Podcasts about Firstborn

Join two exciting voices in speculative fiction, M. H. Ayinde and Marve Anson, as they delve into the craft of worldbuilding – from creating magic systems and futuristic technology to developing languages and rich cultural traditions. Chaired by writer and journalist, Sarah Shaffi, this conversation explores how authors shape vivid fictional worlds that captivate readers and reflect real-world complexities. M. H. Ayinde, winner of the 2021 Future Worlds Prize, is the author of A Song of Legends Lost, the first in her epic fantasy trilogy published in spring 2025. Marve Anson, a 2023 Future Worlds Prize finalist, will publish her debut fantasy novel, Firstborn of the Sun, in October 2025. Together, they'll share tips, insights, and behind-the-scenes stories of crafting immersive worlds and unforgettable adventures.

Firstborn Daughter Syndrome, How High Achievers Heal And WinIn this Diversified Game interview, Adaku Mbagwu, a firstborn daughter specialist and founder of the Healed Hero community, breaks down the hidden trauma patterns that keep high achievers stuck. We talk about eldest daughter expectations, family dynamics, burnout, depression, boundaries, and how to build success without breaking your mind and body.Adaku shares her personal story, including the pressure of being the provider, the pain of being misunderstood, and the healing moves that helped her rebuild her life, relationships, and business. If you are the strong one in your family, the one everyone relies on, this conversation is for you.Adaku's website: https://healedhero.comLearn the mindset and moves that lead to real results. Please visit my website to get more information: http://diversifiedgame.com/

South Side Baptist ChurchAbbeville, South CarolinaPastor Joel BradberryDecember 28, 2025Sunday AM Servicehttps://www.southsideabbeville.comSermon Notes:Galatians 4:4–5Three Examples of Jesus' Perfect Fulfillment of the Law1. Circumcision (21)Genesis 17:9–12a2. Purification for sin (22a, 24)Leviticus 12:1–8Hebrews 9:12Hebrews 10:1–103. Firstborn over all creation (22b-23)Exodus 13:11–15Numbers 18:14–16Ephesians 1:71 Peter 1:18–19Colossians 1:15–20Final Applications:1. Have you been biblically baptized? If no, is it because you don't know Him or because you're choosing not to obey Him?2. Is repentance a normal part of your life? Is there sin this morning you need to confess and turn from?3. To what extent does Christ the Lord have the preeminence in your life?

Greg talks to a caller about whether Colossians 1:15 implies that Jesus is part of creation since it says he is the “firstborn,” then he reflects on the first Christmas and the birth of Jesus.   Topics: Does the statement in Colossians 1:15 that Jesus is the firstborn of creation imply he's part of creation? (13:00) Commentary: The first Christmas and the birth of Jesus (36:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 20–21 in Dallas, TX; March 13–14 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25 in Los Angeles, CA Donate to Stand to Reason Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves The Nativity Story – Film Related Links: Was Jesus the First Created Being? by Tim Barnett Deity of Christ: Case Closed by Greg Koukl Six Reasons to Believe Jesus Is God – Red Pen Logic (Tim Barnett)

Hold fast to Jesus; ruler over creation and victor over sin. That’s the purpose of this early hymn that Paul writes or quotes for the Colossian church. He wants to remind them of Jesus’ authority over creation and over the wages of sin and death. Therefore, they should hold fast to Jesus no matter the storm and no matter the distracting blessings.

Twenty years ago, John Hancock had dinner with his mother, Gina Rinehart. He says it's the last positive interaction he had with her. In an in-depth interview, he explains how his relationship with his mother fell apart and discusses a high-stakes legal case that could threaten the foundations of her empire

Questions? Comments? We love feedback! Email us at info@baishavaad.org 

Speaker: Chris Cooke — Passage(s): Colossians 1:15–20

Speaker: Chris Cooke — Passage(s): Colossians 1:15–20

Because Christ is the Perfect Image of the invisible God, our all-powerful Creator and Redeemer, we must entrust all we are and have to Him and praise Him as Lord and Savior of all. I. Christ is Preeminent as Creator of All Things (1) He is the Perfect Image of the Invisible God (2) He is the First-Born of Creation (3) He is Before All Thing (4) He Holds All Things Together II. Christ is Preeminent as Redeemer of All Things (1) He is the Head of the Church (2) He is the Beginning (3) He is the Firstborn from the Dead (4) He is Preeminent (5) He is the One in Whom the Fulness of God Dwells (5) He is Our Savior Who Reconciles Us to God by the Blood of His Cross

Speaker: Pastor Pete Potloff Series: Christmas Scripture: Colossians 1:13-23 Date: December 21, 2025

Here's our annual Christmas episode. We hope you enjoy this insightful discussion on Mary's firstborn. Merry Christmas!

Can women hold priesthood in LeBaron Mormon fundamentalism? Jacob Vidrine from Church of the Firstborn surprised me with his answer about women & priesthood! We also finish our conversation about the race ban in Brigham Young & Joseph Smith’s time. Check out our conversation, but it is only available to newsletter subscribers. Sign up at https://gospeltangents.com/newsletter! https://youtu.be/Xg9nt_4xu9M Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Nuance in the Priesthood Ban The discussion explores the often-simplified views of Brigham Young’s stance on race and slavery. While Brigham Young did articulate strong, lineage-based priesthood restrictions and opposed interracial marriage, he did not support slavery in the Utah Territory. Historically, it is argued that Young wanted to enact a form of gradual emancipation, aligning with Joseph Smith’s earlier ideas about compensating slave owners by selling public lands. For fundamentalists, this nuanced view helps frame Young’s motivations for restricting the priesthood not as personal hatred or bigotry, but as a form of “benevolent racism,” rooted in a belief in lineage-based restrictions. The conversation addresses the theological challenge presented by the Second Article of Faith (“men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression”) when discussing generational restrictions like Cain’s curse. This is often reconciled by fundamentalists who argue that the denial of priesthood is tied to actions in the pre-existence (citing Alma 13), or by noting that the Bible and Doctrine and Covenants contain references to both generational blessings and cursings (D&C 121). Ultimately, they view priesthood primarily as a responsibility conferred by God, rather than a right or privilege earned solely in mortality. Matriarchs, Eldresses, Women & Priesthood Perhaps the most unexpected element of LeBaronite theology is the authority granted to women. Contrary to many fundamentalist groups, the Church of the Firstborn tradition believes that women hold priesthood authority. This authority stems from Nauvoo temple rituals, where Joseph Smith was seen as bringing women into the priesthood, often leading to the belief that the Relief Society was intended to be a parallel priesthood organization. Ross LeBaron ordained women as matriarchs, granting them temple authority similar to kings and priests (queens and priestesses). Fred Collier advanced this idea, believing women could be ordained to lower priesthood offices. For instance, Jacob Vidrine's wife was ordained an eldress at age 16. While men typically bless and pass the sacrament, women are authorized to bless by the laying on of hands (blessings of faith), a practice continued from early Mormonism. Furthermore, if circumstances require it (such as the death of a husband), a wife could administer the sacrament to her family. This entire structure emphasizes the patriarchal order as a family organization, requiring the full, active participation of both men and women. Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved

Series: Embracing Our Identity as SonsService: Sun PMType: Bible ClassSpeaker: Terry SlackWe take a look at the first OT reference to Israel as being God's "firstborn son," along with other important references in the book of Deuteronomy.

