Unshaken Saints

Jared Halverson

Seismic shifts in the religious and secular landscapes are destabilizing the faith of millions. Join religious educator Jared Halverson as he explores restored scripture, doctrine, history, and practice; examines patterns and pitfalls in navigating faith crisis; and wrestles with ways to make your faith unshaken. ___________ Hello my friends, I’m Jared Halverson and this is Unshaken. I’ve spent my life studying the scriptures, my professional career teaching them, and my education at a Bible-belt divinity school exploring ways they have been used and abused, attacked and defended. And I’d like to share with you some of the things I’ve learned. In March of 2020 I created a YouTube channel called Unshaken, and six months later we hit our one millionth view, as people around the world are eagerly pursuing an unshaken faith in God by immersing themselves in His word. More and more viewers have been asking for an audio-only version of the lessons on Unshaken, and this podcast is my attempt to meet those needs. What it lacks in the visuals shown on YouTube, or the polished sound of a podcast-only production, it hopefully makes up for in its accessibility to the drivers, joggers, and multi-taskers out there who want to study their scriptures “on the go.” To you, welcome to our verse-by-verse, Come Follow Me study of the scriptures. I pray that it helps your faith in Christ become unshaken. __________ Disclaimer: The content of these podcasts is the sole responsibility of their creator and does not reflect the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the Church Educational System.

  1. 5d ago

    1-2 Chronicles - Forgotten Stories

    When you look at your life through the lens of your worst mistakes, it can feel like a devastating exile. But what if God chose to rewrite your history, leaving out the wreckage of your past to remind you of who you can become? In this study of 1 & 2 Chronicles, we uncover the ultimate "highlight reel" of scripture—a book written not to say "I told you so," but to declare that your punishment is past and your restoration has begun. Summary: In this deep-dive episode, we unpack the unique theological genius of 1 & 2 Chronicles. While the books of Samuel and Kings offer the brutal raw history of Israel’s failures leading into Babylon, Chronicles was compiled after the exile to bind up the wounds of a broken people and point them toward the temple and the coming Messiah. The Synoptic History: We explore why Chronicles acts as a separate, more positive version of Israel's history—similar to how Matthew, Mark, and Luke provide distinct perspectives on the life of Christ. A Perfect and Unified Heart: We analyze David's coronation in Hebron, exploring what it looks like when a community closes ranks with a "perfect heart" to build the kingdom of God. Seeking Beyond Keeping: We break down David's final charge to Solomon, challenging us to not only keep the commandments we have, but to actively seek out the instructions and light we don't yet possess. The Illusion of Sacrifice: We deconstruct the beauty of voluntary giving, reminding ourselves that returning a portion of our time, talents, or tithing to the Lord is never a true loss because "all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee." The Battle of Praise: We journey into 2 Chronicles 20 to witness King Jehoshaphat’s stunning victory, discovering why placing singers over soldiers and worship over war transforms our "valleys of decision" into "valleys of blessing." The Clean Vessel: We track Hezekiah's urgent temple cleansing, exploring how the immediate removal of internal debris and structural compromises suddenly opens the floodgates for the windows of heaven to pour out mercy. Call-to-Action: The Chronicler reminds us that no matter how far we have drifted or how deep our exile has been, the Lord's covenant is everlasting and His mercy is ready to meet a broken heart. Have you ever experienced a season where you felt defined by your spiritual detours, only to feel the Savior gracefully "rewrite" your future and call you back to His house? Share your stories of temple restoration and grace in the comments below. To keep your faith "Unshaken" as we discover the beauty of holiness, please like, subscribe, and share this video! Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:30 Whitewashing History? 24:34 Breaking a Toxic Family Legacy 54:00 False Prophets or True? 1:18:52 The Valley of Decision 1:51:46 The Danger of Secondhand Spirituality 2:10:51 Overcoming Our Jeckyl and Hyde 2:58:51 When Icons Become Idols

