Come Follow Me - Introduction to the New Testament part 2: "1 & 2 Maccabees"

[@barbarastrate8388]

Mediocre?!?! Please Brother Halverson , do not diminish your INCREDIBLE contributions to moving God's work forward. I have NEVER encountered a gospel teacher who has the humility along with the power and gifts which you possess, to get at the heart - the heart of scripture and the heart of your listeners. Elder Maxwell was one of those but with the amount of time we get to spend with you, your influence has been steady, consistent and real, like a soaker hose in a garden or an IV in a patient. You are one of God's gifts that has come out of covid - beauty from ashes. We can't thank Heaven enough for the gift you are. I've followed you since the begining and it has tethered my heart to Jesus Christ more securely than its ever been. ❤ Thank you! And thank you to your family for all they too have sacrificed to enable you to do this!

[@curtiste3235]

Wow! Beautifully said.

[@jodigabriel3512]

I was up half the night trying to get a handle on the Greeks taking over Jerusalem. I learned how the Septuagint is considered by the Jews, a "national disaster" due to how it was translated or mistranslated into Greek, then Latin and English. (Makes the Joseph Smith Translation more precious!) This whole history makes 2 Nephi 29: 3-5 much more significant, so much so, that I wrote it in the opening page of my Bible. Thank you for your time in teaching us! ( Now go spend some time with your family! I appreciate their time as well,for letting us borrow you.)

[@ready1fire1aim1]

I like how the Septuagint was translated from Tribe of Judah's Torah...yet, miraculously, matches the Tribe of Ephraim's Torah instead. So, it really was inspired by God :)

[@qtpie9645]

Amen!!

[@curtiste3235]

Amen, Jodi! Couldn't agree more! Thank you for sharing your insights into your study.

[@juliekoester7776]

I can’t tell you how excited I am to take a deep dive into the New Testament for the first time in my life and it’s all because of you! Unfortunately I didn’t find you in enough time to catch the Old Testament but will try to do both this year. You bring the words alive and make it all so exciting! Thank you so much for your time in doing this for me…for all of us who watch your videos. Please thank your family for the time away from them you spend so you can make these videos for us. This is life changing for me! I pray for you and your family. I will also keep your name on the tpr. God bless you and your family. ♥️

[@loisparrish2146]

May we be unshaken. Thank you for rallying the saints to greater faith and works.

[@wenjolliffe]

I have really enjoyed and been inspired by your teaching. I haven’t read Maccabees for a long time, thanks for the reminder. ❤

[@paulagraves6517]

I loved and so appreciated this. I taught Old Testament years ago and was very much enthralled in understanding Israelite history, and at some point, I even studied The Maccabees, but I had forgotten so much and this was a great refresher course for me. I am very excited about going through the New Testament with your insights, and with my tender feelings towards the words in that book. Thank you, thank you thank you for all that you do.

[@christyromero6175]

I am so grateful and glad you are going to teach us again this year from the New Testament !!! Last year I fell in love with the OT after 80 years; understand symbolism at last, and saw my Savior throughout the whole book for the first time. I saw our ever merciful, loving, and just God who is always there for us when we turn to him . I thank Him every day for you, Brother Halverson, and I thank you for you tremendous sacrifices for me and the millions whose testimonies have grown through your i inspired tutelage. ❤

[@R8mqsb]

Listening to your podcast this morning, the philosophies of men mingled with scriptures, specially Aristotle, Plato etc, struck a chord with me. What, or more important Who are my Platos or Aristotles in my life? Who has loved me more than He loves His own life? Then I read Bruce R McConkie’s talk in the April 1985 General Conference. The answer is so very clear, Jesus Christ, my God, my Savior is the only one I can and should turn to for answers and peace in my life. This gift, His gift, is where joy on this earth can be found and eternal joy in the life can be attained. As I walk with you through the pages of the New Testament this coming year, I can only hope that I can feel my Savior walking with with us, turning the pages of my testimony and changing my heart. Thank you for making the Old Testament become a part of this amazing journey in my life! Claudia Lever. PS I had the privilege of growing up with Clayton Christensen and his family in my ward and neighborhood in Rose Park Utah.

[@Jan-nn7fq]

Wow! You were indeed blessed!!!

