The Scriptures Are Real
Kerry Muhlestein
The Scriptures Are Real (TSAR) with Kerry Muhlestein is a podcast where we look at elements of the scriptures that have become real to us. We interview both experts (people with language, archaeological, historical backgrounds, etc.), and lay folks, and explore times when the scriptures became real to them. This is done from the viewpoint of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We believe that there is real power in the scriptures and that as they become more real we can better apply them to our lives and draw more power from them.
If you listen to this podcast you will learn all kinds of interesting background information that will help you understand and learn more from the scriptures. We believe it will allow you to add real power to your life.
My gratitude to my co-host Lamar Newmeyer. Also to my friend Rich Nicholls, who composed the introductory music.
If you listen to this podcast you will learn all kinds of interesting background information that will help you understand and learn more from the scriptures. We believe it will allow you to add real power to your life.
My gratitude to my co-host Lamar Newmeyer. Also to my friend Rich Nicholls, who composed the introductory music.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 8, 2026 • 58min
Integrity During Adversity: Daniel as a model for loyalty to God and receiving revelation (Book of Daniel)
Andrew Skinner, a Latter-day Saint scholar of ancient scripture, explores Daniel’s life in exile and steadfast loyalty to God. They discuss integrity as a path to revelation, the meaning of Nebuchadnezzar’s statue dream, faith when miracles seem uncertain, and Daniel’s visions of God’s everlasting kingdom. The conversation also traces Daniel’s messianic imagery to Jesus Christ and highlights enduring righteousness.
Nov 1, 2026 • 52min
E68 God's Presence Lost and Gained: Temples, Gathering, and Our Chance to Be with God (Ezekiel)
Robbie Taggart, a BYU professor of ancient scripture and literary scholar, explores Ezekiel’s vivid prophetic world. They discuss dramatic sign acts, exile, Jerusalem’s destruction, and the loss and return of God’s presence. The conversation follows Israel’s scattering and gathering, new hearts, dry bones, two sticks, temple imagery, and healing waters flowing with hope.
Oct 25, 2026 • 1h 11min
E67 Sorrow, Sin, and Covenant. God's unending mercy even in the midst of destruction and sorrow (Jeremiah 31-39)
George Pierce, a biblical scholar and archaeologist, explores Jeremiah’s promises of restoration, a new covenant written on hearts, and the prophet’s hopeful purchase of a field during Jerusalem’s siege. Rabbi Jarrod Grover, a Jewish educator, illuminates Lamentations, Tisha B’Av, and the sacred practice of sitting honestly with catastrophe, grief, and responsibility.
Oct 18, 2026 • 57min
E66 Led, Nurtured and Molded: God pleading with Judah through Jeremiah (Jereimah 1-20)
George Pierce, a biblical scholar specializing in the ancient Near East and Hebrew Bible, explores Jeremiah’s daunting prophetic call and Judah’s looming Babylonian crisis. Discover the symbolism of almond blossoms, living water, broken cisterns, the temple, Tophet, and the potter’s house. The conversation follows themes of covenant faithfulness, distorted worship, humility, and allowing God to reshape hardened hearts.
Oct 11, 2026 • 1h 4min
E65 Anointed to Deliver: Christ, Jubilee and Judgment with Sister Reyna Aburto and Robert Millet
Reyna Aburto, a Latter-day Saint educator and former Relief Society leader, explores Christ’s healing, liberty, and promise to transform mourning into joy. Robert Millet, an emeritus BYU scripture professor, examines Isaiah’s imagery of the winepress, Christ’s Atonement, redemption of the dead, and future judgment. Together, they uncover Jubilee, restoration, deliverance, and the Savior’s role as Messiah.
5 snips
Oct 4, 2026 • 1h 47min
The Captive Daughter and the Suffering Servant: how you are both and what to do now (Isaiah 50-57)
Paul Hoskisson, a Hebrew and biblical scholar; Daniel Belnap, an expert in Northwest Semitic languages; Jared Grover, a Toronto-area rabbi; and John Howell, a scripture educator, explore Isaiah 52–54. They trace Exodus and wilderness imagery, examine the Messiah as both triumphant king and suffering servant, and compare Jewish and Christian readings of Israel’s suffering. They also discuss covenant gathering, expanding Zion, and God’s enduring love.
Sep 27, 2026 • 1h 45min
E 63 Who is God's Servant? Isaiah tutoring on Israel, your service, and Christ (Isaiah 40-49)
Heidi Smith, a BYU scripture educator, and Kent Jackson, a biblical studies scholar, explore Isaiah 40–49. They examine the book’s unity, its message of comfort, and Isaiah’s vivid critique of idolatry. The discussion follows the Lord’s servant as Israel, prophets, and Jesus Christ, then connects Isaiah 49 to the Book of Mormon, scattered Israel, covenant gathering, and freedom from Babylon and the natural man.
Sep 20, 2026 • 1h 9min
E 62 Nails in Sure Places, the Savior with a Sword, & the Fall of Satan: your Isaiah tutoring in crucial issues
Travis Mühlstein, author of The Isaiah Chronicles, brings Isaiah’s world to life. Biblical scholars Shon Hopkin and Paul Hoskisson explore the prophet’s layered poetry, Babylon’s fall and Lucifer’s shadow, and Jerusalem’s crisis. They unpack Eliakim, the “nail in a sure place,” Christ’s priestly authority, His sword against chaos, and the victory that wipes away every tear.
8 snips
Sep 13, 2026 • 1h 39min
E61 Tutoring You in Isaiah: the scholars who will open insights and help you develop skills (Isaiah 1-12)
Sean Hopkin, a BYU biblical scholar; John Howell, a physicist and Hebrew student; and Kent Jackson, an Old Testament scholar, guide a lively tour through Isaiah 1–12. They explore Hebrew poetry, metaphor, parallelism, historical context, Isaiah’s throne vision, hard hearts, and the layered meanings of Isaiah 11, linking Christ, the Restoration, and prophecy.
10 snips
Sep 6, 2026 • 53min
E60 What Is a Prophet Then, What Is a Prophet Now? Thinking About Prophets in Our Lives with Andrew Skinner and Josh Matson
Andrew Skinner, an emeritus BYU scripture professor, and Josh Matson, a BYU scholar of prophetic literature, explore what “prophet” meant in ancient Israel and what it means today. They discuss prophetesses, seers, prophetic disciples, revelation versus prediction, and the challenge of communicating divine truth. The conversation also considers how to recognize inspired messages and seek personal revelation.
