Not-So-Good Friday: Easter's Permission to Feel

Theology calls it "Good Friday," but for the disciples standing at the foot of the cross, it was anything but good. It was horrific, silent, and seemingly final. If you are in a season where your life feels like a "Mourning Friday," this episode is for you. Summary: In this special study on the Passion of Jesus Christ, we explore why we must endure the "Not-So-Good" moments of Friday to truly appreciate the victory of Sunday. We dive into the "Stations of the Cross" and the necessity of honest lamentation in the life of a believer. The Theology of "Good": We discuss how a day of horrific suffering became "salvifically good," crushing the head of the serpent even as he bruised the heel of the Savior. Permission to Lament: We look at the "canonized permission to feel" found in the Old Testament and why suppressing emotion leads to spiritual alienation. The German "Karfreitag": We explore the concept of "Sorrowful Friday" and how acknowledging the "sting of death" isn't a lack of faith—it's evidence of the human condition. Joy vs. Saccharine: We prove the contraries of Joy and Sorrow, showing how sorrow keeps our joy from becoming superficial or "saccharine sweet". The Gift of a Broken Heart: We conclude with the idea that a broken heart isn't a pathology to be fixed, but a state of permeability—cracks that finally allow the Light to get in. Call-to-Action: Are you trying to rush toward Sunday morning because Friday is too painful to sit in? How has a "broken heart" allowed you to feel the Savior's love more deeply? Let’s share our "Not-So-Good Friday" experiences in the comments. To stay "Unshaken" even when the world is dark, please like, subscribe, and share this video.

Joseph’s brothers thought they had buried their secret in a pit decades ago. But when a global famine drives them to the feet of the most powerful man in Egypt, they discover that while you can hide from your past, you can't hide from God’s plan for your redemption. Summary: In this final episode on the book of Genesis, we cover chapters 42–50. We witness the emotional climax of the Joseph saga and discover how one man’s integrity provided salvation for the entire House of Israel. The Test of Character: We analyze why Joseph was so "hard" on his brothers at first. It wasn't revenge; it was a carefully designed test to see if they had truly repented of their treatment of him. The Transformation of Judah: We look at the stunning moment Judah offers himself as a slave to save Benjamin—becoming a "surety" for his brother and a powerful type of Jesus Christ. Reconciliation and Grace: We explore Joseph's perspective: "God did send me before you to preserve life." We learn how to move past bitterness by seeing the "big picture" of God’s providence. The Blessings of Israel: We dive into Genesis 49, where Jacob blesses his twelve sons. We discuss the unique roles of the different tribes and the specific promises given to the "fruitful bough" of Joseph. The Prophetic Connection: We conclude with the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 50, uncovering the ancient prophecy of a "choice seer" who would be named after his father and bring God’s people to salvation in the last days. Call-to-Action: Joseph told his brothers, "Am I in the place of God?" when they feared his retaliation. Is there someone you need to release from the "prison" of your resentment? Share your thoughts on forgiveness in the comments. To keep your faith "Unshaken" as we transition into the book of Exodus, please like, subscribe, and share this video. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 2:32 Faith & Forgiveness 7:39 Making Use of the Means 12:00 Getting Past the Strange & Rough 16:07 The Nakedness of the Land 18:38 True Men or True Remorse 30:22 Joseph's Response 33:29 Money in their Sacks 40:41 Collateral & Christ 51:10 Brother Benjamin 56:58 Debt or Gift 1:01:03 The Bitter Cup 1:14:25 Forgiveness & Reconciliation 1:35:15 Joseph & Jacob 1:40:35 Sacrificing all for the Bread of Life 1:55:21 Ephraim & Manasseh 2:17:27 Patriarchal Blessings & the 12 Tribes 2:43:12 Doubting Forgiveness 2:57:36 Joseph's Prophecy of Joseph Smith

