Elevate your Come, Follow Me study with John Bytheway as he goes a little bit deeper than he gets on the Follow Him podcast. Every week he shares extra insights, stories, and thoughts that will help bring more perspective and depth to your study.
The scriptures warn about "sleeping nations" and tell us to "awake, awake!" But what if we're spiritually snoozing without realizing it? John breaks down how we can wake up and avoid spiritual procrastination.
You've heard it before—If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear. But did you know that phrase comes straight from Doctrine and Covenants 38? John explores what it really means, why preparation eliminates fear, and how it fits into the Lord's warnings about the last days.
Few images are more heartbreaking than watching a grieving father carry his tiny child's casket. But Easter offers a promise of hope in even the darkest moments. John shares a deeply personal experience and what the reality of Christ's Resurrection means for all who have lost someone they love.
In Doctrine and Covenants 35, the Lord says He calls the “weak things of the world” to do His work. But how does that apply to us? John explores the surprising way the Lord strengthens His servants, how He transforms our weaknesses into power, and what it really means when He says, your arm shall be my arm. If you've ever felt unqualified or inadequate, this episode will give you hope!
In His final moments before Gethsemane, Christ prayed for something powerful—unity. But what does it actually mean to be ""one"" with God and each other? John explores the Savior's intercessory prayer, how it connects to the Atonement, and why unity is one of the most divine attributes we can develop. If you've ever felt disconnected from God or others, this discussion will give you fresh insight into Christ's ultimate desire for His followers.
If you had to choose one word that could change your spiritual life, what would it be? President Spencer W. Kimball once shared what he believed was the most important word in the gospel. John explores why that word appears so often in scripture, how it connects to the sacrament, and how it can keep us from falling into spiritual pride cycles. Once you know this, you'll never see scripture study the same way again!
What do hymns and a mission president who owned Willy Wonka's candy company have in common? More than you think! Section 25 of the Doctrine and Covenants is packed with powerful lessons about music, faith, and our divine callings. Discover why the Lord called Emma Smith an ""elect lady,"" how hymns can be as sacred as prayer, and why even the simplest callings can prepare us for something much bigger.
We often use the Bible to support the Book of Mormon, but what if it's actually the other way around? Doctrine and Covenants 20 offers a fascinating perspective on how the Book of Mormon helps confirm biblical truth. Plus, discover what an early Church teacher asked the Prophet Joseph Smith in his own home—his response may surprise you!
Martin Harris faced enormous financial and personal sacrifice to fund the printing of the Book of Mormon. John talks about some of the lessons we can learn from Martin, how our understanding of the Atonement can change as we read the Savior's first-person account of His sacrifice and suffering, and discusses how "endless punishment" and torment might mean something different than you may think!
Did you know the Book of Mormon laid the foundation for how the early church was organized? When the Lord told Oliver Cowdery is told to “rely upon the things which are written”, it wasn't just a reminder for Oliver in the 1800s! Let's talk about how Moroni's writings are a guide for each of us today, from how to conduct certain ordinances and more!
If you could ask God one question about your purpose, what would it be? In sections 15 and 16 of the Doctrine and Covenants, two men asked just that—and the answers they received might change how you see your own life. This week, John unpacks what God says is of "most worth" and helps you find clarity about what truly matters. You might be surprised how much it applies to you!
"What do you do when life feels uncertain? How do you act after you've made a BIG mistake? For Joseph Smith, losing the 116 pages could have seemed like the end. But Doctrine and Covenants 10 reveals God's unwavering commitment to forgiveness AND fulfilling His promises. Learn how the Lord's backup plan teaches us to trust His timing and His ability to make all things work for our good—even when you may not be able to see the way forward.
Revelation, burning bosoms, and enlightened minds—how does God REALLY speak to you and me? Oliver Cowdery sought answers, and the Lord taught him powerful principles about personal revelation. But what can we learn from his experience? Let's dive into Doctrine & Covenants 6-9 with John Bytheway!
The lost 116 pages. A prophet's rebuke. A test of faith. Yet, as always, God's work moves forward. What can we learn from Joseph's mistake, Martin's witness, and the Lord's unwavering course? Dive in to Doctrine & Covenants 3-5 with John Bytheway.
Moroni's promise offers a path to know truth through the Holy Ghost. But what does it mean to ask with real intent and receive divine answers? John talks about ways we can start taking that a new step towards the Savior, each and every day.
In a world full of darkness, Mormon shares his powerful testimony of faith, hope, and charity, and why those Christlike traits are essential for surviving spiritually.
When Moroni was all alone and compiling the last few chapters of the Book of Mormon, what did he feel was most important for us to know? John talks about the lessons we can learn from Moroni's messages on the sacrament, baptism, and how each of us can survive spiritually in the darkest times.
What can we learn from the fall of the Jaredites? In their final battles, we see the destructive power of pride—and how faith could have changed everything.
God's mercy is never far, even in the darkest days of the Jaredites. Discover how the Jaredites' journey to the promised land reflects our own life's path, full of challenges, faith, and God's light—even in the darkest times.
What can you learn from a loss of language and a falling tower? John talks the Brother of Jared's story, which reminds us all how God can turn moments of confusion into a powerful purpose when we seek after Him with all our hearts.
Will you believe when the time comes? Moroni's message to non-believers is a stark reminder of the reality of Christ's return and judgment.
As the Nephite nation crumbled, Mormon recorded their tragic end. Learn how his words still resonate with the experiences we face today.
John explores the key principles of the Savior's gospel - faith, repentance, and enduring to the end. He also looks at lessons we can learn from 4th Nephi, including what it means to live in “Zion”, and how pride can tear even the most heavenly places and people apart.