  2. Jul 17

    2 Kings 14-25 - The Scattering of Israel

    When the northern ten tribes vanished into Assyria and the walls of Jerusalem were leveled to dust by Babylon, it wasn't a failure of God’s power—it was the tragic consequence of an unfaithful people. If you feel like the cultural walls are breaking down around you today, this study of the Scattering of Israel reveals exactly how to find your spiritual anchor. Summary: In this sobering deep dive into 2 Kings 14–25, we look at the historical collapse of both Israel and Judah, tracing the long line of kings who ignored the warnings of the prophets until there was no remedy left. By analyzing these final chapters of the history of the divided kingdoms, we discover the tragic steps of apostasy and the beautiful moments of temporary restoration under righteous leaders. The Thistle and the Cedar: We analyze the pride of King Amaziah and how minor victories can trick us into overestimating our own strength, leading to devastating vulnerability. The Destruction of Nehushtan: We study King Hezekiah’s bold iconoclasm, where he smashed the very bronze serpent Moses made because the people had turned a signpost into an idol. Learn to never confuse the means with the end. Psychological Warfare at the Wall: We break down Rab-shakeh’s terrifying speech outside Jerusalem and why the best response to the modern world's mocking is often to "hold your peace" and let God fight your battles. Wiping the Dish: We confront the terrifyingly visual imagery of God wiping Jerusalem like a dish and turning it upside down, seeing how structural neglect leads to spiritual collapse. Finding the Book of the Law: We follow the 8-year-old King Josiah as he repairs the temple breaches, discovers lost scripture, and humbles himself before Huldah the prophetess to launch a total national restoration. The Babylonian Captivity: We witness the final fall of Zedekiah, the breaking of Solomon's pillars, and the carrying away of the temple vessels—realizing that even when we are scattered, the covenant is never completely forgotten. Call-to-Action: Hezekiah smashed a sacred relic because it started getting in the way of true worship. What is the "Nehushtan" or distraction in your life that you need to break to clear your view of the Savior? Let’s build a meaningful dialogue in the comments.

  3. Jul 7

    2 Kings 1-13 - Passing the Mantle

    When the whirlwind took Elijah up into heaven, Elisha didn't just inherit a cloak—he inherited a double portion of a heavy prophetic mantle. If your life currently feels like a series of dry brooks, empty oil jars, or overwhelming spiritual battles, Elisha's ministry provides the exact roadmap to help you find the living water. Summary: In this episode, we deep dive into the masterclass of faith found in 2 Kings 1–13. We move from the final, fiery testimonies of Elijah to the intimate, life-giving miracles of Elisha, tracking how God continues to validate and empower His chosen servants across generations. Passing the Mantle: We break down the beautiful, unwavering loyalty of Elisha to Elijah and what it truly means to receive a "double portion" of spiritual power through humility and close proximity. The Widow's Oil and the Shunammite's Son: We analyze the biology of these miracles, where God takes the tiny resources we have available—a single pot of oil or a small chamber—and multiplies them to preserve life. The Healing of Naaman: We dissect the pride of the Syrian captain who wanted a spectacular display but was commanded to wash seven times in a muddy river. Discover why small, simple things are the hardest for the natural man to accept. Eyes to See: When the Syrian army surrounds Elisha and his servant, we see the ultimate contrast between physical sight and spiritual vision. Learn how to look past the visible opposition to see the mountains filled with horses and chariots of fire. The Power of Elisha's Bones: We conclude with the bizarre and beautiful final miracle of Elisha, where even his dead bones have the power to resurrect a man, proving that our covenant connections to the prophets outlive mortality itself. Call-to-Action:Are you standing at the edge of your own "Jordan River," wondering if the power that was with the giants of the past is still available to you today? What is the "muddy river" the Lord is asking you to wash in right now? Let’s talk about it in the comments below. To keep your testimony firmly anchored and "Unshaken," please like, subscribe, and share this video! Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Inroduction 0:03:53 Elijah and the Captains of 50 0:20:57 Elisha's Loyalty to Elijah 0:31:11 Elijah Caught Up to Heaven 0:40:45 Passing the Mantle 0:56:26 Salting the Spring 1:01:52 Mocking Bald Elisha 1:09:37 Victory Over he Enemies of Israel 1:23:04 The Widow's Oil 1:32:31 Making Room for the Prophet 1:42:26 Raising the Woman's Son 2:06:00 Embodying the Condescension of Christ 2:12:22 Replacing Bad with Good and Inadequacy with Abundance 2:16:22 Naaman the Leper 2:45:15 Gehazi's Greed 3:01:38 Floating Iron 3:09:00 Eyes to See 3:18:28 Scarcity and Abundance 3:40:50 Seeing a Fuure You're Meant to Avoid 3:55:15 Choosing the Wrong Side of the Family Tree 4:02:51 The Death of Jezebel and the End of Ahab's Line 4:15:51 Jehosheba, Jehoiada, & the Return of the King 4:29:08 Repairing the Temple 4:41:05 Losing a Righteous Influence 4:48:14 The Death of Elisha 4:56:13 Conclusion

