are we to learn from the Jaredite journey? Dr. B.J. Allen examines the challenges the Jaredites face as they travel to the Promised Land and explores the compensatory nature of the Atonement of Jesus.
13:32 Weakness is an opportunity to come to Christ
16:52 Faith journeys
20:04 Light for others
24:52 Lens of hope and faith on the water
29:43 Trial, Blessing, or Both? by Hank Smith
34:01 Prison temple and Jesus compensates for our weakness
38:58 Noah’s Ark and the Jaredite barges
42:45 Spoiler Alert: Captivity Cometh
43:50 Ether 7-Testament to Joseph being a prophet
49:05 Ether 7-The Pride Cycle
50:01 President Nelson on division
56:49 Samuel the Lamanite and polarization of the people
57:51 Who do you listen to?
58:49 More examples of why the Jaredites fell
01:05:36 End of Part I - Dr. BJ Allen
Thanks to the followHIM team: Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, Sponsor David & Verla Sorensen: Sponsors Dr. Hank Smith: Co-host John Bytheway: Co-host David Perry: Producer Kyle Nelson: Marketing, Sponsor Lisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show Notes Jamie Neilson: Social Media, Graphic Design Will Stoughton: Video Editor Krystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, Website Ariel Cuadra: Spanish Transcripts
"Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonald