Mountain Peaks Theology

The Final Episode of Mountain Peaks Theology. We focus on the conversion of Paul and how it compares to us. Using Acts 8 as an Introduction and Acts 9 as our base, we can learn important lessons of becoming who God can help us become. This being the final episode please follow our profiles on social media to be kept updated for the new upcoming channel: Conversations with Alma. And remember, as my Grandfather always says, may God bless you.

Thank you for tuning in to Mountain Peaks Theology Your time and dedication is truly appreciated. For the time being Mountain Peaks Theology will not post a video every month. The next lesson presented will arrive in late September. We will begin our study in September with the Life and Teachings of Paul. One more exclusive Spanish Episode will arrive this year as part of Season 3. Scriptures Utilized John 18 John 17 John 1: 1, 14 1 Corinthians 2: 2 Acts of the Apostles 3: 7 #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #jesuschrist #jesus #jesuscristo #comefollowme #comefollowme2023 #vensigueme 

Join me as we take a deep dive into Peter's deep and epic testimony and declaration of Jesus Christ. I mention that this episode sets the stage as we will conclude this summer (at least for this season) a study about the Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ. In the fall we will be moving on to Paul and the remainder of the New Testament. Scriptures for Study: Matthew 16: 15-17 Hebrews 11: 1 Alma 32: 21 Proverbs 13: 6 John 6: 68-69 John 21: 17

Luke 15: 11-32 Consider the question, how does the God in Heaven view you? The episode reflects on the parable of The Prodigal Son. Remember that the most important part of this parable is that regardless if we are more like the elder son or the prodigal son, we always need to turn to God, so that we can be spiritual re-awakened and redeemed. We all pursue this, as God has all the power to forgive, we have all the power to repent and turn towards God.

This brief episode is meant to demonstrate my approach to how will study parables. May is a “Parable Month” and the hope is to take up the responsibility to seek Knowledge and Understanding from The Almighty God.  After breaking down Matthew 13: 10, 11, 16-17; we can begin our journey in understanding Parables. I will be using this book as a reference for our study if you wish to follow along via that means: https://deseretbook.com/p/parables-of-jesus-revealing-the-plan-of-salvation?queryID=aee6c64752caf103a2a60607b0a036fc&variant_id=201727-paperback Our first parable of study will be The Prodigal Son Luke 15: 11-32. And that is where you will hear a lot more from me. For study: https://youtu.be/X_QCQ5i7NKs

Mountain Peaks Theology presents Teologia de los Picos de las Montañas, First exclusive Spanish Episode of 2023. Tenemos que considerar la perspectiva de nuestro lugar en el universo. Como puede ser que Dios me conoce, conoce mi situation y que proveera por todas mis necesidades? Primero tenemos que considerar algunos atributos De Dios. Segundo tenemos que entender aun con nuestra fe y las dudas, que El siempre estará ahi para nosotros. Estudiemos estas escrituras: Genesis 17: 1 Genesis 28: 15-16 1 Juan 3: 20 D y C 88:41 (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/88?lang=spa) Y después podemos comprender mejor los milagros que ocurren en Mateo 14 y en nuestras vidas.  Instagram: https://instagram.com/mountainpeakstheology?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089211817309&mibextid=LQQJ4d Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mountainpeakstheologywitha5505