[@loveslazylapcats4039]

Hanukkah miracle - parable of the ten virgins....I am so excited to learn more! I cannot learn enough about the scriptures. They have become as necessary and food and air to me. I'm so grateful for your lessons, work, preparation, dedication, knowledge, service, etc.

[@chrisolsen8321]

I love you Brother Halverson, there is nothing mediocre about your lessons. I hope you understand the blessing you are to our lives. Thank you for your testimony and the hours of study and sleepless nights to prepare to enlighten our hearts and minds. I can't express enough gratitude.

[@lesley4215]

I've never heard the story of The Maccabees and Hanukkah so well told, thank you!

[@9115jj]

I am eternally grateful for you Brother Halverson. 🌟

[@lorenefullmer8495]

Thank you so much Brother Halverson for sharing your knowledge and testimony. I know that you will do more than an adequate job on the New Testament. You will do an amazing job, as you have done on past lessons! I feel that listening to you stretches my understanding and helps me grow, in ways that I probably wouldn't or couldn't do on my own. Thanks again!

[@marniechristensen3358]

Dear Elder Halverson, you, along with us, will always benefit from the scriptures. Your best is all WE ask of you...the Lord will be with you as well as us. I look forward to the lessons on the New Testament. My heart and will is there and we thank you and our Lord for all you do and give us his love and understanding. Til then, have a great week. God bless our nation!!

[@lindahall6181]

Thank you so much for doing these videos. I can’t tell you how much it has helped me to understand more of the scriptures! (Unfortunately I forget a lot these days and probably need to go back and do all 200 hours of the Old Testament again so it can sink in my brain better!😂) I really appreciated this historical introduction to what we are about to study. I have never learned most of this before and it set the stage perfectly for diving into the New Testament. I really want to come to know Christ better this year and improve my relationship with Him. I want to be as stalwart and strong as those we have studied in this lesson, and throughout the Old Testament. I’m getting to be an old lady and I want to know my Savior when I meet Him one day! Thank you for your help in working toward that goal!

[@michaelcrowley9008]

I had a desire to go to institute and continue my seminary learning, but events unfolded that it never occurred. But, now I have this channel to guide me along the depth of understanding, as you speak in service and do so in humility and holiness to the Lord, I enjoy listening to the study. Receptive to truth confirmation from the hints of your teaching, to the Holy Spirit building my testimony as I come to know God by our human history, through the Word. Thank you for providing this medium.

[@michaelcrowley9008]

And now I'm all caught up for new testament, I'll be spending some time in the old to fill in for scriptures and their coinciding videos that I have missed. Because Nothing else has been filling my work day this week as well as these. 12 hrs not doing the normal thing and filling time trying to stay busy.

[@SladesDiva]

Brother Halverson I am so grateful for your lessons, you have introduced me to the Savior in ways I've never been able to do by myself. Thank you from the depth of my soul ❤️

[@mariahhonda7720]

I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn with and from you Bro. Halverson and with all the incredible Unshaken community. It is fascinating to see world history and where it fits in with our spiritual history. The context and new understanding have really helped open my eyes and I'm excited for what the Spirit will continue to teach us all in what's to come. God bless!

[@susanhicken6998]

AMEN!!!

[@gailsylva7945]

I have no words. I am moved to tears. Thanks you again and again for opening history, God and Christ to me.

[@genealogynurse]

Brother Halvorsen you have made the scriptures come alive for me. Not just difficult passages to read but a real people caught up in the circumstances of their times. I have felt their strengths and sorrowed in their weaknesses - not unlike mine. I look forward to continuing our journey into the New testament. Thank you for making this a priority and giving us your insight and applicability of the scriptures in our lives. I will always be grateful.

[@amychristiansen9335]

This was perfect and immpecable timing for me to watch. As my group of homeschool students and I will be studying "hellenism" in a few weeks in the philosophy and science class that I am teaching, I am incredibly grateful for the spiritual and historical review that I can direct them to and learn of what happened when the Hebrews adopted Greek philosophy, education, and sports. I am also happy to direct my students to the faithful mother, Eleazar, Mattathias, Judas and his brothers for being courageous leaders who would not forsake their covenants, in hopes that my students won't forsake their covenants either. Thank you so much Bro. Halverson!