How does the Book of Mormon signal the gathering of Israel? John explores the connection between temple ordinances, the Abrahamic covenant, and the promises made to all families of the earth.
How does the Book of Mormon signal the gathering of Israel? John explores the connection between temple ordinances, the Abrahamic covenant, and the promises made to all families of the earth.
Personal Preparation and Spiritual Growth: John emphasizes the importance of preparing spiritually, as Christ taught the Nephites to ponder and pray before significant spiritual experiences. He draws parallels to how we might prepare for our Sabbath worship and daily spiritual lives.
Personal Preparation and Spiritual Growth: John emphasizes the importance of preparing spiritually, as Christ taught the Nephites to ponder and pray before significant spiritual experiences. He draws parallels to how we might prepare for our Sabbath worship and daily spiritual lives.
The Savior's Sermon at the Temple in 3 Nephi is very similar to His Sermon on the Mount in the New Testament. John shares the significance of Christ's bold teaching style and how it impacted His listeners in both Jerusalem and the Americas.
When 33 years of prophecy came to fruition, the Nephites witnessed not just destruction but a profound personal message from the Savior himself. Explore the powerful lessons we can learn from the Nephites after the Savior invited each of them to meet him and touch his wounds.
Feeling like your spiritual growth is stuck? John explores lessons from Samuel the Lamanite, how the ancient Nephites found hope, and how to lean on the Savior throughout the uncertainty of life.
Why was Samuel the Lamanites call to repentance and faith in Christ met with such resistance? John talks about how his story teaches us about recognizing true prophets and how we can spiritually prepare for future times.
John explores the cycle of pride and repentance. He discusses the dangers of secret combinations and what those ancient conspiracies can teach us about integrity, leadership, and living righteously. Nephi's powerful example is a roadmap to strengthen your own spiritual foundation, even when you're surrounded by a society that doesn't believe what you do.
Why is Christ considered to be the “only sure foundation”? John talks about Hellman 1-6 and how you can strengthen your spiritual foundation against life's storms, and how you can avoid the faulty foundations that will leave you unsteady in times of uncertainty.
What can a tale of war teach about faith and resilience? John shares the stories of the stripling warriors and how unwavering faith and a bit of “strategic thinking” can help turn the tide in your own life's battles.
What can we learn from the anti-Christ, Korihor? John talks about why his story was included and how we can apply lessons from his to modern-day challenges to our faith in the Savior. John also talks bout how to respond to people who might question your beliefs and discusses why the devil's promises always leave to misery.
What can we learn from the anti-Christ, Korihor? John talks about why his story was included and how we can apply lessons from his to modern-day challenges to our faith in the Savior. John also talks bout how to respond to people who might question your beliefs and discusses why the devil's promises always leave to misery.
What makes spiritual gifts important? John talks about how different spiritual gifts can be for each of us, and points out some of the lessons we can learn from the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's sincere desire to connect with God, repent, and changes their lives.
What made the Sons of Mosiah such powerful missionaries? John looks at their choice to serve the Lord, their trials, triumphs, and how they transformed lives with their powerful preaching.
John looks at Alma 13-16 and explores what we learn about the pre-mortal existence, foreordination, and resilience in the face of adversity.
How do you deal with rejection but still keep your faith for the future? John explores the powerful lessons of perseverance and faith we can learn from Alma's experiences.
What does it mean to be “born again”? John looks through the lens of Alma's transformation and introduces questions to help you strengthen your faith.
Does the Lord take sides in a war? As the brewing battles that come into play throughout the Book of Alma begin to form, John shares what it means to go forth in the “strength of the Lord”. He also talks about what we can learn from Alma , who stepped down to preach to those who are a part of the Church and Nehor, who tried to destroy the faith of those who believed in Christ.
What did President Spencer W. Kimball say the most important word is? John helps us remember the great blessings the Lord has offered His people, and shares examples of the transformative power of prayer as you face each day's challenges.
Trials are guaranteed to come. But just like the sun rises every new day, our challenges eventually end and new triumphs begin. John shares lessons throughout Mosiah 18-24 of resilience, redemption, and what it takes to successfully make it through life's adversities.
Trials are guaranteed to come. But just like the sun rises every new day, our challenges eventually end and new triumphs begin. John shares lessons throughout Mosiah 18-24 of resilience, redemption, and what it takes to successfully make it through life's adversities.
Imagine what it would be to lose your life thinking that what you've done never made a difference. John talks about the enduring legacy of the prophet Abinadi, who died before he could ever see the fruits of his labor. John explores Abinadi's powerful witnesses of God's redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ.
Keeping up with the locations of the places in the Book of Mormon can be a challenge! John describes a graphic he created to help him keep track of where all the important events happen in Mosiah. He also shares the triumphs and setbacks Nephi's descendants experience as their faith is tested.
King Benjamin continues his sermon to his His people. John shares more key lessons from Benjamin's teachings and emphasizes the importance of taking upon oneself the name of Christ through faith and covenant. He also discusses the significance of having Christ's name written in our hearts as a mark of our commitment to follow the Savior.
This week, John looks at the profound teachings of King Benjamin - one of the most influential leaders in the entire Book of Mormon. He talks about Benjamin's sermons on service, humility, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how when you are “in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”
“God seems more interested in our growth than in our comfort”. John shares lessons from Enos, Jarom, Omni, and provides context that highlights the importance of Mormon's preservation of the sacred record across generations.
John discusses Jacob's allegory of the olive tree, the clash between truth and the deception of Sherem, and shares final thoughts as we finish our study of the book of Jacob.