  4. Jul 1

    1 Kings 12-22 - Elijah's Ministry and Miracles

    When Elijah stood on Mount Carmel, he challenged an entire nation: "How long halt ye between two opinions?" In a world pulling us in a thousand different directions, are we trying to keep one foot in Zion and the other in Babylon, or are we ready to let God prevail? Summary: In this episode, we explore the dramatic events of 1 Kings 12-22 . We transition from the massive building projects of Solomon to the fractured, divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, uncovering the crucial role of the prophets in calling a drifting people back to their covenants. The Division of the Kingdom: We analyze the critical leadership mistakes of Rehoboam, who rejected the wise counsel of the elders to double down on burdens, and Jeroboam, who created a convenient, counterfeit religion to keep his people from the Temple. The Test of Exact Obedience: We study the sobering and tragic story of the unnamed younger man of God in 1 Kings 13, discovering why resisting temptation once doesn't mean the trial is over. The Widow of Zarephath: We look closely at Elijah's interactions with a starving widow in Zidon, learning how her willingness to put God's prophet first turned a final, meager meal into a continuous source of life. The Fire on Mount Carmel: We break down Elijah's epic confrontation with the 450 prophets of Baal, analyzing how Jehovah systematically dismantled and discredited the Canaanite pantheon. The Still Small Voice: After the fire, wind, and earthquake, Elijah finds God not in the spectacular displays, but in the quiet, inner whisper. We talk about the loneliness of leadership and how the Lord reminds us that we are never as alone as we think. Call-to-Action: Elijah repaired the broken altar of the Lord before he called down the fire. What is one "broken altar" or spiritual habit in your life that needs to be repaired this week? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If you are ready to stop halting between two opinions and build an "Unshaken" faith, please like, subscribe, and share this video! Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 2:54 Rehoboam's Lack of Wisdom 25:10 Jeroboam's Lack of Faith 1:02:06 Visions of a Blind Seer 1:23:10 Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath 2:03:08 Elijah and the Priests of Baal 2:44:02 Hearing the Still, Small Voice 3:06:27 Ahab and Jezebel 3:24:00 Conclusion

  5. Jun 26

    2 Samuel 11-1 Kings 11 - The Fall of David and the Wisdom of Solomon

    He was a man after God’s own heart, a conqueror of giants, and the builder of an empire. Yet, a single evening on a rooftop changed everything. If Israel’s most brilliant and wise kings could fall so completely to the flesh and the world, what does it take for us to stand steady today? Summary: In this heavy but necessary episode, we dive into the tragic and cautionary text of 2 Samuel 11 through 1 Kings 11. We analyze the United Kingdom of Israel at its absolute peak of wealth, wisdom, and power, and dissect the exact vulnerabilities that fractured a golden age. The Rooftop Blueprint: We map the micro-steps of David's tragedy—from staying home when he should have been at war, to seeing, looking, inquiring, and taking. We learn why the Savior raised the bar to the level of the heart to stop this momentum before it kills us spiritually. The Cost of the Cover-Up: We uncover the horrific length David went to in order to hide his sin, culminating in the calculated sacrifice of the fiercely loyal Uriah. Thou Art the Man: We break down Nathan’s masterful parable of the ewe lamb and analyze why David was so blind to his own hypocrisy until the prophet held up the mirror. The Sins of the Children: We witness the agonizing reality of the law of the harvest as David reaps the whirlwind within his own family tree—exploring the tragedy of Amnon and Tamar, and the heartbreaking rebellion of Absalom. The Wisdom and Wealth of Solomon: We transition to 1 Kings to study Solomon's blank check from God. We celebrate his request for an "understanding heart" to judge with empathy rather than cold calculation, but trace how wealth, materialism, and political alliances slowly sapped his spiritual strength. The Temple vs. The Palace: We contrast the seven years spent building the House of the Lord with the thirteen years Solomon spent building his own massive palace, asking ourselves: "Whose kingdom are we truly trying to build?" Call-to-Action: Saul fell to pride, David fell to the flesh, and Solomon fell to worldliness. Which of these three areas is the adversary currently using to target your foundation? Let’s have an honest, supportive discussion in the comments below. To safeguard your discipleship and stay "Unshaken," please like, subscribe, and share this video with someone who needs a reminder of Christ’s relentless redemption! Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 David & Bathsheba 42:05 David's Sin Is Revealed 1:00:24 Amnon & Tamar 1:21:30 Absalom Flees & Returns: Reconciliation 2:38:24 Absalom's Rebellion 2:57:50 The Death of Absalom 2:06:41 Recovering from Rebellion 2:29:56 A Psalm of David 2:37:23 The Arm of Flesh 2:55:35 Conclusion 2:56:32 David's Last Days 2:59:45 Solomon as Successor 3:21:24 The Wisdom of Solomon 3:35:33 Discerning a Mother & Dividing a Child 3:47:39 Largeness of Heart 3:54:27 Building the Temple 4:15:34 Cedar & Gold 4:23:57 The Dedication of the Temple 4:49:32 Wisdom or Wealth? 4:54:02 Worldliness & Materialism 5:11:06 Conclusion

