Season 3 Episode 1 - When Death Felt Close, and Jesus Felt Closer

Season 3 Episode 3 - Gospel Doctrine Discussion: "What I don't Remember About Premortality"

In this episode of Coming Unto Christ, host Leon Crandell is joined by his son-in-law, Hunter Drake, for a deep dive into the Plan of Salvation. They explore the mysteries of our premortal existence—why we don't remember it, why we chose to leave a perfect state to come to Earth, and how understanding our true identity as children of God changes how we face life's challenges. From discussing the "War in Heaven" to the psychological connection between the mind, body, and spirit, this conversation offers a grounded and hopeful perspective on why we are here and the power of daily agency. * The "Why" of Forgetfulness: Why having a "veil" over our memories of heaven is essential for a true test of integrity and growth. * Mind, Body, and Spirit: How our physical bodies provide a unique way to communicate with our spirits and practice agency through experiences like fasting. * Identity as Power: Why knowing we lived before this life provides a foundation that keeps us from "floundering" in a world of superficial labels. * The War in Heaven Today: Understanding that the battle of words and ideas we face now is a continuation of the choice we made millennia ago. * 00:14 Opens in a new window [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMyEnSRyn5k&t=14] - Welcome back and introduction of Hunter Drake. * 03:56 Opens in a new window [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMyEnSRyn5k&t=236] - A fun hypothetical: Would you rather see your premortal past or your eternal future? * 06:22 Opens in a new window [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMyEnSRyn5k&t=382] - Why is there so little specific information about the premortal existence? * 11:04 Opens in a new window [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMyEnSRyn5k&t=664] - Leaving perfection: Why we chose to leave God’s presence to enter a world of pain and growth. * 15:17 Opens in a new window [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMyEnSRyn5k&t=917] - Psychology & Faith: The two-way communication between the mind and the body. * 18:19 Opens in a new window [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMyEnSRyn5k&t=1099] - The purpose of fasting: Teaching the spirit to take control of the physical body. * 22:07 Opens in a new window [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMyEnSRyn5k&t=1327] - How the knowledge of premortality differs from other Christian viewpoints. * 24:35 Opens in a new window [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMyEnSRyn5k&t=1475] - True Identity: Moving past professional titles to our core identity as children of God. * 27:41 Opens in a new window [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMyEnSRyn5k&t=1661] - The War in Heaven: How it was a battle of words then and remains one today. * 31:14 Opens in a new window [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMyEnSRyn5k&t=1874] - Choosing Christ: The beauty of redeeming grace and the power of waking up and choosing Him every day.

Season 3 Episode 2 - "Faith to Reach Out"

"What happens when the 'gospel bubble' bursts and you’re left facing the darkest moments of your life?" In this episode of Coming Unto Christ, Lacy Merrill joins "the couch" for a vulnerable conversation about faith, family, and finding light after a sudden divorce. From her upbringing in the small town of Snowflake to the struggle of feeling "unworthy" and "unlovable," Lacy shares how she moved from simply knowing about God to experiencing His intimate, personal love. Discover why she compares reaching for the sacrament to the biblical woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, and how "letting go of the wheel" transformed her life. Whether you are currently in a "moment of darkness" or striving to strengthen your foundation, Lacy’s story is a powerful reminder that your worth is infinite and the Savior is always ready to carry the weight for you. Keep climbing your mountain. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help us continue building Zion.

Season 3 Episode 1 - When Death Felt Close, and Jesus Felt Closer

From bottle-raising tigers to surviving a 3-week coma, Keith and Sierra Pimber’s story is a powerful testament to the reality of Jesus Christ. In the Season 3 premiere of Coming Unto Christ, we sit down with the Pimbers for a vulnerable conversation about faith, trauma, and miracles. Sierra shares how she found the Savior’s comfort during a childhood marked by both exotic animals and deep family "darkness". Meanwhile, Keith opens up about the "black and white" mindset of his youth and the life-altering Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis that led to a profound, near-death encounter. What you’ll hear in this episode: * The Power of Forgiveness: Keith reveals the specific message he received from Jesus while in a coma regarding his hatred toward his father-in-law and why letting go was the only way forward. * Separating People from the Gospel: Sierra discusses how she maintained her testimony despite experiencing abuse from a parent in church leadership. * Beyond the "Checkbox": How a medical crisis transformed Keith’s "routine" religion into a living, breathing relationship with God. * Tender Mercies: Incredible stories of the "thin veil" during Keith’s hospitalization, from a mysterious temple hug to a perfectly timed Facebook post. Are you just "checking the boxes" or truly walking with Christ? Join us for an episode that proves no matter how deep the trial, you are never truly alone. #ComingUntoChrist #MultipleSclerosis #FaithStories #NearDeathExperience #Forgiveness

Season 2 Episode 11 - Sitting at the Feet of the Savior

In this deeply moving episode of Coming Unto Christ, Julie Garlock returns to share her journey of faith following a tragic accident that claimed the lives of her husband, Troy, and their daughter, Elsie. Julie offers a profound testimony of how the Savior transitioned from a distant figure to her literal "breath of life" during her darkest hours. Key Topics & Takeaways: • Miracles Amidst Loss: Julie recounts the miraculous recovery of her daughter, Mabel, who was brought back to life and walking within four days of the accident. • The Power of Forgiveness: Rather than "poisoning" herself with anger toward the driver, Julie chose forgiveness, viewing him as a child of God who struggled with his own "demons". • Sitting at the Savior’s Feet: Julie explains her practice of nightly meditation, noting that while prayer is us talking to God, "meditation is God talking to us". • Raising Your "Frequency": Discover how intentional living—including mindfulness of what we put in our bodies—can clear "foggy brain" and open a pathway to hear the Spirit more clearly. • Authentic Relationship: Julie emphasizes that a relationship with Christ requires "work" and moving past "casual" worship to find an authentic, intentional connection. Whether you are navigating grief or seeking to deepen your spiritual connection, Julie’s story illustrates that Jesus Christ is ready to stand before the waves of grief to ensure they do not take you under.

Season 2 Episode 10 - The Jesus They Don't Talk About

Dive into a profound conversation with Stacy Guthrie, a woman raised in a devout, founding Mesa family, who confesses she took her relationship with the Savior for granted, realizing He was just "always just there" until immense trials forced her to rely on Him in adulthood. Stacy openly navigates the complex tension between church culture and true doctrine, revealing the "friction" that arises from cultural judgments—including comments she receives for wearing pants to church. A lifelong "textbook learner" who seeks knowledge, Stacy shares the transformative realization that she must be "OK with sitting in the belief instead" of constantly needing definitive answers. She advocates for members to stand and say "I believe" rather than rigidly declaring "I know" when bearing testimony. The episode features her undeniable personal testimony (something she knows): a miraculous account of a refund check arriving precisely when her family chose to pay their mortgage and tithing after her husband lost his job, demonstrating the blessings of obedience. Stacy concludes by sharing the single, powerful message she hopes the Savior knows: "I'm trying, that I'm not perfect, but that I'm really trying. I'm not giving up".