CFM – Jan 26 – Feb 1 | Genesis 5; Moses 6: “Teach These Things Freely unto Your Children”

January 25, 2026January 25, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

Many of us most likely assume the gospel began in the New Testament. Yet Genesis 5 and Moses 6 reveal something astonishing: the fullness of the gospel—faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the Holy Ghost, priesthood, and covenant discipleship—was taught from the very beginning. These chapters unveil a sweeping narrative of divine instruction, generational faithfulness, and the sacred responsibility to teach truth to rising generations.

For many of us, navigating a morally chaotic world can be incredibly challenging. In these turbulent times, these chapters offer a profound blueprint for spiritual resilience. The teachings found within Genesis and Moses not only provide guidance but also serve as a reminder that the principles of the gospel are timeless. They anchor us in our faith and help us to cultivate a sense of moral clarity amid confusion and chaos. For those in recovery, these scriptures reveal the ancient pattern of redemption, rebirth, and transformation through Christ, showcasing how individuals have consistently turned to God for restoration and new beginnings.

This study for the Come Follow Me – Old Testament invites us to delve deeply into the genealogies, doctrines, and prophetic ministries of pivotal figures like Adam, Seth, and Enoch, along with their descendants. It illuminates the remarkable legacy of faith that was passed down through generations. The narratives of these early prophets illustrate how their teachings and life experiences reflect Christ’s redemptive work. They emphasize the importance of our covenantal responsibility to “teach these things freely unto your children” (Moses 6:58), urging us to carry forward the torch of faith and truth to future generations.

As we engage with these ancient texts, we not only gain insights into the foundations of our beliefs but also discover the imperative to be proactive stewards of spiritual knowledge. In doing so, we can empower those around us to withstand the pressures of the world, fostering a community that thrives on the principles of the gospel. By sharing the stories and teachings of our ancestors, we reaffirm the enduring relevance of their faith and the everlasting hope that can be found in Christ.

CFM January 19-25 | Genesis 3-4; Moses 4-5: The Fall of Adam and Eve

January 18, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

The Shattered Vase or the Cracked Egg? A Comprehensive Theological Comparative of the Fall of Humanity

Picture a flawless porcelain vase sitting on a mantle. Now, picture a bird’s egg resting in a nest. If you break the vase, you have destroyed something beautiful; you have created a tragedy. But if you break the egg… you haven’t destroyed anything. You have birthed something alive.

For nearly 1,600 years, the majority of Western Christianity has viewed the Garden of Eden through the lens of the shattered vase—a cosmic catastrophe known as “The Fall.” But what if that lens is cracked?

Few questions carry as much theological weight as “What happened in the Garden?” The answer dictates how you view human nature, the purpose of suffering, and the very character of God.

Did Eve ruin paradise, or did she bravely open the door to human potential?
Is humanity born with a “sin nature” that requires depravity, or are we born with a “divine nature” that requires development?
Why do Jewish rabbis and Latter-day Saints vehemently disagree with the traditional Christian view of “Original Sin”?

This isn’t just another Sunday School summary. In this comprehensive 4,500-word analysis, we are going to dismantle centuries of theological assumption. We will walk through the ancient Rabbinic rejection of the “Fall,” examine the “Soul-Making” theodicy of early Church Fathers like Irenaeus, and dive deep into the distinct Latter-day Saint doctrine of the “Fortunate Fall.” Backed by rigorous scholarship and heavily annotated sources, this post invites you to look at Genesis 3 not as the moment the universe broke, but perhaps, as the moment it finally started working.

Episode 4: The Proving Ground

January 8, 2026January 18, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

Welcome fellow travelers. This is Grace and Sobriety for Latter-day Saints on a path of recovery and living a sober life through Jesus Christ and His Gospel.

Does it ever feel like the moment you decide to get sober or fix your life, everything suddenly gets harder? That resistance isn’t failure—it’s actually proof that you’re on the right path

In this episode, we’re looking at Abraham 3 to discover why God calls this life a ‘proving ground.’ We’re going to learn how to turn that intense pressure into the power you need to break your chains.

I want to share with you today how we’re going to prove that you are one of the ‘noble and great ones.’ Let’s get into it and like, share, and subscribe – following this content and all other content.

Anchor Verse:

“And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.” — Abraham 3:25

In our previous episodes, we established our nothingness without God (Moses 1), claimed our identity as His children (Moses 1), and found the courage to seek a better way (Abraham 1).

Episode 3: The Courage to Seek

January 8, 2026January 18, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

Access the downloadable study guide here

Welcome fellow travelers. This is Grace and Sobriety for Latter-day Saints on a path of recovery and living a sober life through Jesus Christ and His Gospel.