Speaker: Pastor Justin Greene Series: Christmas Scripture: Colossians 1:13-23 Date: December 14, 2025

The path to LeBaronism began when the speaker gained a testimony of the Adam-God doctrine, then accepted principles like rebaptism, eventually leading to a testimony of the Law of Adoption and connection with the Church of the Firstborn. https://youtu.be/AYwLSTRuidE Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved How LeBaron Group Practices Temple Work Without a Temple The quest for pure priesthood authority and the full restoration of doctrines—from Adam-God to the Law of Adoption—led one believer away from the mainstream LDS church and into the unique world of the Ross LeBaronites and the Church of the Firstborn. This journey highlights the fundamental difference between this fundamentalist group and larger organizations: their focus is on patriarchal authority and the function of ordinances, regardless of location. From Adam-God to Adoption: A Conversion Story The path into the Church of the Firstborn often begins with an intense intellectual and spiritual curiosity about early Mormon theology. For some, this journey began by stumbling upon controversial doctrines, such as the Adam-God doctrine, which posits that God himself established the human family on Earth by leaving celestial glory to deal with mortality. The search for deeper principles led to an online forum around 2014 where various fundamentalist voices converged. It was here that the writings and historical research of Fred Collier became especially influential. Collier was regarded as a key figure in the Church of the Firstborn, working alongside Ross LeBaron (the “religious innovator.”) While Ross established the “priesthood foundation”, Collier was the “systematizer”—sometimes referred to as a “Bruce R. McConkie of fundamentalism”—who used historical sources and revelations to articulate a coherent system, adding stability to LeBaron’s teachings. Collier's materials, often shared as pamphlets and essays, presented a highly developed priesthood cosmology. Ultimately, this research and theology, especially the doctrine of the Law of Adoption, led to joining Fred Collier's specific faction of the Church of the Firstborn. Patriarchal Priesthood Structure Unlike the LDS Church, the structure established by Ross LeBaron does not utilize the standard structure of Apostles. Ross acted as the prophet, and the leadership centered on patriarchs. Ross's major mission was to ordain these patriarchs and establish a patriarchal pattern. When a man was set apart, Ross conferred upon him “all the keys, rights, power, and authority of the patriarchal order of priesthood”. This authority was not meant solely for missionary work away from headquarters (like an apostle) but for building a family organization and a patriarchal order. This included the authority to have wives sealed in plural marriage and to adopt sons and families via the Law of Adoption. Ross ordained at least 40 patriarchs during his lifetime, and today, hundreds of people trace their patriarchal authority back to Ross LeBaron. Doing Temple Work in the Mountains One of the most unique aspects of the Church of the Firstborn today is its approach to temple ordinances in the absence of a dedicated temple structure. Historically, Ross LeBaronites—including Tom Green's and Fred Collier's groups—performed temple ordinances in homes that were temporarily dedicated for that purpose. This practice takes a cue from Nauvoo, where Joseph Smith performed ordinances in the Red Brick Store and the Mansion House before the Nauvoo Temple was completed. The fundamental idea is that the authority to perform the ordinance is paramount, not the specific physical structure. However, some groups now seek a dedicated, even if temporary, sacred space. The current approach involves setting up a temporary tabernacle in the mountains to perform the endowment ceremony and other temple ordinances. This method is favored over the home-based work, drawing inspiration from Brigham Young, who once gave endowments on Ensign Peak in 1849, citing comments that the poor could receive their endowments in the mountains. While performing ordinances way up in the mountains presents logistical challenges, such as lacking running water and electricity, adherents find that having this dedicated space allows for a “really spiritual powerful temple experience”. Learning from Cautionary Tales The movement is not without its difficulties. The fragmentation within the Church of the Firstborn, including the separation from Fred Collier's group in 2019-2020, often stemmed from serious issues related to sexual abuse. A major challenge within fundamentalism generally is a reluctance to report abuse to law enforcement, fueled by a defense mechanism mentality and distrust of a government perceived to be hostile toward their practice of polygamy. However, some families separate from these larger groups, seeing the importance of protecting their community and learning from “cautionary tales”—such as Ross's doctrinal errors in old age or the issues of abuse in Fred’s group—to create a safer continuation of the Church of the Firstborn. Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved

A Reason For Hope with Pastor Scott Richards! Sharing the Word one question of the heart at a time. Tags: Israel Update, Visions of Rome, and The Firstborn

Jesus came as the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world into a lowly manger with shepherds. He came to be the firstborn of the dead for all of us. Discover the wonder of Jesus as "the first" for all of us.

Tom Green gained notoriety for appearing on television with his plural family, which led to Utah prosecuting him after discovering one wife was “very underage,” resulting in his conviction for child polygamy and welfare fraud, or child rape according to one account, and a prison sentence https://youtu.be/KkQlU3KVllM Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Tom Green: Polygamy, Prison, & Quest for Community Tom Green, a controversial figure in Mormon fundamentalism, was a key claimant to the succession of Ross LeBaron, leader of the Church of the Firstborn. Green stuck with LeBaron until his death in 1996. On his deathbed, LeBaron reportedly did not name a clear successor but charged both Tom Green and Jerry Barlow to carry on his work. Green leveraged this instruction, claiming he had received higher temple ordinances from Ross, thereby being “anointed and appointed”. Green briefly formed a group spanning the late 1990s into the early 2000s, attempting to unite Ross's followers under his leadership. Green achieved notoriety by making numerous radio and television appearances about polygamy, frequently showcasing his plural family. Tom Green’s Prison Sentence However, his public profile led to his downfall when it was discovered that one of his wives was underage. The state of Utah prosecuted him for child polygamy and welfare fraud, seemingly intending to “make an example of him,” particularly because of his media exposure. Green was convicted in 2002 of child rape and served a prison sentence, which lasted five years. He was released on parole on August 7, 2007. After his incarceration, his group largely fell apart. Attempts at Succession Tom Green sought community, particularly as his children grew and needed partners for marriage. He decided to join the Kingston Group, viewing them as a successful example of a united order and plural marriage, noting their economic success in business despite negative press. He maintained, however, that he never recanted the authority he had received from Ross LeBaron. Green remained on parole for at least 14 years before dying from COVID-19 at age 72 on February 28, 2021. Green represents one of several factions that emerged after LeBaron's death, alongside the independents and the group led by Fred Collier. LeBaron’s mission centered on ordaining patriarchs and establishing a patriarchal pattern, an effort that continues today through independent groups and men who trace their authority back to Ross and Tom Green. Fred Collier, another key figure who worked closely with Ross (the religious innovator) as the one who “wrote it up” and added stability through systematization, also claimed succession after separating from Ross in 1983. Tom was one of the best known polygamists in the early 2000’s due to his quest for publicity. It is likely the reason that other fundamentalists avoid publicity, as they see that it often brings more trouble than it is worth. Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved

Offering.Firstborn.Regard.Accepted. | Hope - December 7, 2025

I've never known whether to call myself a firstborn or not. I have an older half-sister, and the dynamic has always been ambiguous. Now, she and I have historically gotten along very well. She was fun and I was precocious, so there was much mischievous benefit in our truces. The exceptions to that rule were the occasions when we were deciding who gets to be in charge. Our little sister was also under the impression that fortune favors the bold, and she threw her own elbows quite frequently. (Being the baby of the family holds its own lore.) Add to this the fact that all our cousins were next door and across the street, and the gang's organization often closely resembled the bloody power struggles of medieval England.  Birth order dynamics have shifted a bit over the years in America as we've wrestled out what it means to live in a democracy, but it's still a part of everyday social discourse. Regardless of who's in the national Congress this term, firstborn daughters in particular seem to have united online in the shared struggle against chaos in their extended families. The conversation seems to revolve around the felt burden of being the one people are looking to; laying extra responsibility upon; maybe the only one who could care as much as Mom or Grandma once did. I'm not a psychologist, but it looks like a pattern to me, bearing itself out even when we're far from home.   Closer to my field, we see the Bible is not silent on this issue. Sibling striving forms perhaps the strongest negative theme in all of Scripture. Certainly, it's where sin seems to hit home first and hardest. From Cain and Abel through the prodigal son and his elder brother, the resounding testimony is that our cosmic conflicts start in the nursery. I mean, 4000 years later Ishmael and Israel are still making the news headlines.  This Sunday of Advent traditionally deals with the theme of peace, born into the world as a Firstborn Prince. Colossians 1 joins the chorus of Scriptural texts about how there can be only one Firstborn, and what a difference it makes who that person is, and what he does with his siblings! I hope to see you there. 