He was the favorite son, destined for greatness, until his own brothers stripped him of his coat and sold him into slavery. If you’ve ever felt betrayed by those closest to you or wondered where God is in your darkest "pit," Joseph’s story is the roadmap you need. Summary: In this deep dive into Genesis 37–41, we follow Joseph from the fields of Hebron to the dungeons of Egypt. We look past the colorful fabric of his coat to see the resilient character of a man who refused to let his circumstances dictate his relationship with God. The Coat of Many Colors: We analyze the Hebrew "Ketonet Passim" and discover why this wasn't just a colorful garment, but a royal birthright robe that signaled Joseph’s future role as the provider for his family. The Pit and the Prison: We explore the "descending" steps of Joseph's life and how his presence changed every environment he entered, from Potiphar's house to the king's prison. Integrity Under Pressure: We study Joseph’s encounter with Potiphar’s wife. How do we flee temptation when it seems like "no one is watching"? Joseph shows us that our primary accountability is always to God. The Power of Interpretation: We look at Joseph’s ability to see God’s hand in dreams—both his own and Pharaoh’s—and how he maintained his spiritual "vision" even when his physical sight was limited to prison walls. Christ in Joseph: We conclude by highlighting the stunning parallels between Joseph and Jesus Christ—both rejected by their own, sold for silver, and ultimately becoming the "Saviors" of the world. Call-to-Action: Are you in a "pit" or a "palace" right now? Regardless of where you are, how can you make sure "the Lord is with you" today? Share your thoughts in the comments! To keep your faith "Unshaken" through every season of life, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:58 The Birth of Benjamin 15:06 Joseph's Birthright 19:25 The Coat of Many Colors 29:19 Joseph's Dreams 36:20 Selling Joseph into Egypt 53:05 Potiphar: Setting the Stage 56:57 Judah & Tamar 1:16:58 Tamar's Twins & Connections to Christ 1:27:16 Joseph & Potiphar 1:32:13 Joseph & Potiphar's Wife 2:02:57 Attitude in Adversity 2:09:53 Interpreting Dreams 2:21:21 Joseph before Pharaoh 2:40:38 Laying Up in Store 2:56:15 The Hymn of the Pearl

On March 18, 2020, the ground literally shook in Salt Lake City, causing the trumpet to fall from the hand of the Angel Moroni. It was a physical wake-up call for a spiritual reality: our world—and our faith—will be shaken. The question isn't if the earthquake is coming, but whether your foundation is built on something that cannot be moved. Summary: In this episode, we answer the "Why" of the "Finding Faith" course, exploring the deep symbolism of earthquakes in scripture to see why this kind of "shaking" is meant to symbolize life in the last days. Drawing from Revelation 6 and the "sixth seal," we analyze the nature of spiritual instability and the divine purpose behind the "shaking." The Sixth Seal: We dive into the apocalyptic imagery of mountains moving and the heavens departing as a scroll. Who shall be able to stand when everything familiar is displaced? The Salt Lake Earthquake: We reflect on the 2020 seismic event as a metaphor for the "shaking" of our modern institutions and personal certainties. The Purpose of Shaking: Using Hebrews 12:27, we discuss how God allows the shaking to remove things that are temporary so that "those things which cannot be shaken may remain." Building on Bedrock: We learn the difference between sand and rock, and how to ensure our "spiritual architecture" is built to withstand the "spectres of the mind". Finding Power in the Night: We conclude with the hope that faith isn't just found in the light, but is forged and strengthened in the darkness of the "shake."