[@zubenelgenubi]

Your effort is exemplary and appreciated, by one who regrets never having taken the opportunity to read 1 & 2 Maccabees decades ago. Thank you for the insight, the effort and the *sleeplessness*!! Happy Hanukah!

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

WOW!!!You have me on the edge of my seat with sleeves rolled and and ready to feast at your table!!! Thank you again so VERY much for al the time and preparation you put into teaching us Bro Halvorsen! You are a GEM in the eyes of our Father in Heaven!

[@socorrozamarripa9567]

I listened to both lessons with my 21 year old who I have raised in the church and thinks he is Agnostic lols, he sat here for the 1st time on both these new lessons. When he had to go to check on his blankets in the dryer I had to pause the video till he came back and sat down listening not saying a word, if nothing else I would love the spirit to touch his heart. As for your way of teaching you bring the scriptures to life. My son when he was in seminary said to me he enjoyed the male instructors because they would bring the scriptures to life made the learning interesting otherwise he would fall asleep in seminary lols. And yes this rising generation is being attacked on all sides. I am hoping my son somewhere in these lesson he can come to know Heavenly Father is not an ape, my son and his science drives me crazy with the Darwin theory and how scientists have some proof we evolved from apes 🤦‍♀️I am purposely turning the video in the living room when he is busy studying lols Thank you for the time you put in for us to learn. Heavenly Father has blessed us with good Saints. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023

[@curtiste3235]

Praying his heart and ears will be open. My heart goes out to you. 💝

[@socorrozamarripa9567]

@@curtiste3235 thank you

[@paulaburt1]

@@socorrozamarripa9567 ❤

[@peggymcconnell7546]

You are my favorite podcaster and I love the way you bring the scriptures to life. May the Lord bless you and your family in the New year.

[@nancyvance252]

I want to thank you Br. Halverson for sharing all your education with all of those who listen or watch your Unshaken Come Follow Me lessons. The time you put into your lessons over whelm me with great gratitude that my cup runneth over with the spirit when I watch you. I am so grateful that you share so much history with us to help us understand what is going on in the scriptures. I know for myself I would be totally lost. You are so blessed with the spirit of the Holy Ghost to share what has I am sure taken you years to learn. My heart is full of gratitude for the spirit that you bring to me as I learn about my Savior and I pray that I don't just learn about him but KNOW HIM as I am learning, God Bless you and your family.

[@jim7419]

Well done. You have created within me a greater, gratitude, and respect, for the House of Judah, and the House of Levi, in their preserving God's word, the importance of the Abrahamic Covenant, and The Temple.

[@kristinearchibald6264]

Wow, this was fascinating. Not only does it really helps close the 400 year gap, but I found it very inspiring. I’m a bit embarrassed to say that I’ve never been interested in reading the Maccabee’s, but your discussion of this apocrypha was so compelling that it’s incites me to learn more. And it helps bring a special excitement for the New Testament. ❤

[@mariontalbot5239]

What you are doing in great detail really helps me see a fully painted picture that I so appreciate, as a lone carer of my autistic child and at home most of the time.

[@alicetaylor1338]

Thank you Brother Halverson, now I understand the origin of the phrase "The Festival of Lights". Not withstanding that this is the only insight I've gained, but I am truly grateful for my increase in knowledge throught your teachings.

[@rusunnynow]

Thank You for making the Scriptures Relevant to our day!. My Son served several tours in Afghanistan. It was shocking & devastating when the U.S. pulled out so fast! I am Grateful 🙏 for your inspired words of Peace Appreciation & the Saviors Love you shared. I was able to pass on to my Son & others. 💕 Thanks again

[@Jan-nn7fq]

Oh dear brother, you and your offering can never be mediocre. You don't have a mediocre spirit, or one lukewarm, as Jesus would say. Never fear that. And we know better... Thank you for sharing excerpts from the Maccabees. I've read much of the Apocrypha, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Naghamadi Library but never read the Maccabees. What faith is recorded in that history!!! AMAzing!!!

[@Lovesoftball4life]

Everything makes more sense now. Thank you!

[@annewandering]

Your lessons are never mediocre. Thank you.