We often think our battle is just against a behavior, a bottle, or a doubt. But what if the real war is actually over your name? The adversary wants you to believe you are just your past mistakes.

But in this week’s study of Moses 1 and Abraham 3, God takes us back before the beginning to settle the score once and for all. He reminds Moses—and He’s reminding you—that before you were anything else, you were His.

Today, we are going to learn how to use your divine identity to silence the darkness. Welcome to the devotional message.

Anchor Verse:

“And, finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers… desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace.” — Abraham 1:2

In our previous devotionals, we explored Moses 1: first, the humility of realizing our own “nothingness” without God (Day 1), and second, the power of claiming our divine identity when the adversary tries to define us by our past (Day 2).

Additional Scriptures:

Moses 1:20: “And it came to pass that Moses began to fear exceedingly; and as he began to fear, he saw the bitterness of hell. Nevertheless, calling upon God, he received strength.” (The pivot from fear to action).
Abraham 1:5: “My fathers, having turned from their righteousness… refused to hearken to my voice.” (The reality that we often have to recover despite our environment).

Today, we transition to Abraham 1, which serves as the perfect companion to Moses’s stand. While Moses illustrates standing your ground against darkness, Abraham illustrates walking away from it. Abraham lived in a toxic environment—Ur of the Chaldees—surrounded by the idolatry of his fathers and a culture of spiritual death. Yet, instead of succumbing to the environment or merely coping with it, Abraham sought something better. He didn’t just want to escape the bad; he hungered for “greater happiness and peace.”

Come Follow Me Old Testament — Dec 29–Jan 4 | First Testament of Jesus Christ: For Our Profit and Learning (Introduction)

December 21, 2025December 21, 2025 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

Patreon Early Access: Come Follow Me (Dec 29–Jan 4)

The First Testament of Jesus Christ — For Our Profit and Learning: Introduction

Thank you for supporting Faith and Reason. Your partnership makes it possible for me to create thoughtful, Christ‑centered teaching resources for Christians in recovery, writers of faith, and anyone seeking a deeper walk with the Savior. I’m grateful you’re here.

This week’s early‑access episode launches our yearlong journey through the Come, Follow Me: Old Testament curriculum. The First Testament of Jesus Christ is designed to help us see the Old Testament the way Jesus Himself taught—recognizing that all scripture testifies of Him. In this introduction, we lay the foundation for how to study, what to look for, and how these ancient writings strengthen our discipleship today.

What’s Included in This Early Access Post

✅ Early Access Video (Unlisted YouTube link)
✅ Episode Summary & Study Focus
✅ PowerPoint Slides (available to mid‑tier patrons and above)
✅ Additional notes for deeper reflection

Become a Patreon Member today and save money on your first month’s tiered membership fee.

Video goes public on December 29, 2026 at 7 am PST on YouTube – Subscribe here

What to Look Forward to in Come Follow Me – Old Testament 2026

December 19, 2025December 19, 2025 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

I have a question for you – are you ready to experience the Old Testament like never before? 2026 brings us into the study of the Old Testament for Come Follow Me. Be sure to access this resource by clicking the link here – Come Follow Me – Old Testament. This is not your ordinary reading plan – it is a covenantal journey that blends scripture, recovery, and discipleship into a transformative path of resilient faith. Whether you are seeking to deepen and enrich your faith, understanding of the Old Testament, daily devotional, or a framework to thrive in recovery and sobriety – this year will offer a unique resource and opportunity designed to meet you were you are and guide you forward.

Here is what you may look forward to:

Weekly Expository Teachings: Study, examine, and apply covenant themes and recovery parallels with clear scripture -anchored expository commentary and teaching. Each message balances faith and reason, showing how the Old Testament speaks spiritually and intellectually to each one of us.
Daily Devotionals: Structured readings harmonized with the Beatitudes and traditional twelve steps where it offers insight and empowerment for individuals to make personal and spiritual applications while walking a path of recovery and sobriety through discipleship.
Come Follow Me Livestream Panel Discussion: There is a group of Latter-day Saint content creators who get together and have livestream panel discussions weekly. We meet and livestream every Sunday, 8 PM PST/9 PM MST. This is livestreamed to multiple channels and platforms. You can watch on my social media platforms on YouTube, Facebook, and X. Or watch here on WordPress when it is posted.

Watch the Livestream CFM Discussion on the Family Proclamation Sunday, December 21, 2025 – 8 PM PST/ 9 PM PST. If you are interested in joining the livestream chat and interact with other viewers, ask the panelist questions then click through to watch on YouTube.

Anchoring in scripture, offering support, and empowering growth in recovery and sobriety – these resources encourage each person to experience the mysteries of God and understand His tender mercies in their own life.