Is your family tree a bit... messy? If you feel like your life is full of sibling rivalry, deception, or "unanswered" prayers, you are in good company. From the tents of Isaac and Rebekah to the wrestling match at Peniel, the story of Jacob proves that God doesn't call perfect people—He transforms people who are willing to hold on until they receive a blessing. Summary: In this massive study of Genesis 24–36, we follow the Covenant through three generations of trials, travels, and transformations. We look past the "Sunday School" versions of these stories to see the grit and grace required to stay on the Covenant Path. Finding Rebekah: We analyze the decisiveness of Rebekah in Genesis 24—a woman who was willing to leave everything she knew for a promise she hadn't seen yet. The Birthright Conflict: We dive into the controversial "deception" of Isaac. Was it a trick, or was Rebekah ensuring God's will was done? We explore the heavy price of prioritizing the temporal over the eternal. Jacob’s Ladder: We break down the symbolism of the "stairway to heaven" at Bethel and how Jacob turned a cold stone pillow into a temple-like encounter with the Divine. Leah and Rachel: We discuss the years of labor and the "comparative" heartbreak of Leah and Rachel, seeing how God remembers those who feel unloved. Wrestling with God: We finish with the most pivotal moment in Jacob's life—his night-long wrestle. We learn that "Israel" means "Let God Prevail" and discover how we can also prevail through our trials. Call-to-Action: Jacob had to return to "Bethel" to find his way again. Where is your "Bethel"? Where do you go when you need to remember your covenants? Let’s discuss in the comments! To keep your faith "Unshaken" while you wrestle with your own challenges, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 2:44 A Last Look at Lot 5:12 Salting the Earth 7:25 Creating Covenant Couples 12:38 Honoring Agency in Marriage 18:50 Holding the High Ground 22:41 Seeking a Covenant Companion 32:14 Remarkable Rebekah 45:17 Entwining Family Trees 52:42 The Right Place at the Right Time 58:01 Giving a Faithful Narraive 1:04:19 Speaking Kindly & Truly 1:09:03 Failed Hopes or False Conclusions 1:15:05 Urgency & Decisiveness 1:23:27 The Passing of Parents 1:28:50 Barrenness and Birth 1:38:01 Personalities of Esau & Jacob 1:46:52 Degrees of (Social) Glory 1:52:41 The Mess of Pottage 2:01:42 Renewing the Covenant 2:07:41 Isaac & Abimelech 2:25:05 "Stealing" the Blessing 2:41:07 Judging Jacob 2:46:10 Esau's Remorse 2:58:30 Covenant Continuation 3:08:00 Sharing Spiritual Experiences 3:12:48 Covenant Marriage 3:26:33 The Vertical Straight and Narrow 3:34:06 Renewing the Abrahamic Covenant 3:36:41 God with Us 3:50:44 Wells of Living Water 3:53:58 Meeting Rachel 4:02:54 Rachel & Leah 4:10:07 Jacob's and Rachel's Love 4:16:17 Leah or Rachel 4:23:09 Compensatory Blessings 4:27:49 All in a Name 4:33:30 Familial Arms Race 4:50:15 Remembered by God 4:56:16 Jacob's Flocks 5:04:21 Tangible Supports to Intangible Faith 5:09:58 Parting Ways 5:26:16 Letting them Leave 5:50:38 Returning to the Promised Land 5:59:59 Wrestling the Angel 6:11:29 The Prodigal Son 6:18:56 Reunion with our Elder Broher 6:30:38 The Rape of Dinah 6:38:35 Misusing the Covenant 6:49:52 Back to Bethel

"Is any thing too hard for the Lord?" This is the question that defines the lives of Abraham and Sarah. From a biological impossibility to a heartbreaking command on a mountain top, their journey proves that God can bring life out of "deadness"—if we are willing to trust Him with everything. Summary: In this episode, we study Genesis 18–23, following the "Father of the Faithful" and the "Mother of Nations" through their ultimate trials. We explore the transition from the joy of Isaac's birth to the gut-wrenching climb up Mount Moriah. The Promise to Sarah: We look at the visit of the three messengers and the shift from Sarah's "laugh of doubt" to her "laugh of joy." We discuss how she received strength to conceive because she "judged him faithful who had promised". The Sacrifice of Isaac: We dive deep into the "Abrahamic Test." Why would a God who abhors human sacrifice command this? We explore the parallels between Abraham offering Isaac and Heavenly Father offering His Only Begotten Son. Life from Death: Using Paul’s words in Romans and Hebrews, we analyze how Abraham was able to obey because he accounted that "God was able to raise him up, even from the dead". Jehovah-Jireh: We discuss the significance of the "ram in the thicket" and the name "The Lord Will Provide," exploring how God provides the lamb for us when we cannot provide it for ourselves. The Burial of Sarah: We reflect on the end of Sarah’s mortal journey and the faith required to buy a piece of the Promised Land as a "possession of a buryingplace." Call-to-Action: Have you ever had to surrender something you loved back to the Lord, trusting that He had a better plan? How did you find the strength to keep walking up your own "Mount Moriah"? Share your testimony in the comments. To continue your journey toward becoming "Unshaken," please like, subscribe, and share this video with someone who needs a reminder that the Lord will provide. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:53 True Messengers 4:32 Hospitality 10:00 Sarah's Laughter 17:48 Pleasure this Side of Paradise 20:02 Too Hard for God 25:23 Revealing Secrets 29:13 Condescension & Comprehension 33:19 Bartering with God 44:10 Inching Toward Sodom 48:42 The Sanctuary of Standards 54:07 Sins of Sodom 1:12:35 Homosexuality 1:45:50 Standing Up to Sodom 2:03:19 Fleeing Sodom 2:13:55 Don't Look Back 2:19:22 Lot's Daughters 2:24:37 Sarah's Repeated Test 2:29:16 Abraham & Abimelech 2:41:07 Isaac's Birth 2:47:00 Hagar & Ishmael 2:58:43 Making Peace 3:02:31 Abraham & Isaac 3:16:20 Sacrifice 3:26:01 Teaching the Atonement 3:38:49 The Death of Sarah 3:45:11 The Faith of Abraham & Sarah 3:52:48 Life from Death