[@dougorgailbowman8378]

My husband I and I just found you a few weeks ago. We were looking for more info on the minor prophets for my husband's Sunday School class and found your channel. Needless to say, we have been watching you ever since! We love the in-depth study and the great overviews you employ. We have really loved learning the Old Testament this year with Come Follow Me. It seemed more relevant and the lessons more necessary for our day than ever before. It's been wonderful. However, after finding your channel we want to go back and watch all you taught about the OT, but with 200 hrs logged, I'm not sure we can do that and keep up with you on the NT too! 😄 Anyway, I wanted you to know how much we enjoyed the OT with you and more recently Loved the info on the 400 yr period between OT & NT. I've only studied a little on that and it has been awhile too, so we learned so much from your presentation. I do remember years ago though, being a convert, studying the OT Student Manual, and learning so much from it about the Law of Moses that helped me understand the NT so much better. I remember that feeling as the Spirit testified to me the importance of the OT. So my husband and I are sad to leave that behind but we are looking forward to the NT more than ever now as we work you into our study! God Bless you for all you do to support His Work and Gather Israel! ♥

[@susanhicken6998]

Well said!!!

[@curtiste3235]

Well and beautifully said. Couldn't agree more. 💝

[@dougorgailbowman8378]

Thank you!

[@CoyoteWindRanch]

I am loving this! Have watched twice already and feel I need one more round! So excited about the stories in the apocrypha. Thank you Sir!

[@connieschrader3455]

Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge. Now if I could only remember it all.

[@salidalio]

So grateful for the foundation of the old Testament that you taught to bring the proper perspective of the New Testament. Thank you for your time. Rolling up my sleeves.

[@paulaburt1]

Gathering HIS Israel indeed! Bro Halverson, you are a blessing to so many!

[@nataly140]

Looking forward to learning with you for the 3rd year. I hooked up many of my friends with your channel and we all got "addicted" ❤️ Thank you for sharing your gift of teaching with all of us ❤️

[@marthahoward3960]

Thank you so much Brother Halverson, I have loved learning this week. It has blessed my life.I look forward to the New Testament study this year.

[@beckywright7906]

I hope I can have the strength of the faithful martyrs. Wow, what great and faith promoting stories, thanks for this, I’ve never heard of any of these books before. Great lesson!

[@judybray7514]

Oh, I thank you... and I thank God for you... and look forward to learning along with you every week. 😊

[@judymgibson]

Brother Halverson, I'm in awe of your knowledge and your generosity in bringing us these marvelous videos each week. Thank you for sharing them each week!

[@EliseBourget]

Thank you so much for all your lessons but especially for this one. I appreciate the historical back ground, the lessons from 1-2 Maccabee. I feel ready to better understand the context of the New Testament, like never before.

[@tammy9147]

So excited for this years study. This is going to be a year of wonderful moments in the scriptures. I appreciate your time and your knowledge of the gospel. Please don’t change the way you teach, I feel the spirit when you teach. I love the long lessons and the time we spend together each week. Happy New Year! May our Heavenly Father bless you and your family.

[@brunaloritz9967]

Grazie Brother Halverson. Listening to your lessons is the first thing I do in the morning after prayer. I joined the Church 50 years ago in Italy, I live far away from any other LDS. I seldom can go to church. You are helping me more than words can say. I am looking forward to a 3rd year with you. Thank you

[@siumanspringer2014]

Happy New Year❣️I can thank you enough for your time, example and humility. I won’t miss your heartfelt message. I’m grateful for the Holy Spirit to help me see God’s characters and attributes through the Holy scriptures. I can’t wait to learn and emulate Jesus Christ ❣️🙏🥰

[@markhopkins6013]

This filled in a lot of blank spaces for my wife and I thank you again for all you do.

[@hollycook6938]

Your lessons have never been boring. I have been with you since you started. I am grateful for your hard work and the sacrifice you and family are making for all of us. Thank you so much!! Happy new year!

[@tammyyarbrough7203]

That was amazing thank you for the lesson from the Apocrypha, I teach the adult Sunday school class and feel very unqualified to teach anything. I watch your videos to help me study and learn. It has been so beneficial for me. I’ve read a little from the Apocrypha and found it very interesting. I really feel it should be read and studied by more people.

[@dianespransy5601]

We were introduced to your podcast through a friend who teaches Gosepel Doctrine. We love how you weave history with gospel principals. We love how you help us see how God is refining us, wearing away the rough edges, and brining us to wait upon Him. Thank you!

