

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

Oct 2, 2022 • 45min
Terry Ball on Isaiah, Fasting, and the Interaction of Israel and the Gentiles (week of Oct. 3, second to listen to)
In this episode Terry and Kerry talk about Isaiah 58 and 59, and then discuss how Gentile nations will help gather Israel, and how Israel will help Gentiles come to the covenant.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited this video, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Oct 2, 2022 • 10min
Isaiah 58 and the Law of the Fast (week of Oct. 3, first to listen to)
In this class video, Kerry goes over how Isaiah 58 teaches about the fast, and the importance of doing it with true intent. This represents a change for Judah, who will have a change of heart, leading to the exultant chapters following this.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for Alexia Muhlestein, who edited this video, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Sep 29, 2022 • 9min
Isaiah 57 and Babylon (week of Sept. 26, sixth to listen to)
In this short class video, Kerry explores some Isaiah passages that teach us about symbolic Babylon, especially Isaiah 57. He focuses on our need to learn from Isaiah about leaving Babylon.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for this episode.

Sep 26, 2022 • 8min
Rosh HaShannah and Isaiah 55 (week of Sept. 26, fifth to listen to)
Discover the meaning behind Rosh HaShannah and its connection to the High Holy Days. Dive into reflections on personal introspection and spiritual closeness to God. Explore the themes of repentance and divine mercy in Isaiah 55. This discussion emphasizes the profound significance of this time for self-assessment and growth. Don't miss these enlightening insights that can guide your week ahead!

Sep 25, 2022 • 54min
The Covenant Lens Reveals Much More in Isaiah 50-57 (week of Septeber 26, fourth to listen to)
Kerry shares on the podcast an in-service lesson he presented to seminary teachers about the chapters covered in Come Follow Me this week. He especially focuses on how recognizing the covenant language in the reading, and how looking closely at how Jacob uses these chapters in 2 Nephi, reveals another layer of meaning to Isaiah’s teachings.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Jacob Muhlestein for editing this episode, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Sep 25, 2022 • 8min
More Isaiahs? And Isaiah 56 on God Gathering the Outcast (Week of Sept. 26, third to listen to)
In this class video Kerry briefly discusses the notion of a “Third Isaiah” and covers the first 8 verses of Isaiah 56 and how they teach us about God gathering the outcast and making everyone part of His family.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Alexia Muhlestein for editing this episode, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Sep 25, 2022 • 13min
Isaiah 52 in the Book of Mormon and in light of the Babylonian Captivity (week of Sept. 26, second to listen to)
In this class video Kerry discusses how much Isaiah 52 is used in the Book of Mormon. Then he covers 52:1-2, exploring its interaction with Isa 47. Then he explores its interaction with 2 Nephi 8 and 9 and Isaiah’s notion of communal salvation and how we are saved as individuals as God saves Israel as a whole.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Alexia Muhlestein for editing this episode, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Sep 25, 2022 • 54min
Shon Hopkin on Isaiah 50-57 (week of Sept. 26, first to listen to)
In this broad ranging discussion, Kerry and Shon explore the meaning of many of the chapters and verses in Isaiah 50-57. They touch on what we learn from Abinadi, and King Benjamin, and on the context of Isaiah’s day. They find many spiritual insights together.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Alexia Muhlestein for editing this episode, and to Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Sep 18, 2022 • 1h 9min
Isaiah, Covenant, and Redemption as discussed by Bethany and Kerry (Week of Sept. 19, seventh to listen to)
In this episode Bethany Jensen and Kerry discuss in depth many of the verses in Isaiah 48-49. The explore how chapter 48 is set up like a treaty in Isaiah's day and what this might mean for us. They explore the impact of these chapters on the Book of Mormon and dive into the symbolism of many verses and how they can apply in Isaiah's day and in ours.We are grateful for our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and for our editor, Jacob Muhlestein, and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Sep 18, 2022 • 11min
Short Class Video about chapters 46-47 (Week of Sept. 19, sixth to listen to)
In this short class video Kerry explains the symbolism behind the Mesopotamian gods Bel and Marduk. He then addresses why Babylon is punished, and does a big overview of these chapters. He also covers verses in 47:7-9 about Babylon thinking they will be a lady forever, and contrasting that with Isaiah 52, since that contrast is crucial for understanding that famous chapter.Our gratitude to our sponsor, Lisa Spice, and to Alexia Muhlestein for editing this episode, and to Rich Nicholls for composing and playing the music for the podcast.