I've never known whether to call myself a firstborn or not. I have an older half-sister, and the dynamic has always been ambiguous. Now, she and I have historically gotten along very well. She was fun and I was precocious, so there was much mischievous benefit in our truces. The exceptions to that rule were the occasions when we were deciding who gets to be in charge. Our little sister was also under the impression that fortune favors the bold, and she threw her own elbows quite frequently. (Being the baby of the family holds its own lore.) Add to this the fact that all our cousins were next door and across the street, and the gang's organization often closely resembled the bloody power struggles of medieval England.  Birth order dynamics have shifted a bit over the years in America as we've wrestled out what it means to live in a democracy, but it's still a part of everyday social discourse. Regardless of who's in the national Congress this term, firstborn daughters in particular seem to have united online in the shared struggle against chaos in their extended families. The conversation seems to revolve around the felt burden of being the one people are looking to; laying extra responsibility upon; maybe the only one who could care as much as Mom or Grandma once did. I'm not a psychologist, but it looks like a pattern to me, bearing itself out even when we're far from home.   Closer to my field, we see the Bible is not silent on this issue. Sibling striving forms perhaps the strongest negative theme in all of Scripture. Certainly, it's where sin seems to hit home first and hardest. From Cain and Abel through the prodigal son and his elder brother, the resounding testimony is that our cosmic conflicts start in the nursery. I mean, 4000 years later Ishmael and Israel are still making the news headlines.  This Sunday of Advent traditionally deals with the theme of peace, born into the world as a Firstborn Prince. Colossians 1 joins the chorus of Scriptural texts about how there can be only one Firstborn, and what a difference it makes who that person is, and what he does with his siblings! I hope to see you there. 

Fred Collier is one of the patriarchs of Ross LeBaron’s Church of the Firstborn. Fred tried to take over after Ross’s death and even converted Tom Green, an apostle in a rival group, “The Branch.” We’ll discuss more about how Fred’s group descends from Ross LeBaron. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/nTOU2ZYkNco Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission While the core authority of the Utah-based Church of the Firstborn traced back through Ross Wesley LeBaron's unique patriarchal lineage derived from Benjamin F. Johnson, the movement’s doctrines and missionary success were significantly shaped by one influential follower: Fred Collier. Collier, who converted to fundamentalism in 1970, was described not as a professional historian but as a “self-trained historian” who dedicated his efforts to researching early Mormon history, ultimately providing the historical bedrock for Ross LeBaron’s claims. The Partnership: History, Mysteries, and the Patriarchal Order Collier joined a core group of “historian followers” drawn to Ross LeBaron because they felt there was something “solid to his claims.” Ross's ministry focused less on concentrating authority (like other fundamentalist groups) and more on disseminating a “patriarchal order of priesthood.” Ross liked to “delve into the mysteries.” This included embracing doctrines like plural marriage and the Adam-God doctrine. Collier expanded on these ideas, even writing a lengthy paper, The Adam God Doctrine in the Bible, attempting to find support for the concept in both the Old and New Testaments. Collier used his historical skills not just for study but for effective missionary work. He was instrumental in helping the Church of the Firstborn articulate its beliefs and authority, serving as a contrast to Ross’s own unorthodox methods: Eccentric Ministry: Ross spent over 20 years on radio shows like KSXX, where he would “clown around” or be controversial and “silly” to attract attention before sharing his message, mirroring unusual methods sometimes used by Old Testament prophets. Historical Converts: Ross’s eccentric style generally did not attract serious religious followers. Collier, however, converted “quite a number of people” by gathering copious historical research and sharing it. Collier also gained notoriety in historical circles for publishing works like Unpublished Revelations, which was valued because it stuck strictly to historical facts without conflating them with fundamentalist folklore or bias. Restoration of the Law of Adoption One of Collier's most significant historical discoveries that shaped the Church of the Firstborn was the concept of the Law of Adoption. Collier found the principle, common during the early Nauvoo/Utah pioneer periods (where men and families would be “sealed to men” in father-son relationships to establish a celestial family structure on Earth), through the published diaries of John D. Lee. When Collier presented this to Ross, Ross embraced it fully. Thereafter, the Law of Adoption became a core aspect of the Church of the Firstborn's structure, requiring anyone receiving patriarchal priesthood to enter into adoption covenants. The LeBaron-ites were likely the first fundamentalists to practice adoption since Wilford Woodruff officially discontinued it in the LDS Church in 1894. Schism Over Celestial Love The partnership between Ross (the innovative prophet) and Collier (the systematizing historian/writer) eventually fractured over a crucial doctrinal difference in 1983. Collier had received a vision which convinced him that the essential principle distinguishing a celestial person was “celestial love”—a selfless love for others and a “total commitment” characterized by losing oneself in service. Collier believed that the lower terrestrial kingdom was populated by people who were honorable but were motivated by seeking their “own reward and aggrandizement.” Collier wanted Ross to adopt this principle of selfless love, believing that the movement under Ross felt too loose and individualistic. However, Ross disagreed vehemently, holding the perspective that competition was a big driving force of the universe. In the ensuing debate, Ross allegedly stated that Christ died for his “own glory” for his own exaltation, which Collier felt was blasphemy against the Atonement. Less than a month later, Ross changed his priesthood teachings entirely, leading Collier to conclude that Ross had fallen into doctrinal apostasy. Fred Collier’s Enduring Legacy Collier separated from Ross, going on to lead his own group (which peaked at several hundred followers in 1992.) Although Ross had never formally appointed a successor, he acknowledged that Collier was the most likely candidate, having “done more to build up our system and the work than anyone else.” Collier continued his work as a prolific author, writing numerous pamphlets and books. His historical research, focusing on early temple doctrine, priesthood, and the Adam-God doctrine, has since “permeated fundamentalism,” with followers of different groups utilizing his historical scholarship. Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission

Scripture: Luke 2:7

Return to the wonder of Christ in the Christmas story. Join Pastor Heath Harris in Colossians Chapter 1 as we look at the manger in light of the cosmic Christ.

Scripture: Hebrews 1:16

First Born Sun, the musical project of Canberra songwriter and producer Dave Cina, is a true unsung hero of the music world. Over four years, he's crafted four albums in the Club, each one a fully realised sonic world. In this episode, we explore his latest release, Monkey Paw, a Spaghetti Western-inspired album that's both lighthearted and dark. Dave opens up about his love of producing over performing, and the challenge of hearing his own singing voice in recordings. Tune in for a conversation celebrating the quiet brilliance of an underrated artist and the worlds he creates through music. Song Credit: “Dimming Light" - Written by David Cina. Performed by First Born Sun. Ready to deep dive into songwriting? Join our 10-week online intensive course to write 10 new songs with lessons, personalised mentorship and practical tools to refine your craft. Learn more at iheartsongwritingclub.com/songwritingcourses.Find out more and contact us at I Heart Songwriting Club & Francesca de Valence.Get your creativity, confidence, and songwriting output flowing. Join The Club and receive the support and structure to write 10 songs in 10 weeks and get feedback from a private peer community. Just getting started on your songwriting journey and need more hands-on support? Establish a firm foundation and develop your musical and lyric skills with our Beginner Songwriting Courses. Don't struggle to write your next album - write an album a year with ease! Watch our Free Songwriting Masterclass. Get songwriting insights from I Heart Songwriting Club: Instagram / Facebook / YouTubeBe inspired by Francesca on socials: YouTube / Facebook / InstagramTheme song: “Put One Foot In Front Of The Other One” music and lyrics by Francesca de Valence If you love this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and tell everyone you know about The Magic of Songwriting.