God told Abraham to "get thee out of thy country" and promised him a legacy that would bless all the families of the earth. But for decades, Abraham and Sarah had no land and no children. How do you keep walking when the promises of God seem impossible? Summary: In this episode, we dive into the heart of the Old Testament: The Abrahamic Covenant. We look at Genesis 12–17 and Abraham 1–2 to see how a "foreigner and a stranger" became the Father of the Faithful. The Search for Greater Happiness: We analyze Abraham’s desire for the "blessings of the fathers" and why he sought for his own "place of residence" spiritually and physically. The Three-Part Promise: We break down the core of the covenant—Posterity (seed as the stars), Priesthood (the power to bless), and Property (a land of inheritance). The Name Change: We explore the profound symbolism of Abram becoming Abraham and Sarai becoming Sarah—adding the Hebrew letter "He" (the breath of God) into their very identities. The Symbolism of Circumcision: We discuss the "token" of the covenant and why God requires a physical reminder of our spiritual commitments. Sarah’s Role: We look at why Sarah is the "Rock" from which we are hewn and how her faith was just as essential to the covenant as Abraham's. Call-to-Action: Abraham was told to "be thou a blessing." How are you using your covenant privileges to bless those around you today? Let us know in the comments! If you’re ready to "look unto the rock whence ye are hewn," please like, subscribe, and share this video to help others stay "Unshaken." Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 2:22 Looking to Abraham & Sarah 8:49 Looking for More 13:20 The Fathers vs. My Fathers 20:16 The Daughters of Onitah 25:27 Abraham Delivered & Called 31:58 Journey to the Promised Land 39:23 Priesthood Promises 43:23 The Importance of Posterity 45:42 Temple Sealings & the Abrahamic Covenant 49:29 Exclusivity vs. Inclusivity 55:59 Seeking & Finding 1:01:01 Establishing Altars 1:09:21 The Sacrifice of Sarah 1:22:23 Abraham & Lot 1:36:23 Rescuing Lot 1:44:16 Sodom or Salem 1:52:20 Melchizedek 2:04:54 The Promise of Seed 2:13:13 The Confines of Covenant 2:18:32 Waiting for the Cup to Fill 2:26:57 Sarah & Hagar 2:39:31 Pride from Above & Pride from Below 2:48:35 Facing Awkward Conversations 2:51:59 Ishmael 2:56:38 Covenant Renewed 3:02:00 Circumcision 3:09:23 Sarah 3:18:38 Immediate Obedience 3:20:25 Wanting the Blessings of Abraham & Sarah

Are you experiencing a faith crisis or know someone who is? Then welcome to "Finding Faith," a master class on navigating faith crisis brought to you by the creator of Unshaken, Jared Halverson. Summary: In this introductory lesson, we explore the contents of the course - lessons on doubt and disappointment, stages of faith, proving contraries, anti-Mormon strategies, and becoming unshaken. In the course of the course, we will follow an outline suggested by a medical metaphor: learning "the healer's art," identifying those who might be wrestling with their faith (and identifying those who might be able to help them), diagnosing the causes and characteristics of faith crisis, and prescribing practices and approaches that can lead to a stronger, more well-grounded faith. Jared Halverson will also introduce himself as your teacher in this course, sharing the formative experiences that led to his desire to help people wrestling with their faith, and explaining the academic background that prepared him to teach this course. 