[@karendavis3990]

Brother Halverson! I have been listening for two years and am so thankful for this deep dive into the scriptures! Thank you for taking the time to explain the inter testament period! This has been one of my favorite lessons! Understanding this time period has shed so much light and understanding of Jesus and the culture he grew up in! Thank you again for the time and sacrifice you have put into teaching me.

[@LegalAlien80]

My husband and I enjoyed the Old Testemant lessons so much, we are excited to be doing the New Testament this year. Happy New From South Africa. 🌻

[@ritautupo2859]

I’m forever thankful to you bro Halverson. I thank the Lord for you teaching me to understand better of the scriptures. We are so much living in our time equivalent to those times of the Old Testament n the Macabies. Thank you so much am looking forward to our NT journey🥰🙏🙏💖💖💖

[@natalieritter3593]

I am so looking forward to learning about the New Testament from you this coming year. This past year's lessons are the first time I have learned to love the Old Testament. I learned that it was written for our day! So now I suspect I will learn that the New Testament was written for our day as well. Thank you so much for teaching me.

[@TheZeldafan2341]

At the +/- 45 minute mark, I love how you drew in a reference to Captain Moroni & Joshua and other courageous, valiant leaders! Especially, I liked hearing the pattern that righteous leaders first invite their followers to be obedient to righteous covenants, and then stand with faith that God will bless them with strength. I've never studied Maccabees before ... now I want to read & re-read it. Thank you also for helping to liken these scriptures to conditions and struggles we face in our day!!

[@annsharp2570]

Thank you so much for this wonderful introduction .I am excited now to learn more this year.

[@kevinpinto4792]

Happy new year brother ! Thank you for all the effort and classes you give us, may our heavenly father bless you and your family!

[@chrisanderson4914]

This was incredible! This is my favorite time of every week with the exception of the temple and the sacrament. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@gaylasnow1755]

Thank you so much, Brother Halverson. I have studied with you since the beginning and have learned more about the gospel and our scriptures these last years than I ever have in my 78 years. You have helped me so much. You have the spirit with you through out all these studies and I have felt it and grown in my love and understanding of Jesus and Heavenly Father and the Restoration of the Gospel through Joseph Smith, and the prophets through the ages and now in the present. Thank you again.

[@patpalmer2C3]

Thank you, Brother Halverson, I was totally fascinated by the historical aspect of the rulers over Israel, thank you much for sharing your years of study, I feel more prepared for our studies this year and understand what the Jews have had been through before Jesus came to earth

[@jmgren1]

Thank you, Brother Halverson. Love, Janet

[@zgranee]

Thank you so much!! I am grateful for you time, talents and caring for all of us! See you next year!!

[@lindycarlson8750]

Elder Halverson, I've been following your broadcast for a year and a half, it's been an amazing journey!!! I've never written anything to you since I watch you through youtube but transfer it onto our TV screen. Just to say that now my husband will be hooked up to you as well this year, together we will have an amazing spiritual Christ centered discussion and enlightenment together!!! Iaorana from Tahiti, wish this was translated into French for our good members here in the islands! Happy New year and may your family be blessed abundantly for the sacrifices you are making for our spiritual betterment! We love you!!

[@joanneLDS]

I cannot thank you enough for teaching me of the 400 years between Malachi and Matthew. I had no idea of this passage of time or how the Greek and Roman "societies and cultures" crept into the lives of the Hebrews (Jews) of the time and how that led to an expectation of a military leader in Christ Jesus and why they (the Jews) didn't recognize Him as their Savior. I also had no idea that there were no official "prophets" of the Lord during this time period. Where would some of us be without your gifts of the Spirit to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ - somewhat lost I fear. I pray God will bless you with the time, devotion and patience you require to continue your "great work". Nothing but love for you and your amazing family. Super hugs.💖

[@gmcconcord]

Thank you for your time and talent in teaching all of us about the Savior from the pages of scripture. You are SOOO appreciated! Happy New Year to you.

[@juliebrown5027]

love history to go along with this week's lesson. Thanks from Phoenix AZ

[@michellescott619]

Thank you for your testimony 🙏

[@karenshaw2093]

Yes! I would appreciate it so much if you would make your schedule for reading all the Standard Works at the same time available. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Of course, it might not fit in time wise with listening to your Unshaken discussions, but at least I would have the schedule for a later date. Thank you very much. And thank you for making such an impact on my spiritual development, especially in linking the Old Testament to our days & making it so relevant. Bless you!