Scripture: Romans 8:29

Ross Wesley LeBaron played the role of eccentric prophet. The second oldest son of patriarch Alma Dayer LeBaron Sr., carved a distinct path in Utah. Ross founded the Church of the Firstborn. His teachings presented a unique fundamentalist cosmology focused on distributing sacred authority rather than concentrating it, emphasizing that “the honor is in the work, not the title.” https://youtu.be/fHYDKiaoZ5o Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission Authority Above the Church: Dissemination vs. Concentration Ross LeBaron’s theology centered on the concept of a higher order of priesthood existing “above the [LDS] Church” structure. This authority, which he called the Patriarchal Priesthood, originated with the keys restored by Moses, Elias, and Elijah in the Kirtland Temple (D&C 110). This higher priesthood manifested in the Nauvoo period as the authority to make men “kings and priests” (and women “queens and priestesses”), often referred to as the fullness of the priesthood. Ross taught that this authority should be widely distributed among worthy men, acting as a check and balance against unrighteous leadership. He contrasted this view sharply with the prevailing fundamentalist models (like the Woolley line, which later split into FLDS and AUB) that focused on concentrating supreme authority either in a single presiding figure (the “one man rule”) or a small “Council of Seven”. Ross felt the stability of the priesthood lay in this dissemination of authority, allowing many men to hold the highest keys for their own families. Ross LeBaron’s Priesthood Claim Ross’s authority traced back to his grandfather, Benjamin F. Johnson, a close confidant of Joseph Smith and the last living original member of the Council of Fifty. Johnson claimed that Joseph Smith had authorized him to teach the principles of plural marriage, endowments, garments, and the Second Anointing “when I’m led to do so”. This unique claim bypassed Ross’s father (Benjamin Franklin LeBaron) and passed to his grandfather, Alma Dayer LeBaron Sr. (“Dayer”.) Ross received a patriarchal blessing and the “keys, rights, and authority of the patriarchal order of priesthood” from his father, Dayer, in 1950. Although Dayer died without naming a clear successor, leaving behind a succession crisis, Ross eventually received a revelation confirming that the patriarchal priesthood he held was the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood. He subsequently concluded that, as Joseph Smith’s birthright, he was the “one anointed and appointed” referenced in D&C 132:73. Eccentric Prophet's Ministry &  the Second Anointing Ross’s ministry in Utah often relied on eccentric methods to gain public notice. He spent over 20 years on radio shows (like KSXX) attempting to be controversial or “silly” (clowning around) to draw attention before sharing his message, mirroring unusual methods sometimes used by Old Testament prophets. A crucial element of Ross’s authority was the belief that the patriarchal keys authorized him to perform temple ordinances, including the Second Anointing. Reviving the Second Anointing: Ross and his early follower, Robert Eaby (a former scribe for the AUB Council and participant in Musser’s School of the Prophets), became pioneers in researching and restoring the Second Anointing outside of the LDS Church. Robert Eaby, who had learned about the ordinance through connections to early prayer circles, was able to assist in administering the endowments and then the Second Anointing, making them the first fundamentalists known to perform the ordinance (circa 1967/1968). Historical Context: This revival occurred during a period when the ordinance was largely discontinued within the mainstream LDS Church, having been generally halted by Heber J. Grant in the late 1920s and not widely performed again until it was revived by Spencer W. Kimball in the 1970s. Ross also stressed individual accountability and agency. When a follower sought revelatory guidance from him regarding a major life decision, Ross challenged him: “Why are you afraid of taking responsibility for yourself? Don’t your knees work? Go to God yourself and get revelation for yourself.” This focus on the individual patriarch holding authority for their own family underscored Ross’s belief that while leaders were fallible, the highest order of priesthood could and should be accessed by all worthy individuals. Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission

Scripture: Colossians 1:18

Evil Ervil LeBaron was a killer. He killed not only his brother Joel LeBaron, but had his wives kill rival Rulon Allred. He was known to have a hit list of others, including President Spencer Kimball of the LDS Church. Jacob Vidrine discusses these events and we’ll discuss the recent drug killings to a LeBaron family in Mexico. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/23RT8A5HEww Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission God's Executioner: How Ervil LeBaron's Quest for Authority Led to Murder and Stigma When discussing Mormon fundamentalism, the name LeBaron often conjures images of violence and notoriety, largely due to the actions of Ervil LeBaron. Though the family's original movement—the Church of the Firstborn—was rooted in unique priesthood claims tracing back to Nauvoo, Ervil's descent into murder and extremism permanently attached a “stigma” to the LeBaron name. Rise of the Violent Theologian Ervil LeBaron was one of the younger sons of Alma Dayer LeBaron (Dayer) and was initially associated with the Mexico branch of the family, led by his brother Joel LeBaron. Ervil was recognized early on as a key figure in establishing Joel's church, serving as a great theologian who authored the important pamphlet Priesthood Expounded. Joel rewarded his loyalty by appointing Ervil to the prestigious position of presiding patriarch over their Mexican church, the number two office under Joel. However, Ervil's rise was quickly marred by corruption. Reports indicated that Ervil began embezzling tithing funds and had a reputation for being predatory, attempting to get all the wives for himself and generally aggrandizing himself through his authority. By 1970, the controversy surrounding Ervil’s financial and moral conduct grew so severe that many members and leaders within Joel's church felt the need to curb his influence. Schism and the Birth of Violence In response to Ervil’s excesses, Joel made the drastic decision to strip Ervil of all authority in the church. Ervil, angered by the loss of his prestige and power, convinced himself that he was justified in killing Joel for taking away his authority. This marked the schism, leading Ervil to form his own group, the Church of the Lamb of God. Ervil’s actions escalated quickly into violence. He claimed a radical, theocratic justification for his subsequent murders: he asserted that he held the civil authority over the earth as “God’s appointed agent”. Based on this claim, Ervil believed he could kill anyone who was “treasonous against his government”. Ervil ordered Dan Jordan, one of his followers, to murder Joel LeBaron, which occurred in 1972. This assassination cut off the head of Joel's organization, as Joel died without appointing a successor to his highest office. Infamous Hit List After murdering his brother, Ervil was determined to eliminate any remaining opposition. He began threatening other fundamentalists and created a massive hit list. He was reportedly concerned about Verlan LeBaron, who had been appointed by Joel to replace Ervil as the presiding patriarch. Verlan was forced to go into hiding for nearly a decade to avoid Ervil’s retribution. To draw Verlan out of hiding, Ervil devised a calculated and shocking plan: he ordered the murder of Rulon Allred, the leader of the Allred Group (AUB). Ervil targeted Allred because Verlan had married into Rulon's family, believing Verlan would attend the funeral. Rulon Allred was assassinated in his doctor’s office in 1977. Ervil allegedly sent two of his wives to commit the crime, securing their commitment to his violent cause. Although Verlan was present at Allred’s funeral, the overwhelming police presence spooked Ervil’s followers, saving Verlan’s life. Ervil LeBaron's End and the Lingering Tragedy Ervil was eventually apprehended in Mexico, extradited, and convicted in 1980 for ordering Allred's death, receiving a life sentence in Utah State Prison. However, the violence did not end there. Ervil died in prison in 1981 in an apparent suicide. Tragically, just two days after Ervil's death was discovered, Verlan LeBaron—the man Ervil had spent years trying to kill—died in an auto accident in Mexico City. Several family members and observers suspected that this was not a coincidence, believing it was a sabotage hit ordered by Ervil's followers, who continued their deadly work even after Ervil's incarceration. Ervil's actions permanently “soil[ed] the whole [LeBaron]” family, transforming a unique movement rooted in secret Nauvoo priesthood claims into one synonymous with a twisted quest for power and serial murder. LeBarón and Langford Families Massacre Tragedy continues in Mexico as recently as 2019. Nine people were killed with some burned alive in a car (three women and six children, all of whom held dual US–Mexican citizenship).[3][4] They were members of the LeBaron and Langford families. A drug cartel is believed to be behind the attack.[5][6] In January 2025, a federal judge in Mexico ordered the Attorney General’s Office to investigate the massacre as an act of terrorism in Mexico. Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission

This week we're visited by one of Ted Danson's personal heroes, the great Carol Burnett! Carol talks with Ted about her break into show business, her return on season 2 of Palm Royale, spiritual experiences, her love of word games, navigating fame at this stage of her career, and more.  Like watching your podcasts?  Visit http://youtube.com/teamcoco to see full episodes.  Carol's favorite Cosmo2oz of Ketel One1oz of fresh squeezed lime juice1/2oz of Cointreau1/2oz of simple syrup1/4-1/2oz of cranberry juice cocktail Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake until chilled, strain into a glass, and serve with an orange twist.  Special thanks to The Grill on the Alley for the recipe and to bar director Kenzo Han of Firstborn.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Preached in 2022. For more resources for knowing and loving God's word, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bcnewton.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exodus: Saved for God's Glory // Philip Graham Ryken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exodus // Douglas Stuart⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Gleanings in Exodus // A. W. Pink⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Pentateuch as Narrative // John H. Sailhamer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Exodus // John Calvin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you have benefitted from this episode, consider sharing with others. You can also support my work financially⁠⁠⁠ at this link⁠⁠⁠.