A slight detour from the regular rhythm of our episodes. I have worked with, been around people, even seen people close to me, and including myself, who have had some rough couple of weeks in their own right. My hope is to provide a "pick me up episode" for all of those who need to hear it. While it is not deeply related to our overall narrative redemptive story arch of the Life of Jesus Christ for Season 3, the episode itself ties to who Jesus Christ is. Considering two points of view: Christ the Healer and Christ the Savior. Both the God who heals and saves and is the only way we can access everlasting life. I reference Jeremiah 17: 14 (KJV), Exodus 15, Matthew 9, Luke 7, and Psalms 103 (NABRE). I am reminded of Mary and Martha when they told Jesus that if He would have been there, things would have been different and their brother would not have died. This is a deep and sensitive question. We all ask it and I think we are free to ask it. But, Jesus tells us one thing and shows us one thing. He tells us to believe in Him. God is with you and will be there for you. And what He shows, is compassion and then He performs the miracle. God is in the details and will always be there and is there with you now. And as my Grandfather always says, May God bless you. Here is the link to watch the video from Luke Chapter 7: https://youtu.be/o_4LpZgm2nw See the Social Media Pages links to view the image for studying The Kingdom of Heaven/Spiritual and Physical Salvation. Social Media Pages: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089211817309&mibextid=LQQJ4d https://instagram.com/mountainpeakstheology?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Season 3 Episode 7: Rebirth Part II ft. Pastor Spidey Morton. Join my uncle Pastor Spidey Morton and myself as we discuss John 3 and briefly touch on Matthew Chapter 5 in this episode entitled Rebirth Part 2. The second part of our Rebirth discussion. Bible Readings and Discussion started in 2021 with Pastor Spidey Morton, and was a huge highlight of Season 2 of Mountain Peaks Theology. If you are interested here is a link to Pastor Morton's first episode on the channel (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-m-studios/id1560834819?i=1000523636859) (You can also find more episodes featuring Pastor Morton in Season 2 of the Podcast). Can't wait for you all to tune in. Please follow on Facebook and Instagram for episode updates. For those who want some lesson preparation please re-study John Chapter 3. And watch this clip: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_p2XIUK9VgA

Hello everyone! Today episode 6 is available on YouTube (Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@mountainpeakstheologywitha5505) and Podcast platforms. We will be reviewing John Chapter 4. Now I know most of you have already studied this chapter for Come Follow Me last month; but as we continue with The Story of Christ and the phenomenal teachings of the Gospel, I hope you consider another look at this chapter. Our theme this month is entitled “Rebirth” as we use my 3rd reason for studying the New Testament this season: “The Theology that produces 'new creatires in Christ' (2nd Corinthians 5:17)”. I am looking forward to this part 1 and part 2 with Pastor Spidey Morton that will be released at the end of March. For us visual learners out there, I recommend watching these two videos to preface our study: https://youtu.be/ordhsDeAt60 https://youtu.be/zF7ma1yoLNk

Mountain Peaks Theology presents: The Conversations Series Book II. Main questions discussed: What are the implications of The First Vision? How and why was Joseph Smith influenced by the bible? Do we as a church over emphasize or under emphasize The First Vision? Huge Appreciation for the Elders who took the time to sit down and answer these questions. Visit my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mountainpeakstheologywitha5505 Instagram Page: https://instagram.com/mountainpeakstheology?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089211817309&mibextid=LQQJ4d

I called it a brief discussion and I ended up giving you 30 minutes! In this episode we discuss the invitation given by Jesus in the Gospels, “Follow Me.” By drawing from an age old lesson from my childhood by my Mama, I address what it means to follow Jesus. We look at the invitation and the post invitation implications of following Jesus. We first look at the initial call of The Twelve Apostles as a backdrop to the post invitation aspect of “Follow Me”, and then we look at the beginning of Matthew Chapter 4 to gain an additional perspective on following and being like Jesus. The questions to consider are: Why should you leave everything and follow Jesus? Why do you follow Jesus? And, will you accept Jesus's daily invitation to follow him? If you haven't already make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mountainpeakstheologywitha5505