  6. Jun 18

    1 Samuel 17 - 2 Samuel 10 - David: From Shepherd to King

    When David stepped into the Valley of Elah, he wasn't just facing a 9-foot giant named Goliath; he was facing an army of doubts, armor he couldn't wear, and brothers who didn't believe in him. If you are facing massive "giants" or hiding in the "caves" of your own life right now, David’s journey from shepherd boy to anointed king provides the ultimate blueprint for victory. Summary: In this episode, we chart the epic rise of King David across 1 Samuel 17 through 2 Samuel 10. We bypass the standard Sunday School narratives to explore the deep spiritual grit, covenant loyalty, and absolute humility required to step into our divine inheritance. David vs. Goliath: We analyze the stark contrast between Saul’s heavy, untried armor and David’s simple sling and stones. We explore why true power lies in trusting the name of the Lord rather than relying on human architecture. The Wilderness of Jealousy: We trace David's years running from a paranoid King Saul. We study David’s remarkable restraint in the cave of En-gedi, where he refuses to "stretch forth his hand" against the Lord’s anointed, teaching us how to handle unjust leadership and wait on God’s timetable. Abigail the Peacemaker: We dive into 1 Samuel 25 to study Abigail, a brilliant woman who stepped between her foolish husband Nabal and a vengeful David. She serves as a profound type of Jesus Christ, taking the blame upon herself to prevent bloodshed and restore peace. Steadying the Ark: We confront the tragic story of Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6. We break down the spiritual danger of trying to "steady the ark"—or attempting to correct God's kingdom using human methods—and contrast it with the pure joy David felt dancing before the Lord as the Ark entered Jerusalem. Establishing the Kingdom: We finish with a united Israel, looking at how David chose to heal generational trauma by showing kindness to Mephibosheth (Jonathan’s son) instead of wiping out his political rivals. Call-to-Action: Saul relied on his physical stature, but David relied on the Lord of Hosts. What is the "heavy armor" of the world that you need to take off so you can fight your battles God's way? Share your insights in the comments below! If you want to keep your faith firmly anchored and "Unshaken" as we study the kings of Israel, please like, subscribe, and share this video!

  7. Jun 14

    1 Samuel 8-16 - The Rise and Fall of Saul

    When a child or a nation chooses a path you are completely against, how do you respond without losing your strength? Discover "The Samuel Principle" and find out why a faith crisis or a transition in leadership is an invitation to evaluate our hearts—not just our outward appearances. Summary: In this episode, we unpack 1 Samuel 8–16, charting the shift from the rule of judges to the era of the kings. We navigate the messy landscape of parental grief, corporate peer pressure, and the personal conversion required to shift from a "hidden" potential to a "magnified" priesthood. The Samuel Principle: We analyze how to implement the three-part divine formula when a loved one exercises their agency poorly: hearken to their voice, protest solemnly, and show them the long-term consequences. Hiding Among the Stuff: We address Saul’s overwhelming sense of inadequacy and why we are tempted to bury our potential under worldly distractions when God calls us to step forward. Turned into Another Man: We look at the spiritual alchemy that happens when the Spirit of the Lord comes upon a person, making them unrecognizable to those who only knew their "old" self. The Jurisdiction of Authority: We analyze Saul's fatal overreach at Gilgal, exploring the difference between doing a right thing in a wrong way and why waiting on the Lord's timing is an act of covenant trust. The Heart vs. The Stature: We conclude in Bethlehem, exploring why the Lord refused Eliab's height and chose the ruddy shepherd boy David, reminding us that man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. Call-to-Action: Are you currently hiding "among the stuff" because you feel inadequate for what the Lord is asking you to do? How can David’s hidden, shepherd-heart inspire you to step into the light this week? Share your thoughts in the comments! To keep your faith "Unshaken" while we walk through the Old Testament, please like, subscribe, and share this video. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 2:23 When a Loved One Makes a Choice You Don't Agree With 26:00 The Samuel Principle 40:12 The Call of Saul 52:51 Saul Anointed & Transformed 1:05:02 Israel United, Rebuked, & Reassured 1:19:46 Saul Offers Sacrifice 1:26:24 No Smiths in Israel 1:33:20 Jonathan & the Philistine Garrison 1:53:44 To Obey Is Better than Sacrifice 2:15:39 Samuel Chooses David