When the world became "filled with violence," God sent a Flood. Was it a fit of divine anger, or a desperate act of love to save future generations from a world without hope? Discover why Noah’s Ark is the ultimate symbol of the Atonement. Summary: In this episode, we dive into the deep waters of Genesis 6–11. We move past the Sunday School "flannel board" version of Noah to find a profound story of covenants, agency, and second chances. The Problem of Wickedness: We explore why the earth was "corrupt" and how the Flood served as a necessary "reset" to allow God's children a fair chance at life. Building the Ark: Noah was commanded to build a "tebah" (box or chest), a word used only one other time in the Bible—for Moses' basket. We discuss how we can build our own spiritual arks today. The Second Creation: We analyze the parallels between the Flood and the original Creation, seeing the earth emerge from the water as a new beginning. The Token of the Covenant: The rainbow wasn't just a pretty sign; it was a "token" of an everlasting covenant between God and Enoch's posterity. The Tower of Babel: We contrast Noah's altar with Nimrod's tower—showing the difference between building toward heaven God's way versus trying to "make a name for ourselves". Call-to-Action: What are the "thorns and thistles" in your life that God is trying to wash away through a fresh start? Share your thoughts on "new beginnings" in the comments! If you want to keep your faith "Unshaken" through life's storms, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Welcome 2:10 3 Falls & 3 Floods 6:31 Marriage Outside the Covenant 10:10 Refusing to Hearken 12:05 Ignoring Consequences 15:43 Violence & Corruption 21:58 Caught Up or Held Back 27:07 Noah's Character & Commission 37:35 Flood & Famine 40:09 A Merciful Flood 54:07 The Ark 1:06:51 Gopher Wood & Pitch 1:14:17 A New Creation 1:20:06 The Rainbow 1:30:33 Wickedness Resumes 1:32:02 Animals' Fear of Man 1:37:24 Noah, Ham, & the Curse of Canaan 1:52:46 The Tower of Babel 2:04:09 Conclusion

We often think of God as an immovable, distant force. But when Enoch looked into heaven, he didn't see a stoic deity—he saw a God in tears. Why would the Creator of "worlds without number" weep for us? The answer reveals the true heart of Zion. Summary: In this deep dive into Moses 7, we witness the culmination of Enoch's ministry. We move from the "high mountain" of personal revelation to the "City of Holiness" that eventually ascended to God. Building the City of Zion: We analyze the three pillars of Zion: being of "one heart and one mind," dwelling in "righteousness," and ensuring there are "no poor among them". The Weeping God: We explore the stunning dialogue where Enoch asks God, "How is it that thou canst weep?". We learn that God’s sorrow stems from the agency of His children who "hate their own blood" and refuse His love. The Perspective of Enoch: Like Enoch, we are invited to look beyond our own time. We discuss his vision of the Crucifixion, the Restoration, and the eventual return of Zion where "heaven and earth shall meet". Divine Empathy: We discuss the "Mother Eve" connection and the "Mother Earth" who groans for her children, showing that all of creation yearns for the righteousness of Zion. Call-to-Action: Zion is not just a place; it's a way of being. What is one thing you can do this week to move toward having "one heart" with those around you? Share your thoughts in the comments! To keep your faith "Unshaken" while we build Zion together, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:59 Joseph Smith Translation and Moses 7 7:26 Building Zion 12:47 Study of Moses 7 15:52 Conversations at Higher Elevations 19:37 Wickedness Spreads 26:29 Enoch's Faith, Power, &  Language 31:16 Zion, City of Holiness 39:34 Visions of Wickedness 42:49 Satan's Laughter 48:01 Noah's Converts 49:55 A Weeping God 1:00:33 The Two Great Commandments 1:05:04 The Wickedness of the World 1:09:26 Sorry over Our Suffering 1:15:45 The Suffering of the Savior 1:18:14 Understanding God's Heart 1:22:11 The Flood 1:26:49 The Coming of Christ 1:29:38 Mother Earth 1:40:42 A Flood of Truth 1:49:23 Conclusion