We begin our journey and study of the New Testament in Chapter 3 of the greatest epic story ever told. Studying the New Testament like a book, the story begins with what John the Baptist brought to the story. (I refer to him as an important supporting character. That in no way diminishes his importance, nor is that to say that I think other important people in the Bible are supporting characters. In fact while the main character is Jesus, there are other main and supporting characters in the story of the Eternal Ministry of Jesus Christ.) We explore what I call the "redemptive story arc" or the "redemption story arc". And we highlight important pieces of the Baptism of Jesus and address specific parts of the symbolism behind His baptism and what John the Baptist taught. If you haven't already, visit my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mountainpeakstheologywitha5505 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Starting off the episode with the resources of study that will be used as we study The New Testament. I extend an invitation to discuss what version/translation of the bible you use for study and why, and to discuss what study tools that you use to share with others to better understand the bible. The last portion of our conversation is addressing four reasons for why to even study The New Testament: 1. To come closer to God/Strengthen our relationship with God. 2. The Historical significance of the bible, both its historical authenticity and evidence for its veracity, but also to be respectful of how the bible has been interpreted over time. 3. To become New Creatures in Christ. 4. To Study the Life and Mission of Jesus Christ and consider why is there even a Jesus Christ. https://www.youtube.com/@mountainpeakstheologywitha5505

Big welcome back to Mountain Peaks Theology! Now also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mountainpeakstheologywitha5505 Main subject: What is Mountain Peaks Theology and what is its purpose and main theme? Small introduction to each series that will be explored in Season 3. Episode 2 homework: Think about the question, “Why study The New Testament?” --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I address the ups and downs of Season 2. I mainly focus on the positives that occurred throughout the season. I announced the arrival of the YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@mountainpeakstheologywitha5505 that will open Season 3 on January 8 2023. Kind reminder that everything on YouTube will also be on the podcast, but everything on the podcast will not be on YouTube. I announce four separate projects: Bible Readings and Discussion (Series) ft. Pastor Spidey Morton; Teologia de los Picos de las Montañas (exclusive spanish episodes); Conversations Series Book 2; and the new and ongoing New Testament and Christian History Commentary and Presentations Series. We study briefly Psalms 37: 23-24 to reflect on Season 2, what will come ahead, and how it can apply to our own lives. Till next time. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Asking reflective, thought provoking questions lead us to honest and diligent studying, seeking, and searching for the answers. That is something to keep in mind when studying The Old Testament. Using Malachi Chapter 3 verse 10, I share with you what I have gotten out of The Old Testament this year. See you on Dec 31 for the Season 2 Finale!

Have you ever considered what the conclusion of the Old Testament is all about? Have you heard that Malachi is not the end of the Old Testament? Well in this short episode I do my best to explain each question. Consider the following question: Is Malachi the end of the Old Testament? Or is Malachi the last book we have in the Old Testament? *I do mention in the episode two resources. First the YouTube channel known as Useful Charts. And second this article by The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com/blog/sense-ending-real-last-book-old-testament/ See you in December! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today's episode focuses on the journey of receiving revelation. With help from Romans 8, and other famous verses of scripture I do my best to describe what revelation through meditation looks like. We all have to do a little soul-searching, and one of the main purposes of this is so that we can become closer to God. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

EN: I'm both nervous and excited to share with you the exclusive Spanish episode on Mountain Peaks Theology available on your favorite podcasts. There is no guest speaker for this episode. This is a short episode to give a small tease of some new content coming in 2023. Please share this episode with those who only speak Spanish or have wanted to listen but haven't because episodes are mainly in English. Please stay tuned because our next episode will return with our normal routine starting next week on November 6. Please follow my Instagram page at Mountain Peaks Theology for updates. ESP: Estoy nervioso y emocionado de compartir con ustedes este episodio exclusivo en Español. Teología de los Picos de las Montañas está disponible donde escuchan sus podcasts favoritos (en Ingles). No hay esta vez un orador invitado o oradora invitada. Es un episodio corto y exclusivo en español para probar unos episodios especiales que saldrán en el año 2023. Por favor compartan este episodio con los que solo hablan español o los que han querido escuchar el podcast pero no han podido porque los episodios normalmente están en inglés. El tema del día de hoy es “Poder en las Escrituras.” Enjoy!