1950s were a tumultuous time for Mormon polygamists. Not only did police jail many for polygamy, but there were Mormon Fundamentalist Schisms. Many groups including Joseph Musser and the LeBaron families split apart. Jacob Vidrine of the Church of the Firstborn gives more details. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/1hdRUUQ8Gv0 Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission Dramatic 1955 Schism that Defined the LeBaron Legacy The history of Mormon fundamentalism is filled with contested authority claims, but few are as immediate and dramatic as the split that occurred between Ross and Joel LeBaron in the mid-1950s. This schism not only severed the nascent Church of the Firstborn into two distinct movements but also cemented radically different interpretations of priesthood authority that traced back to Nauvoo. From Mexico to Utah: Quest for the Kingdom Following the death of their father, Alma Dayer LeBaron (Dayer), who had claimed a unique authority line through Benjamin F. Johnson, the family faced a succession crisis. Joel LeBaron and his brothers (including Verlin and Floren) were primarily based in Mexico and had initially affiliated themselves with the Allred Group (AUB), which was the Salt Lake-based faction of the larger Woolley fundamentalist movement after the 1950s split. In 1955, Joel and his brothers traveled to Utah specifically to request funding from the Allred Council to establish a United Order in Mexico. While staying in Utah, they interacted with their brother, Ross Wesley LeBaron, the second oldest son, who had been ministering separately in the Utah area. Ross's Vision: The Higher Church Ross had received a commission from his father in 1950 to carry on the “patriarchal work”. His theology provided a unique perspective in the fundamentalist landscape, teaching that the Church of the Firstborn was not merely a holding pattern for the “out-of-order” LDS Church, but rather a “higher church above the Church of Jesus Christ”. Ross argued that the goal was not to “fall back into the church” but to “advance into the church of the firstborn,” emphasizing the higher principles of the patriarchal order restored by Moses, Elias, and Elijah in the Kirtland Temple. Ross converted his visiting brothers, Joel and Floren, “back to believing in their father’s authority line” and the patriarchal priesthood. Excited, the brothers decided to formally organize a new church5. The September Organization and Contested Authority On September 21, 1955, Ross, Joel, and Floren gathered for an organizational meeting that established the Church of the Firstborn of the Fullness of Times. The minutes of this meeting articulated the specific authority lineage claimed by the family: Joseph Smith passed patriarchal keys to Benjamin F. Johnson, who passed them to Alma LeBaron (Dayer), who conferred them on his sons. In this initial organization: Ross Wesley LeBaron was sustained as the head patriarch, holding the keys and calling received from their father. Ross emphasized that “the honor is in the work, not the title,” focusing on the substance of the calling rather than merely claiming specific offices. Joel LeBaron was ordained to the office of president of the Church of the Firstborn of the Fullness of Times. Floren LeBaron was set apart as a counselor. Ross claimed he ordained both Joel and Floren as patriarchs1012. However, this unity was fleeting. Joel's Claim to the One Mighty and Strong Within approximately a week of the organization, Joel decided to split from Ross. Joel sought a higher, incontrovertible claim to authority to override Ross’s position as the patriarch holding the keys. Joel traveled up Farmington Canyon and claimed to receive a revelation or a theophany. He claimed that “no fewer than… 17 or 18 different past prophets” appeared to him on the mountain. Crucially, these messengers allegedly appointed Joel as “the one mighty and strong”. This claim directly targeted Ross’s earlier teachings; Ross had claimed the birthright of Joseph Smith and described his own work as merely “preparatory work until the one mighty and strong came”. By claiming this specific title, Joel effectively trumped Ross’s foundational claim and secured his own undisputed position as the highest authority. The dramatic revelation led to a swift separation, with Ross remaining in Utah and Joel returning to Mexico, where he would successfully grow his branch of the Church of the Firstborn of the Fullness of Times to several thousand members, emphasizing a restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ structure (complete with a Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and a High Council), rather than Ross’s focus on the higher patriarchal order. ——————————————————————————– In essence, the split between Ross and Joel LeBaron illustrates a fundamental tension in fundamentalist authority: the conflict between inheriting authority (Ross, the Birthright, the Patriarchal Keys) versus receiving new, definitive revelation (Joel, the Theophany, the One Mighty and Strong). Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission

Join my husband and I as we go through the entire Bible in a year, in conjunction with the Bible Discovery Guide and The Daily Show. This weekend we answer some of the big questions and viewer questions concerning baptism, suffering, spiritual warfare, Christ as the “firstborn from the dead,” and Old Testament rebellion. If you want to know your Bible better, then this is a great place to help deepen your big picture understanding.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast, Hank shares a letter from a Methodist pastor who became an atheist while still leading his church.Hank also answers the following questions:Can you expound on John 4:22-23 in relation to Messianic Judaism and Jesus being the Torah made flesh? Ron - Springfield, MO (4:19)I fell from the Lord. I read Psalm 71:1-11. How can I claim these things? Roger - St. Joseph, MO (7:26)What is your opinion on the rapture? Where does the Bible talk about this? Dan - MN (15:11)Is the cursing for disobedience in Deuteronomy 28:32-33 talking about African-Americans today? Gedaliah - St. Louis, MO (18:14)Jesus says He is the “I Am” in John 8:58, but Colossians says Jesus is the firstborn. How to resolve this apparent contradiction? Ermias - St. Louis, MO (22:23)