[@nana28ish]

This history from both your lessons this week really brings the New Testament social / political world to life. I finally know about the Maccabees and Hanaka (spelling, sorry). It's incredible how often history repeats itself! How amazing our world today is so similar to theirs.

[@katiehall3313]

Thank You so Much Brother Haverson for Your Lesson’s. Your Lesson’s Are Spiritual and I Really Love and Appreciate the Help. I am Unable to Attend The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints at this Time due to Health . I Love Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, The Holy Ghost , The True Gospel of Jesus Christ,My Family, My Church Family ,Friend’s and All. I am a Sinner and Trying to do Better. These Gospel Lesson’s and The Teaching Of Them Thru The Holy Ghost Have and Are A Blessing In My Life and Are Helping So Many . Also Thank You for the Detail’s that You Include and Help In The Understanding of The Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank You and Your Family So Much .❤

[@marybreinholt3688]

This was so great! Several years ago I taught the Old Testament in Early Morning Seminary and have loved it this year reviewing, relearning and learning new!! I have known of the Maccabee’s for a long time but didn’t understand where they fit. I now have that piece of the puzzle. I needed this to begin my study of the New Testament. Foundation laid!! Thank you Bro. Halverson!!

[@saebram]

Thank you for this! I really enjoyed learning this history.

[@siumanspringer2014]

I just can’t thank you enough.

[@harmonywoodrome9911]

Thank you very much for a great introduction to start the New Year study😍👏

[@newcreaturenewlife7911]

🙏 Your best has been received with a grateful heart. AMEN to your testimony! And a full heart in making the Maccabees my friends in Christ. Holy Cow! Thank you for bringing them to life for me in such a beautiful way. I didn’t know. And I’m happy now to have the gap somewhat filled in. So Onward! Shall we? Forward … and ON to The Victory! I’m hungry and ready for The Feast!

[@tonisjustknotright]

I am thankful for your videos. My brain gets overwhelmed when reading. It tries to understand things I have no background for. Your videos have helped me understand the scriptures and context so much better. I know Heavenly Father has much for us to learn, and I am grateful to have another resource.

[@aaronmcdonald9469]

Thanks for going over this!

[@suebrown3194]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving us the history between the Old and New Testaments. That is information I've always wanted to have but didn't know how or where to get it (I'm older than you and an adult convert). I hear the echoes of Nephi and Mormon and other prophets from the Book of Mormon in the closing words of the Maccabees.

[@irisjohnson2126]

I do hope so much to be worthy to enter to the Wedding Feast because you help me want to change, and be the person Jesus Christ gave us the example to become. Thank you for allowing someone as lowly as I am, to become your student.

[@louisevigil4485]

Thank you again, wow I love the way you explained everything , it was fantastic, now the scripture make more sense. It’s like going to a restaurant and have the best meal for today, love you brother

[@wandashipley6171]

Thank you for your love and sacrifice on our behalf..

[@sandyhardin5617]

Thank you, I need help understand the scriptures, I’ll be ready for the New Testament!

[@johnbarton7159]

Brother of Jared this was fantastic! While studying your OT series and reading some Apocrypha, and Michael B. Rush’s 📚. I have had the thought that I should read 1&2 Maccabees. What you just shared out of Maccabees seemed to have a ‘familiar Spirit’. Your message was so uplifting, inspiring and historical. Maccabees seems like a precursor of things coming and reminds me that I need to check my oil, and have a supply on hand because there is a shortage of it in todays crude 🌎.

[@BravyM9]

I really enjoyed this journey through Maccabees. I was raised strict Catholic-joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints after l left home at 19 to my parent’s great dismay. Maccabees is of course included in the Douay version.

