On February 29, 2020, I received a text message from my friend Greg concerning my interpretation of 3 Nephi 16:10. It was a verse I had been drawn to for many years, so I was excited to see that we had a similar scope of doctrinal interests, and had the same interpretation of the key doctrine at hand.
We had just finished writing Multiple Probations, and I felt an itch for a new project. After some discussion I responded to him saying “You know, Greg, these thoughts would go great into a book”. He replied, “Sounds like an invitation?” Indeed, it was.
We immediately got to work on The Church of the Firstborn and had a mutual understanding of the overall message of the book.
Within about a week of doing our own research we collaborated again and found a theme related to trees. We marveled that the Lord used the tree theme as a doctrinal metaphor by many of his prophets for explaining His covenants with Abraham’s posterity, their scattering, and their gathering in the end times.
I began designing the cover, and felt to include a subtitle, Unraveling the Mystery of the Tree. A couple weeks later we had shifted gears and with a substantial amount of more text than before, he and I both began feeling the subtitle was no longer a core component of the overall theme in the book but continued working anyway.
About that time, a friend introduced a concept to Greg, that we feel became an essential ingredient in the recipe of the book we set out to write. The concept was centered on a tree metaphor, but in another vein.
As I knew Greg would be the primary author of this book, I felt writers block several times after flushing out my thoughts, and then Greg would pick up mid-sentence where I had left off, so naturally. It was a unique dynamic that taught me the Spirit had parts for each of us to contribute. I prayed often that he would get the inspiration he needed for his portions.
Then in the last week, I watched as Greg had spontaneous bursts of insight, which I knew to be pure revelation from Heaven. Curiously, the tree theme was interwoven in all his thoughts. We realized the subtitle was once again, applicable, but even more so with Greg’s new additions.
As we near the completion of the book, in hindsight we can see the overall intent of the book is still captured within its pages, but with a far more significant and organically derived concept, that neither of us intended to be part of the book initially. It relates to the tree.
As we’ve talked about this new theme, we are both deeply humbled to recognize Heaven’s hand. We can both say without question, this theme was authored by heaven.
I have had this tangible sense of joy and happiness in the message that was beyond my own emotion. I asked heaven if it was because of the joy the audience it was intended for would experience when they read it. The answer was yes – but there’s more.
My mind shifted to heaven, and I felt as though the book we have just compiled was a validation to numberless spirits on the other side of the veil who have been waiting to have their griefs, frustrations, and hopes validated in the unrolling of this book. It felt as though there was a huge sigh of relief that it was finally time for the message of this book to be revealed.
Greg and I are humbled. We sense the message will be met with wide opposition, and yet, neither of us can deny the truthfulness of it. In short, this book is for all who seek the Church of the Firstborn; but more specifically, this message is for women. Their day is coming! Soon.
We expect the book to roll out by the end of April, after Julie Rowe has had a chance to add her insights, which we eagerly await.
The end of April is such a long, long, long time away.
LeAnne- Amen!!!
Cannot wait!!
Thank you for sharing this experience, it will make the book that much more valuable to me. Looking forward to it!
Thank you Eric, Greg and Julie! Your messages, books, podcasts etc… have enriched my life and understanding of the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love Him; and am so grateful to know Him better through your eyes. love to you all!
I was commenting to my wife not long ago, that womens true role in the priesthood, and in the eternity’s would soon come to light. I think this could have something to do with that. I look so forward to the day, when women will be treated like the amazing and instrumental, key pieces!!
That they so richly deserve in God’s plan. I’ve had enough of the bad (Patriarchal Energy) that has been used against the Queens of Eternity.
Well said Kevin. Thanks for adding your perspective!
Thank you to both Eric and Greg for your work and sharing your gifts with all of us! I had a very detailed dream about The Tree of Life as well as the Leaves on the tree. I’m interested to learn more about how it all correlates with the Church of The Firstborn and very much looking forward to the end of April! I just read 3rd Nephi chapter 16 and my eyes are being opened. Conference is going to be very interesting especially because of what the Prophet just said about the gospel being restored in its fullness. It’s all so surreal to be living in this foretold day!
So looking forward to discovering truths within this book and counting the days until it’s its release with excitement & anticipation. Thank you for your efforts and work in bringing forth this most important book that will bless many lives.
Yaaaaa! Can’t wait Eric! I look forward for more validation, its been a long time coming. Many years of feeling put aside but in opposition it has strengthened my resolve and has put my complete faith in Father and Mother and my Lord and Savior. I appreciate all yours and Greg’s hard work and revelation from the Lord. Well done my friend.
Anna
Super excited to read it!
I can hardly wait!! Thank you for letting heaven teach you, for being ready to hear what needs to be written. I’m thankful for our loving Father and Savior who’s blessing are so evident.
OH my GOODNESS!!! 😃 I can HARDLY wait!!!
Thank you, Eric, for sharing your witness of your process and journey as you and Greg wrote this book. The Holy Ghost confirms to me your witness is true. I eagerly await the contents! I am also filled with gratitude at the timing of your witness. I don’t fully understand why I feel that way, but am sure I will understand at some future point. Thank you for your witness of truth, it is invaluable to me as I navigate this thrilling time of awakening.
Thanks Staci, great to hear from you!
Hello Eric. Considering 3 Nephi 16:10 My observation that “Gentile” here is referring to America. Probably broader in scope than this but this has been my feeling. The dropping of Moroni’s trumpet to me was also the signal that America has fallen and it has begun at the Lord’s House, SLC temple, and signals other sermons to now be given. Anxiously awaiting to see yours and Greg’s additional insights. Verlan.
Aloha brother. Thank you for your faith, passion, and commitment, in bringing to light truth and knowledge that our KUPUNA (Ancestors) knew all along.
It is time!!!
Mahalo to you, Greg and Julie for all you are doing to help us as we gear up for our Savior’s 2nd coming.
Love you guys, Joel
Aloha Joel. Much love brother!
Thank you!! So timely 👏🏻🙏🏻♥️
I have been waiting for this to come to me for quite some time. Thank you for being the instruments of bringing about at this time. I am so eager to read this!
I have been having an increase of dreams lately. Dreams involving powerful, strong, determined women.
Tonight I was in the park with a friend. We looked up to see a Spring green tree brilliantly lit by the setting sun. It was literally glowing amidst a bunch of other unlit trees. I KNEW that it was a sign and a message to me.
Then I come home and decide for no reason to check the junk folder in my email. Low and behold I notice of this Doctrinal Essay blogpost. The tree in your post looks JUST like the tree in the park. I wish that I could post a picture of it here…
I know in my bones that your book will be full of truth. I hope that I am receiving a foreshadowing of good things to come!
Thank you so much to you and Greg. 💙
The book was delivered to me on April 5th. I started reading it after the first session of conference on Sunday and finished it at 12:40 am. I testify that this work is of God, its contents are His words written by inspired authors. Thank you Eric and Greg for your sacrifice and hard work. I thank the Lord for casting off the veil of unbelief from mine eyes and all those who will “HEAR HIM”.