  8. Jun 2

    Ruth & 1 Samuel 1-7 - Women of Faith

    The Book of Judges ends in total moral chaos, with everyone doing "what is right in their own eyes." But right against that dark backdrop, a young foreign widow named Ruth and a heartbroken, barren mother named Hannah shine a brilliant light. If you feel surrounded by a spiritual famine, their stories are the ultimate anchor. Summary: In this episode, we bridge the gap between the chaotic era of the Judges and the dawn of the Kings of Israel by studying the Book of Ruth and 1 Samuel 1–7. We move past the surface history to uncover deep covenants of loyalty, the anatomy of desperate prayer, and the power of remembering the Lord's help. The Oasis of Ruth: We explore how the story of Ruth and Naomi serves as the absolute antithesis of pride. We look at Ruth’s radical commitment to stay on the covenant path ("whither thou goest, I will go") even when it cost her worldly security. Famine in the House of Bread: We analyze the irony of Elimelech leaving Bethlehem—which literally means "House of Bread"—during a famine, and what it teaches us about seeking spiritual sustenance outside of the covenant. Hannah’s Desperate Prayer: We dive into 1 Samuel 1, contrasting the shallow religion of Eli's sons with the agonizing, silent prayer of Hannah. We learn how she moved from wanting a son for her own status to vowing to "lend him to the Lord" for life. The Call of Samuel: We study the transition of prophetic power to a young boy who simply learned to say, "Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth." Raising Your Ebenezer: We break down the battle of Mizpeh in 1 Samuel 7. We discover what an Ebenezer—a "stone of help"—actually is, and why setting up markers of God’s past deliverance is the only way to keep our hearts from wandering. Call-to-Action: Samuel set up a stone and declared, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." What is the "Ebenezer" or spiritual milestone in your life that reminds you of God's power when your faith feels shaky? Share your story in the comments below! To keep your eye fixed on a stable anchor and stay "Unshaken," please like, subscribe, and share this video with someone who needs a reminder of God's deliverance. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to the Book of Ruth 4:18 Famine & Loss 11:44 Thinking of Others or Thinking of Self 26:47 Putting Your Blessings on Hold to Bless Others 31:27 Deciding to Go or to Stay 40:15 Giving In & Going Home 45:43 Gleaning in Boaz's Field 54:17 Providing & Protecting 57:42 Honoring the Stranger 1:03:17 Trust Under the Wings 1:09:05 Going Above & Beyond the Minimum 1:18:13 A Near Kinsman 1:25:26 Gleaning in the Right Fields 1:31:33 Ruth & Boaz at the Threshingfloor 1:42:20 Spreading the Skirt 1:54:10 Redeeming Ruth 2:06:08 Hannah's Portion & Provocation 2:16:44 Comforting the Afflicted 2:21:27 Hannah's Prayer & Eli's Misjudgment 2:37:22 Hannah & Samuel 2:49:23 The Song of Hannah 2:56:47 The Sins of the Sons of Eli 3:13:32 Samuel's Call 3:27:03 Raiders of the Lost Ark 3:36:23 The Consequences of Taking the Ark Unworthily 3:50:04 Returning to the Lord 3:56:04 Conclusion: Ebenezer

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About

Seismic shifts in the religious and secular landscapes are destabilizing the faith of millions. Join religious educator Jared Halverson as he explores restored scripture, doctrine, history, and practice; examines patterns and pitfalls in navigating faith crisis; and wrestles with ways to make your faith unshaken. ___________ Hello my friends, I’m Jared Halverson and this is Unshaken. I’ve spent my life studying the scriptures, my professional career teaching them, and my education at a Bible-belt divinity school exploring ways they have been used and abused, attacked and defended. And I’d like to share with you some of the things I’ve learned. In March of 2020 I created a YouTube channel called Unshaken, and six months later we hit our one millionth view, as people around the world are eagerly pursuing an unshaken faith in God by immersing themselves in His word. More and more viewers have been asking for an audio-only version of the lessons on Unshaken, and this podcast is my attempt to meet those needs. What it lacks in the visuals shown on YouTube, or the polished sound of a podcast-only production, it hopefully makes up for in its accessibility to the drivers, joggers, and multi-taskers out there who want to study their scriptures “on the go.” To you, welcome to our verse-by-verse, Come Follow Me study of the scriptures. I pray that it helps your faith in Christ become unshaken. __________ Disclaimer: The content of these podcasts is the sole responsibility of their creator and does not reflect the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the Church Educational System.

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