[@JenniferAnnMcCaffrey]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU * A billion! I have been secretly hoping you would talk about the Book of the Maccabees! This was AMAZING!!! I like to think of Judah as "The Hammer of God". I have learnt so much for his courage to stand up for what is right! (I love that Judah even gave a shout out to Saul's son Jonathan, whom we know you love!). But I had no idea about the references to eternal families and resurrection in here! So inspiring! Plus did you notice this bit on the "Brass Tablets" being "deposited into the treasurey" wow, even a nod to Nephi and the book of Mormon! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO! I A LEARNING THE MOST WONDERFUL INSIGHTS THROUGH YOUR DEDICATION AND DILIGENCE TO SHARE WHAT YOU LOVE! (1 Maccabees 14:48 And they gave orders to inscribe this decree upon bronze tablets, to put them up in a conspicuous place in the precincts of the sanctuary, 49 and to deposit copies of them in the treasury, so that Simon and his sons might have them.)

[@sandyvandam3102]

I was nervous going into an in-depth study of the Bible because reading it book by book has always felt more like a task than a quest for knowledge. Aside from familiar passages and epic stories, everything in between seemed mysterious, disturbing, foreign, irrelevant and antiquated. Now a year later I don't want to leave it and I keep going back for more. Fortunately, we don't have to as we use all we learned and the individuals we met for our foundation snd reference going forward. I thrilled again listening and re-listening to your lesson covering the inter-testamental period, including 1st & 2nd Macabees So inspiring and instructional! Thank you! I hope your puppies have all found happy homes , and hope you found time to enjoy a peaceful Christmas with your family (Don't know how!), and wish you the Lord's choicest blessings in the New Year as we continue on in the New Testament. Can't wait!

[@omacookie]

That was awesome! I’m so excited for this year! I have loved the last three years with you!❤ Thank you!

[@jenniferbetcher8748]

Thank you for sharing the 400+ history between the Old and New Testament. I have found it to be very fascinating. I am now going to go and read the 1&2 Maccabees. Everything now make so much since coming into the time of Christ. I look forward to your lessons and the many more things I will be leaning. Thanks for your dedication and time to put theses videos together. They bless so many lives around the world. God bless you and your family. Happy New Year.

[@mechanicshane7627]

The wife and I found you a couple of weeks ago and there is so much I could say to you but I won't. I can say it all by saying THANK YOU so very much for all you are doing and please don't stop. I don't want to get long winded so just know that you are appreciated.

[@bonnielarnerd7680]

Jarod, could you please link me to where you got that "Old Testament Simplfied. I would love to have a copy for my Primary. Thank you for all you do, that helped my scripture study.

[@kerryfrost7658]

Thank you!! This helps make so much more sense of the gap between old and new

[@dcm1120]

Thank you for the beautiful history lesson! I loved the OT and looking forward to studying the NT with your wonderful insight and wisdom. I so appreciate your sacrifices in bringing these lessons to us.

[@louisevigil4485]

Wow that was so interesting, now everything make sense the way things came about.I just love it, thank you. A 1000 time for your time and dedication, love you so much, god blessé you and your family

[@jodavedavies6815]

Thank you for a very awesome Christmas gift. Introduction to the New Testament, the apocrypha, and The Maccabees . You are an awesome soul! Happy new year dude

[@ronhuneault2554]

Thanks Brother Halverson 🥰

[@BK-si1ut]

Thanks for going over Maccabees. I have been wanting to study the Apocrypha for a long time. It is really a shame that these two books are not more widely know in the church. These people had to learn to resist assimilation into the toxic non-convenant culture surrounding them just like we do today. I have a lot of respect for these Jews that held true even without a prophet to guide them. I can understand why these books are not in the canon since they are admittedly not penned or edited by a prophet. It is a shame some of these people are not better known.

[@novawarren5074]

I'm very Thoughtful for you share with us these Books, and have learned much! Wish I had these Books for sharing with others Definitely what we have to do is looking back to remember What we are going through and more to Come Because we understand that it's going to get harder before Jesus comes back with his own Red Cloke I have heard of people hiding Bible Books and other books in different Word Wars! We continue to learn more from The Prophet Russell Nelson and The Apostles, just have to continue to tell us what to continue to do,at times Thank you, Have a Wonderful rest of the year Keep Healthy and Happy 😊💙❤️📖🙏

[@brendaruiz7429]

Oh wow! it made me cry my eyes! beautiful history, beautiful information [essstory ; )], thank you for sharing and for going far and beyond sharing something that is not part of the new or the Old Testament. Love your phrase; Come what may! thanks again!