Will there be polygamy in heaven? We’re diving into Ross LeBaron story with Jacob Vidrine of the Church of the Firstborn. I’ll also ask Jacob if polygamy a requirement for the Celestial Kingdom. Will it be monogamy or polygamy in heaven? His answer surprised me! We discuss Law of Adoption & the Manifesto ending polygamy in the LDS Church as well. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/m20kOKhSdLA 0:00 1st Successor: Ross LeBaron 13:57 Law of Adoption 22:03 Requirement for Polygamy in Heaven? 28:59 Manifesto Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission Nauvoo Foundation: Priesthood Above Church To understand the LeBaron claim, one must look back to Nauvoo Mormonism, where Joseph Smith introduced the concept of higher orders of priesthood. This “highest order of the Melchizedek Priesthood” was often referred to as the “fullness of the priesthood” and involved making men and women “kings and priests” in temple ordinances. Associated with this was the Council of 50, which Joseph Smith established just months before his death as the “literal government” or “political kingdom of God on the earth.” Historical evidence suggests that the Council of 50 was intended to be a presiding priesthood body that held authority no church tribunal could control. Benjamin F. Johnson was one of the men added to the Council of 50 on March 26, 1844, just before Joseph Smith’s death. Johnson was a close friend of Joseph Smith and was taught directly about plural marriage, endowments, garments, and the Second Anointing. Johnson later asserted that he was authorized by Joseph Smith “to teach this to others when I’m was led to do so.” After the Council of 50 ceased meeting (it became defunct after 1885/1911 when Joseph F. Smith denied the request to reconvene it), Johnson emphasized that he was the last living original member of the Council of 50. ——————————————————————————– Transmission of the Birthright The LeBaron authority claim rests on Johnson passing this special, secret Nauvoo authority—which included the Fullness of the Priesthood and involvement in the Kingdom of God structure—to his grandson, Alma Dayer LeBaron (Dayer.) This transfer of keys was unusual because it bypassed Dayer’s own father, Benjamin Franklin LeBaron. The LeBaron family justified this by drawing analogies to the Old Testament, such as Jacob appointing Ephraim the birthright over his older brother Manasseh. The lineage runs: Joseph Smith à  Benjamin F. Johnson à Alma Dayer LeBaron. The family tradition holds that in the mid-1890s, when Dayer was about 10 years old, Johnson gave him a patriarchal blessing appointing him to hold the “birthright of Joseph Smith.” This “birthright” concept relates to special blessings given in the Nauvoo Temple, granting “special authority to authorize the temple… work for the dead” within a family context. Before Johnson died (around 1905), he reportedly charged Dayer to “carry on the kingdom” and conferred upon him all the priesthood that Johnson had received from Joseph Smith. Dayer spent the remainder of his life establishing his family and practicing plural marriage in Mexico, having been excommunicated from the LDS Church. Because he was secretive about his authority claim, Dayer was sometimes called the “silent prophet” or “quiet heir of the kingdom.” LeBaron Split: Ross’s Unique Theology Following Dayer’s death in the early 1950s without naming a clear successor, a succession crisis ensued, leading to major schisms among his sons: Ben (who was mentally unwell), Ross Wesley LeBaron (second oldest), and Joel LeBaron (a younger son.) Ross, who operated primarily in Utah, built his claim on a commission received from Dayer in 1950 to carry on the “patriarchal work.” Ross emphasized a cosmology that directly reflected the Nauvoo concepts: Patriarchal Priesthood as Highest Authority: Ross taught that the Church of the Firstborn was a higher church above the Church of Jesus Christ. This was the priesthood restored by Moses, Elias, and Elijah in the Kirtland Temple. Dissemination of Authority: Unlike the Woolley line, which concentrated power in a central “Council of Friends,” Ross’s theology focused on giving this highest authority (patriarchal keys) to many worthy men for their own family spheres, acting as a check and balance against the concentration of power. Emphasis on Work over Title: Ross received a revelation that affirmed, “the honor is in the work, not the title,” which distinguished his ministry from other fundamentalists focused solely on claiming specific offices. The distinct nature of this lineage—tracing independent temple and kingdom authority through a Council of 50 member rather than through the apostolic line—is why LeBaronism remains a peculiar and historically fascinating branch of Mormon fundamentalism. Status of Monogamists in Celestial Kingdom Historically, leaders whose teachings form the basis of fundamentalist theology (such as Brigham Young and Lyman Wight) taught that monogamous people can go to the celestial kingdom. Faithfulness, Not Numbers: The primary factor for achieving the celestial kingdom is how faithful you are to the gospel, not simply the number of wives one possesses. A “Gallon Measure”: When questioned about whether a man could be exalted without plural wives, Brigham Young reportedly responded using an analogy: “you can’t put a gallon and a pint measure, but both can be made filled full.” He concluded that “If a man is faithful with one wife, he may grow to be a gallon measure.” Requirement of Acceptance: The view held by those attempting to harmonize these teachings is that a faithful monogamist must accept plural marriage in their faith as being a true principle in order to qualify for the celestial kingdom. Polygamy in Heaven: Attaining the Highest Glory and Godhood While a monogamist can achieve the celestial kingdom, the practice of plural marriage is tied to the highest level of exaltation and becoming a God. Greater Glory: Polygamists are understood to attain a greater glory in the celestial kingdom. The Law of Godhood: The perspective is that if “we do not live the same law that our heavenly father lives then we cannot go where he is,” suggesting that plural marriage is part of the law of Godhood. Therefore, in order to be a god, you will have to eventually practice polygamy. Priesthood Authority: The doctrine of John Taylor maintained that a man living a “lower law cannot preside over a man living a higher law.” The fulfillment of the “celestial law” (including plural marriage) is seen as a “stepping stone to exaltation” and to the “responsibility of godhood.” Degrees of Glory (Specific Cosmologies): Within some fundamentalist cosmologies (like that articulated by Ross LeBaron, derived partially from Lorin Woolley), the degrees of the celestial kingdom are associated with plural marriage. One specific cosmology suggested that attaining the highest degree of the celestial kingdom might require seven or more wives, the middle degree five, and the bottom degree three. However, Ross LeBaron viewed these as “celestial patterns that aren’t necessarily attained on earth.” In summary, fundamentalist theology generally holds that acceptance of plural marriage as a true principle is essential for celestial glory, and its eventual practice is considered necessary for the greatest glory and achieving Godhood. Ross LeBaron’s particular theology, however, often took plural marriage for granted and focused more heavily on the patriarchal priesthood and keys necessary for the “higher church” (the Church of the Firstborn.) Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission

Jacob Vidrine discusses LeBaron succession! You may have heard of Ervil, Joel, and Ross LeBaron. Who took charge after Alma Dayer LeBaron died? Check out our conversation.... https://youtu.be/6NckTz7ateA Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission LeBaron Divide: Priesthood, Power, & Struggle for the Birthright When the name LeBaron is mentioned in discussions of Mormon fundamentalism, often the first person who comes to mind is the notorious Ervil LeBaron, a murderer who had a hit list and was a murderer and died in jail. However, the complex history of the LeBaron family and their unique claims to priesthood authority—separate from most other fundamentalist groups like the FLDS, AUB, and Woolley-ites—reveals a fascinating succession crisis rooted deep in Nauvoo-era doctrine. We will discuss how the LeBarons obtained their distinct authority and how their patriarch's death fractured the family into multiple competing groups across Utah and Mexico. Peculiar Lineage: Tracing Authority to Benjamin F. Johnson Unlike the majority of fundamentalists who trace their authority back to the 1886 revelation received by John Taylor (the Woolley line), the LeBaron authority stems from a different source. This lineage is traced to Benjamin F. Johnson, a close friend of Joseph Smith and a member of the secretive Council of 50. The LeBaron authority claim relies on the concept of the “fullness of the priesthood” or the "highest order of the priesthood," authority that Joseph Smith introduced in Nauvoo. This highest order involved making men "kings and priests" and conferring the sealing power. Johnson, who emphasized his role as the "last living original member of the Council of 50," taught that Joseph Smith authorized him to teach these keys—plural marriage, endowments, garments, and the second anointing—to others when led by the Holy Spirit. This unique priesthood was considered "above the church," creating an authority that "no tribunal in the church could control.” Johnson, near his death (circa 1903-1905), charged his grandson, Alma Dayer "Dayer" LeBaron Sr., to carry on this special family birthright and the work of the kingdom.Hesitant Patriarch and the Failed Succession Dayer LeBaron Sr., born in 1886, entered into plural marriage in the 1920s and moved his family to Mexico to escape prosecution, spending the rest of his life carving out a homestead there. Due to his secretive nature (leading to the nickname "The Silent Prophet") and the mental decline of his intended firstborn successor, Benjamin. Dayer was hesitant to teach his younger children about his specific authority claims. By 1950, Dayer's health was failing rapidly; he was bedridden, suffering from paralysis, and could barely communicate. This severe decline set the stage for a succession crisis, as Dayer maintained that he could not appoint a successor "until the Holy Ghost tells me who to appoint.” The resulting conflict split the family authority claims into three main groups: Benjamin (Ben): The oldest son, who had experienced mental episodes and claimed to be "the one mighty and strong," attempted to coax a blessing from his dying father, causing distress among the family. Joel LeBaron: One of the younger sons living in Mexico, Joel was told that the birthright was his "if I don't give it to one of the other boys.” This vague pronouncement was hardly a solid foundation for leadership. Ross Wesley LeBaron (Wesley): The second oldest son, who spent most of his life ministering in Utah, had already received a patriarchal blessing from his father in 1950, conferring keys of the patriarchal order of priesthood (the keys restored by Moses, Elias, and Elijah in Kirtland.) Ross was prevented from traveling to his father's deathbed in Mexico because he was under bond in Utah related to polygamy. Ross claimed he received a revelation urging him not to ask for the "birthright" title, but instead to ask for a "commission to carry on the patriarchal work.” This revelation emphasized a key tenet of his ministry: "the honor is in the work, not the title.” The Split: Utah vs. Mexico LeBaron Succession Dayer LeBaron ultimately died in 1951 without clearly naming a successor. The lack of clear leadership led to an immediate schism: Ross LeBaron in Utah: Ross stood on the independent authority he had been commissioned to carry on and began proclaiming himself as the successor, claiming he had received the voice of the spirit telling him the patriarchal work was now on his shoulders. He established his group simply as The Church of the Firstborn. The Mexico LeBarons: Joel, Ervil, and Alma Jr. (the Mexico sons) initially failed to accept their father's priesthood authority fully. They reached out to the broader fundamentalist community, inviting Margarito Bautista to come organize them. They sustained Bautista and accepted the leadership of Rulon Allred (the proto-AUB group) for several years, from 1951 up to 1955. Joel's Church: In 1955, Joel split off from the AUB/Woolley influence to found The Church of the Firstborn in the Fullness of Times in Mexico, which grew to a significant size, peaking at several thousand members. The Violent End: Joel's success was tragically cut short when Ervil LeBaron, who was Joel's second-in-command, had a schism with Joel, leading to Ervil being excommunicated. Ervil went on to found the Church of the Lamb of God and committed the terrible acts of violence and murder that brought the LeBaron name infamy. Ervil was responsible for not only his brother Joel's death, but Rulon Allred as well. The history of the LeBarons illustrates how complex foundational priesthood claims, combined with vague successions and sibling rivalries, led to divergent paths—one emphasizing ministry (Ross) and others ending in notoriety and violence (Ervil.)   Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission

Jacob Vidrine tells how authority transferred from Benjamin F Johnson in Nauvoo to Alma Dayer LeBaron and the LeBaron groups. Check out our conversation... The LeBaron authority line, originating from Benjamin F. Johnson, is like a secret royal charter given directly by the king (Joseph Smith) to a trusted advisor, authorizing him to establish a new subsidiary branch of the kingdom. While other fundamentalist lines (Woolleyites) claim authority based on a later, more public decree (John Taylor's revelation), the LeBaron claim bypasses that decree entirely, asserting that they hold the direct, foundational keys passed down in private, reserved councils from the original founder, allowing them to continue the highest work of the kingdom regardless of later organizational changes. 0:00 Succession Crisis 11:15 End of Council of 50 19:45 Ben Johnson Ordains Grandsons 25:56 Ervil, Joel, Ross, & Dayer LeBaron 37:38 Woolley-ite Split Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission When most people, particularly those familiar with the history of the Latter-day Saint (LDS) Church, think of Mormon fundamentalism, their minds often drift immediately to groups like the FLDS or the AUB, tracing their origins back to the Lorin Woolley story. These groups represent 80 to 90% of fundamentalists who trace their authority back to the story of John Taylor receiving an 1886 revelation to keep plural marriage alive. However, the history of fundamentalism is far more complex, encompassing groups like the Kingstons and the LeBarons, who assert a distinct and separate line of authority. The LeBaron family lineage, from which the Church of the Firstborn descends, presents one of the most peculiar and historically rich claims in fundamentalist Mormonism, tracing its authority back to the Nauvoo period of Joseph Smith's ministry. The LeBaron name often carries stigma due to Ervil LeBaron, who led the Church of the Lamb of God and was a convicted murderer. This historical exploration focuses on the lineage claimed by the Ross LeBaron line, or "Firstborners," who are not associated with Ervil's violence. Roots of LeBaron Authority: Nauvoo Priesthood To understand the LeBaron claim, one must examine the higher orders of priesthood introduced by Joseph Smith in Nauvoo. This era saw the introduction of new temple rituals, doctrines pertaining to godhood, and work for the dead. Central to this was the concept of the "fullness of the priesthood" or "highest order of the Melchizedek Priesthood," associated with making men and women kings and priests and queens and priestesses. Joseph Smith taught that this authority derived from keys restored in the Kirtland Temple by Moses, Elias, and Elijah. Statements from the time suggest that those who received this highest authority—such as the second anointing—held the potential to restore the entire church and kingdom, possessing power to officiate in any office from the lowest to the highest. This higher authority was sometimes referred to as patriarchal priesthood. This higher order was perceived as priesthood above the church. During the trial of Sidney Rigdon, for example, Heber C. Kimball stated that Rigdon, despite being a member of the First Presidency, did not hold the same "higher authority" possessed by more than 30 other men. This higher authority may have referred to members of the Anointed Quorum or the Council of Fifty. Council of Fifty & Sealing Power The Council of Fifty, established in the last months before Joseph Smith's death, was intended to be the political kingdom of God on earth, functioning as a literal government. However, historical sources suggest it was viewed by many, including Lyman Wight and critical "Brewster-ites," as a presiding priesthood body that held authori...

November 16 2025 Sunday Your Words Matter / Week 41 / T. Stacy Hayes #findoutwhoyouare My Vision My vision is to teach the world Who They Are In Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior! To Teach them what the Bible says about them and who they have been made to be in the promises of God's Word. This changed my life years ago and completely transformed me from a person full of doubt, fear and unbelief to a strong confident Christian that knows I can do anything through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And I'm determined to teach the world what God has taught and commissioned me to teach and that is His Word.  That commission takes me to jails and detention centers weekly along with other open doors at many churches and ministries that are wanting to teach these important truths to the world. My podcast goes out 6 days a week to help the people I am ministering to grow in the truths that God has taught me for many years now. This podcast is free to all that want to listen and grow strong in who God has made them to be in Christ Jesus their Lord and Savior. Isaiah 53:5  Healing… Matthew 18:19  Agree with God's Word… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Acts 10:34  God is no respecter of persons "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:10 KJV "This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins." 1 John 4:10 NLT "In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins." 1 John 4:10 AMPC "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God." 1 John 4:15 KJV "All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God." 1 John 4:15 NLT "Anyone who confesses (acknowledges, owns) that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides (lives, makes His home) in him and he [abides, lives, makes his home] in God." 1 John 4:15 AMPC "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him." 1 John 5:1 KJV "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too." 1 John 5:1 NLT "EVERYONE WHO believes (adheres to, trusts, and relies on the fact) that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah) is a born-again child of God; and everyone who loves the Father also loves the one born of Him (His offspring)." 1 John 5:1 AMPC "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" 1 John 5:4-5 KJV "For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God." 1 John 5:4-5 NLT "For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith. Who is it that is victorious over [that conquers] the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on that fact]?" 1 John 5:4-5 AMPC "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." 1 John 5:11-12 KJV "And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God's Son does not have life." 1 John 5:11-12 NLT "And this is that testimony (that evidence): God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who possesses the Son has that life; he who does not possess the Son of God does not have that life." 1 John 5:11-12 AMPC "and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." Revelation 1:5-6 KJV "and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen." Revelation 1:5-6 NLT "And from Jesus Christ the faithful and trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead [first to be brought back to life] and the Prince (Ruler) of the kings of the earth. To Him Who ever loves us and has once [for all] loosed and freed us from our sins by His own blood, [Ps. 89:27.] And formed us into a kingdom (a royal race), priests to His God and Father–to Him be the glory and the power and the majesty and the dominion throughout the ages and forever and ever. Amen (so be it). [Exod. 19:6; Isa. 61:6.]" Revelation 1:5-6 AMPC Romans 10:9-10  Salvation… Romans 10:17  Faith in God comes from hearing His Word… Matthew 11:28-30  Jesus'Yoke is Easy… John 3:16  God gave Jesus to pay for our Salvation… God Loves The abortion dr As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Philippians 12:2  Work out your own Salvation… Romans 8:1  No condemnation in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…  Luke Chapter 15 The Story Of The Prodigal Son… Philippians 4:19  God will supply all your needs let Him… Romans 4:20  Don't Stagger at What God Is Saying In His Word… John 15:5 We can't do anything aside from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are The Righteousness of God In Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Ephesians 2:8  We are Saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Believe God's Word Above All Opinions God Loves The abortion dr's As Much As He Loves The Babies They Are Killing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media… Website https://the-prodigalson.com Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com  YouVersion Bible App https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured

400 years in bondage in Egypt?; The difference in Abraham; Idolatry; City-state golden statues; Portable wealth; God's love for everyone; Joseph's dreams; Helping to answer questions; Dangers of preconceptions; Doctrine of Christ; "Revelation" by Tree of Life; Melchizedek; Rom 5:1 "justified", righteous; Book about faith; Abraham a man of faith; Being counted by faith which compels action; Faith vs belief; "Malcut"; Being virtuous; Led by God's spirit; Connecting to God; Inspiration; Abraham's learning; "Lord Jesus Christ"; Becoming merchandise; Legal Title; Spreading false information; Followers of Jacob; Messengers of God; Genesis 38 about Judah; Rejecting God; Making your nation great again; Allowing choice; Gen 38:1 "going down"?; Understanding Israel; Messages within names; yarad = vav-yod-resh-dalet; "Chezeb"?; The ways of Terah; Statues?; Covetousness; "Tesserae"; "Charagma"; Mark of the Beast; Tamar = tav-mem-resh; Faith flowing?; Authority?; "Er" = Ayin-resh = watchful?; lamad+ayin-resh - using hand to rule; Generations and inheritance; Sheep shearing? With statues?; City fleshpots; Compelled offerings; "Timnath" = tav-mem-nun-tav-hey; Doing contrary to the LORD; Canaanites; Judah's neglect; Symbols of authority; Life-giving spirit; Discovering Israel; Tamar = woman of faith; Twins!; Firstborn?; Jacob's walking away; Restoring men to their family; "Pharaz" pi-resh-zayin; "Zarah" zayin-resh-hey; "Christ"; "Big bang"; Activating creation; Tree of Knowledge and Tree of Life; Accessing what God knows; Understanding the men of Genesis; Social safety nets; Selling your birthright for benefits; Pure Religion; Having Jesus as your Lord and Christ; Atheist gods; Government assisted suicide; Seek the Tree of Life.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (11/13/25), Hank answers the following questions:Why did God put the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden? Is it possible that Satan put it there? Nicholas - Wildwood, NJ (0:45)Are retirees required to tithe? May - St. Louis, MO (4:17)When we pray, “Give us today our daily bread,” are we asking for physical bread as well, or just spiritual bread? Lori - Calgary, AB (6:57)What is your opinion on the rapture? Where does the Bible talk about this? Dan - MN (15:11)Is the cursing for disobedience in Deuteronomy 28:32-33 talking about African-Americans today? Gedaliah - St. Louis, MO (18:14)Jesus says He is the “I Am” in John 8:58, but Colossians says Jesus is the firstborn. How to resolve this apparent contradiction? Ermias - St. Louis, MO (22:23)

Let's look into the unique authority claims of the Church of the Firstborn, also often referred to by the term Ross LeBaron-ite. They claim authority through the Council of 50 in Nauvoo! This group represents an interesting fundamentalist branch because its line of authority is distinct from the majority of other fundamentalist groups, such as the FLDS and AUB, who primarily trace their authority through the Lorin Woolley story. https://youtu.be/HeX3jEvK0FQ Don't miss our other conversations with Jacob: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jacob-vidrine Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission Three Lines of Fundamentalist Authority Most Mormon fundamentalists—around 80% to 90%—trace their priesthood origin story back to the Lorin Woolley story. This story holds that John Taylor received an 1886 revelation telling him that plural marriage was never to be taken from the earth, leading him to set apart men (including Woolley) to keep the practice alive separate from the church911. The LeBarons, along with the Kingston group, represent authority claims that are separate from this dominant Woolley line. While the Kingstons claim a "new dispensation" or visitation by messengers to confer authority, the LeBarons trace their authority back to Benjamin F. Johnson and the Nauvoo era, which often sounds like "probably the most peculiar out of any fundamentalist claim.” Peculiar Priesthood Claim: Nauvoo Roots & Council of 50 To understand the LeBaron claim, one must examine the "higher orders of priesthood" introduced by Joseph Smith during the Nauvoo period. This higher authority was often referred to as the fullness of the priesthood or the highest order of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which entailed being ordained a king and a priest. This authority was conferred through temple ordinances administered to select close followers, initially in the Anointed Quorum (or Holy Order) and later related to the Council of 50. Key points regarding this Nauvoo priesthood include: Authority Above the Church: Some interpretations of this higher priesthood held that it constituted an authority that "no tribunal in the church could control.” Heber C. Kimball noted that there were "more than 30 men who have got higher authority" than Sidney Rigdon, a member of the First Presidency. Independent Sealing Power: Joseph Smith's brother, William Smith, claimed that because of his ordinations as a priest and king, he held "as many sealing keys as could possibly belong to Brigham Young.” This concept suggests that individuals with this "fullness" received the sealing power and could exercise it independent of the presiding keyholder, a view that contrasts with the one-man doctrine articulated by Brigham Young. The Council of 50: Joseph Smith organized this body shortly before his death. While often viewed as a political body, historical sources suggest it was intended to be a presiding priesthood/governmental body. Benjamin F. Johnson, the link in the LeBaron lineage, was one of the men added to the Council of 50 in March 1844. From Johnson to LeBaron The LeBaron authority is rooted in the claims of Benjamin F. Johnson, who was a close friend of Joseph Smith. Johnson claimed that Joseph taught him about plural marriage, endowments, garments, and the second anointing, and authorized him "to teach it to others when I'm led to when I'm led to do so.” Johnson emphasized in his later writings that he was the "last living original member of the Council of 50.” Alma Dayer LeBaron Sr. (often called Dayer) was a grandson of Benjamin F. Johnson. The LeBaron family tradition claims that in the mid-1890s, Johnson gave Dayer a patriarchal blessing appointing him to be the birthright of Joseph Smith to hold a special family position. The family claims that Johnson charged Dayer to carry on the kingdom and conferred upon him all the pries...

I'm excited to introduce Jacob Vidrine, a member of Church of the Firstborn. This is a group that is part of the LeBaron fundamentalist group. Jacob is a human encyclopedia of Mormn fundamentalism, and we're going to dive deep into how the LeBaron group cross-pollinates with other fundamentalist groups. Check it out! 0:00 Intro LeBaron Family 4:16 Lorin Woolley Authority Claims 15:20 Kingston & LeBaron Claims 19:18 High Priest Apostles 21:05 Sidney Rigdon Trial 23:53 2nd Anointing-Patriarchal Succession For more info on Mormon fundamentalism: https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/fundamentalim/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. When discussing Mormon Fundamentalism, most people—especially members of the LDS Church—immediately think of the FLDS or AUB (Apostolic United Brethren). These groups largely trace their origin back to the authority line popularized by Lorin Woolley. However, there is a fascinating and often misunderstood branch of fundamentalism that descends from a completely different line of authority: the LeBarons. As a helpful overview of this distinctive lineage, we spoke with Jacob Vidrine of the Church of the Firstborn, sometimes colloquially referred to as Ross LeBaron-ites. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The LeBaron Divide: Ross vs. Ervil The name LeBaron often carries a dark stigma, primarily due to the terrible acts committed by Ervil LeBaron, who was a murderer and died in jail. It is important to note that Vidrine is not associated with Ervil's group6.... The LeBaron family, descending from patriarch Alma Dayer LeBaron Sr. ("Dayer"), primarily split into two main groups: The Mexico LeBarons: Started by younger son Joel LeBaron in 1955 as the "Church of the Firstborn of the Fullness of Times." Joel's church grew significantly before the violent schism with Ervil. The Ross LeBaron Line (Church of the Firstborn): Ross LeBaron, the second oldest son, separated and spent his ministry largely in the Utah area, minimizing affiliation with the strife and violence that occurred down in Mexico. Ross's movement is the one Jacob Vidrine is associated with. Authority: Woolley's 1886 Revelation vs. The LeBaron Lineage Approximately 80% to 90% of fundamentalists trace their priesthood authority back to the Lorin Woolley story. This claim rests on the assertion that John Taylor received a revelation in 1886 confirming that plural marriage should never be removed from the earth, after which he set apart men (including Woolley) to keep the practice alive. Historically, however, the LeBarons and Kingstons maintain a distinct authority claim. The LeBaron claim is deemed by some to be "the most peculiar out of any fundamentalist claim", as it bypasses the 1886 revelation entirely and goes straight back to the Nauvoo era through Benjamin F. Johnson. Johnson Connection & Birthright Benjamin F. Johnson was a close friend of Joseph Smith and was one of the men added to the Council of 50 in March 1844. Johnson was heavily invested in the secretive Nauvoo doctrines and claimed that Joseph Smith taught him about plural marriage, the endowment, garments, and the second anointing. Crucially, Johnson claimed that Joseph Smith authorized him "to teach this to others when I'm was led to when I'm led to do" by the Holy Spirit. Alma Dayer LeBaron, the patriarch of the LeBaron family, was Benjamin F. Johnson's grandson. Family tradition holds that Johnson conferred upon Dayer a patriarchal blessing in the mid-1890s, appointing him to the "birthright of Joseph Smith" to preside over the family. Near his death (1905), Johnson allegedly charged Dayer to carry on the kingdom and conferred all the priesthood authority that Johnson had received from Joseph Smith. Alma Dayer LeBaron was secretive about this authority claim for much of hi...

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work — the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture, brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals. Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this week's stories dig into workplace trust, exploitation, and the psychology of staying too long.