In this episode Pastor Morton and I discuss the Prophet Daniel. Pastor Morton describes briefly Daniel's life and timeline and why Daniel is important for us to learn about today. We then tackle Daniel's life through 3 specific examples. 1: Faithful/Loyal Daniel (see Daniel 1: 8, 12-15). 2: Visionary Daniel (see Daniel 1: 17, Daniel 2: 16, 19-20). 3: Daniel in the Lions Den (see Daniel 6: 16-23). We hope you enjoy! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I announce the remaining episodes of 2022, and share a brief spiritual thought. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Pastor Spidey Morton returns and we discuss the prophecy and impact of the Messiah. We begin our conversation in respect to Isaiah being the “teaser trailer” like in a movie, to the New Testament. Our conversation highlights connections to the New Testament and to our own lives. The following scriptures were the ones we discussed: Isaiah 7:14,16 Isaiah 9:6 Isaiah 11: 2-4 Isaiah 53: 3-7 Isaiah 61: 1-2 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

There are several books in the Bible that are full of wisdom, and numerous chapters. Psalms and Proverbs are no exception. In this Come Follow Me Episode, I sit down with a leader from my Ward (Congregation or Christian Community) to discuss Psalms 37, 51, and Proverbs 3. Afterwards we discuss Proverbs 31 and its deep scriptural impact for today's reader. Follow Mountain Peaks Theology to keep up with announcements and updates! New content on social media will also be coming soon. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I have the privilege of sitting down with my dear wife Melissa. Melissa was super nervous to join us but I am so glad she did! We address three key take aways that she found in studying the book of Esther. The main message is the worth we have as sons and daughters of God. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this culminating episode of the 3 Part Moses series, I address finding meaning in the significant aspect that the Ten Commandments are not a limitation in our lives, but that the Ten Commandments grant limitless possibilities if we only take the time to understand why God would give them as a covenant in the first place. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Father Martin Diaz returns as we discuss the importance of Sacred Spaces and how they help us come closer to God. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We talk about 3 traits that Christ and Moses have in common. They were both: Chosen, both were Law-givers, and both were Deliverers and Saviors. This is our discussion for this week, enjoy! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This is the full interview with my friend Ruhul Kuddus, who leads at the Utah Valley Islamic Center in Orem Utah. Our conversation focuses on different aspects of Islam and its origins. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I address several aspects of Moses' life and legend. We also discuss the hero's journey in our own lives as we review the story of the Burning Bush found in Exodus chapters 3 and 4. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

With everything going on in the world right now I felt that a short message would suffice. Our focus is on our names and deciding to make our names stand for something and never feel ashamed that we have misused our name or the name of the God we serve. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Pastor Morton and I read and discuss Genesis chapter 24. We address the topics of prayer, hope and faith. The episode concludes with an excellent discussion on the phrase, “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

A brief discussion of what the Abrahamic Covenant is and two ways to think about its significance. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We are going to be studying about the prophet Abraham for these next two weeks. This week I thought it would be great to hear about Abraham in a Conversations episode. Especially from a different perspective than my own. We are privileged to be joined by Ruhul Kuddus, a practicing Muslim who currently coordinates and directs the Muslim community in the Utah Valley Islamic Center in Orem Utah. This is part of a longer conversations episode that will come later this spring. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/muslims-and-latter-day-saints --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

An attempt to explain what a prophet is, and how we are to come to terms with it as it applies to our own call to serve the Almighty. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Choices. Life is full of choices and decisions. Our conversation focuses on the power of choices, and who we make those decisions with. Starting with the end of Genesis chapter 2, Stephanie Vai joins us in looking at these chapters through a marriage/relationship perspective. She is the author of “The Balance Wheel Journal, Marriage Edition”. And we get a preview for next weeks Episode, “Ancient Prophets and the Great Flood” --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This is Genesis chapters 1-2 Part 2, since part 1 would technically be our previous episode. I address Genesis 1-2 with a point of view, of looking at the beginning of mankind from a parent's perspective. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Pastor Spidey Morton joins us for our first Bible Readings and Discussion episode. We talk about “the what and the why” in selected passages from Genesis 1-2. (See Genesis 1: 1, 6-7, 9-13, 20; and Genesis 2: 1-3) These verses are where we based our discussion. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I begin by recalling what that the Old Testament means to me and hopefully to you. Thinking about that, I discuss its lasting impact. Then considering a Christian perspective about the Old Testament, I challenge that we create an analysis to show why that perspective has meaning. And with that challenge, and invitation to study the Old Testament again, to gain new light, as we return to the beginning, Genesis 1, and find ways to share with others why that beginning means so much to us. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Conversations episode 4, the episode is divided into two parts. First we address the different “movements” of the Catholic Church, referring to its origin, history, and direction. Then we discuss important aspects of the Catholic Mass, and how its focus can help us in our own Sunday worship. Follow Mountain Peaks Theology on instagram @mountainpeakstheology. There will be a media post associated with this episode. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

To start of with our Come Follow Me reading and curriculum, I propose my answer to what the Pearl of Great Price is, and not what it contains.

Welcome to the Mountain Peaks Theology Season Premier! In this episode I give insight to what the new season will bring, and the reasons behind the name change. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Season 1 comes to an end with a big announcement. A&M Studios Art (also known as Melissa Parraga Art) will be producing two podcasts. This podcast formerly known as the A&M Studios podcast will be known as Mountain Peaks Theology; which will focus on all things religion. The second podcast will be known as Cinema Bros; which will focus on movie and show reviews and some pop culture. Season 2 of Mountain Peaks Theology will debut in January 2022, and be on the look out for episode 1 of Cinema Bros which has already released.

The penultimate episode of season 1, and the last episode of what will formerly be known as the A&M Studios Podcast. This episode is dedicated to all writers, whether it be nonfiction or fiction. We sit down with three talented writers who give their take on writing and how to get rid of writers block. You can find Javier Benitez on twitter: javywritesstuff; You can find Alyssa Norris/Alyssa Casey on Amazon; and you can find Owen Treolo on instagram @owen_655321.

In episode 3 of the Conversations series, I had the privilege of sitting down with The Very Reverend Martin Diaz, Rector and Catholic Priest at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City Utah. We discussed the topics: What is Catholicism? The Trinity, and what we need to do with that knowledge. While it was difficult to understand some key elements, it was an exceptional experience and conversation. Father Martin Diaz will return for future episodes. (The episode was recorded at the Cathedral of the Madeleine).

JP and I give our review of the phenomenal and successful box office film from Marvel Studios. Spoiler warning!

Episode 2 of the “Conversations” series features Father James Mikhail; a Coptic Orthodox Priest at St. Paul's Orthodox Church in Chicago Illinois. Our conversation highlights the origins of the Coptic Orthodox Church, the importance of Liturgy in our lives, and the connection of that liturgy with our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is the first installment of a new series called “Conversations.” In this Interfaith Dialogue series I will mostly have conversations with people of different faith traditions. In this episode I feature Pastor Morton (who happens to be one of my Uncles) from Memorial Baptist Church at Cincinnati Ohio. Our topic is focused on remembering God and choosing God in a time where God doesn't seem to be a main focus of secular and potentially religious life. (I also forget to mention that in the episode I mention a movie called solo with Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. The movie is actually called “The Soloist.” I apologize for that error.

JP and I give our two cents on the Disney+ series WandaVision. This review enters a different kind of “multiverse of madness”. I also announce two new series that will be a part of the podcast.

JP and I review the recent Disney+ series called The Falcon and The Winter soldier. It is a more serious review due to the impactful nature of the content as it relates to what it means to be “Captain America.”

Why (under a certain assumption) do we really only seem to remember or give a big hype about Jesus only on Holy Week or Christmas? Now I am not saying that we need to have a hype about Him for every single sabbath...or do we? ... God always remembers us, this is an invitation to always remember Him.

In this episode my brother JP and I review the film Godzilla vs Kong. I also give an explanation why certain topics will be on this podcast while being a religion category podcast. (I apologize if there is background noise. I don't have the right system yet and my daughter may have been really loud, maybe.)