Post # 259 -- Come, Follow Me -- Week # 42 -- October 26–November 1  -- Mormon 1–6 -- “I Would That I Could Persuade All … to Repent”

Dear Family and Friends

I am sitting here at the Cancer Center, I am here to receive my chemotherapy treatment. I have probably mentioned to you before that i come here for my treatments every three weeks. Rain or shine, sleet, hail, snow, sun ever on a bright sunny day. 

This is my new normal -- every three weeks, just like clockwork:) I am so grateful for the opportunity to give the option of this being my new normal! I would not want to trade it for the other alternative, which would not be an alternative at all. I would probably not be here at all and that's no fun:)

You know i think about all of the things that have happened during my lifetime and i wonder sometimes if  we really understood all of the bad things that we would have to go through during our earthly life, and yet we still agreed to leave our heavenly home where we all lived with our heavenly parents??? 

Have you ever really thought about this or am I the only one who has ever explored this question?? I told one of my students to save her drama for her mama. Another student piped up to say, no she can't save her drama for her dad or her mom, cause they don’t want to hear it either!!!t 

These young ones are so very smart and they understand so much more than we give them credit for:) This next part comes to you directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:

As you read Mormon 1–6, ponder what you learn from Mormon’s example. Record what you feel inspired to do.

Another thing, while you are reading through Mormon 1–6, make sure to look for those truths that can help you and your family members and friends to remain faithful in these times of uncertainty, and wickedness, just as Mormon did. It is so important for each of us to hold onto our faith and our love for the Savior!!! This next part comes to you directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:

Mormon spared us the “full account” of the “awful scene” of wickedness and bloodshed that he saw among the Nephites (Mormon 2:18; 5:8). But what he did record in Mormon 1–6 is enough to remind us how far righteous people can fall. Amid such pervasive wickedness, no one could blame Mormon for becoming weary and even discouraged. Yet through all that he saw and experienced, he never lost his sense of God’s great mercy and his conviction that repentance is the way to receive it. And although Mormon’s own people rejected his pleading invitations to repent, he knew that he had a larger audience to persuade. “Behold,” he declared, “I write unto all the ends of the earth.” In other words, he wrote to you (see Mormon 3:17–20). And his message to you, today, is the same message that could have saved the Nephites in their day: “Believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. … Repent and prepare to stand before the judgment-seat of Christ” (Mormon 3:21–22).

What happens when you ask one of your family members and / or friends  to share what they have learned from the lesson?  If they seem  a bit shy or seem like they really don't want to share. It could be because they need some time to put their thoughts into words. 

Something that might help would be to let them know that they will have plenty of time to write their thoughts down so that they will feel comfortable sharing what they have learned:) With this said, ask them if they would write down their thoughts which they have gained from their study of the following chapters in the Book of Mormon during this week: Mormon 1–6 

Mormon 1–6

We can live righteously despite the wickedness around us.

 Now would be a good time for you to ask your family members and friends to share what they have learned from Mormon’s experience with striving to live righteously in a wicked world. What have you learned from Mormon’s example? It is now time for you to get out another piece of poster board:)

With your poster board in hand, ask your family members and friends if they can find some verses that can identify Mormon’s qualities? After you and they have found them you should make a list of some of those qualities and write them on your poster board. If they are struggling you may need to give some guidance.

You can find some examples in the following verses: Mormon 1:2–3, 15–16; 2:1, 23–24; 3:1–3, 12, 17–22.  It’s time for a couple of questions for you and your family members and friends to answer. How would these qualities have helped Mormon remain spiritually strong? How can they help us be more like Mormon?

You can write at the top of your poster board or you can ask your family members and friends a sheet of paper with the following title at the top of the page: “Mormon’s Counsel to Us”. Encourage your family study group to find the messages within these verses that are very relevant for our time.

As you can tell from your study, Mormon has frequently written directly to the people in our day and time. So, what can your family members and friends learn from his words to the people of our time in the following passages: Mormon 3:17–22 and 5:10–24? 

How can we apply Mormon’s counsel to help us stay spiritually strong in today’s world? If the children in your family study group are youth, you can use Mormon’s example to begin your discussion about them to better understand that it is they who can be righteous leaders when they are young:)

If your family study group has more young adults that you are teaching, then you may want to teach them of the opportunities that are there for them to be good leaders as well:) you could ask your family members and friends what they can do to become a righteous leader for those around them?

You might consider dividing your family study group into two groups and asking one group to review Mormon 1 and the other group to review Mormon 2. When they have finished their reading you should talk about those opportunities which Mormon had been given to lead during his early years.

What qualities did he have that made him a great leader? Your family members and friends could then share examples which they have seen of the  very powerful influence of righteous children and youth. Like when they walk up to you and tell you just how God can help you:)

Your family members and friends could also discuss opportunities they—or young people they know—have to be leaders with qualities like Mormon had. This next part comes to you directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Mormon 1

I can live righteously despite the wickedness around me.

Beginning in the first chapter of Mormon, you will notice major differences between Mormon and the people around him. As you read Mormon 1, consider contrasting the qualities and desires of Mormon with those of his people. Note the consequences that came to him and them (you’ll find one example in verses 14–15). What do you learn that inspires you to live righteously in a wicked world?

As you read Mormon 2–6, continue to look for how Mormon demonstrated his faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ despite the evil influences around him.

Mormon 2:10–15

Repentance requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

Can your and / or your family members and friends explain to me what it means to have a broken heart and a contrite spirit?  What about the difference between sorrow that leads one to repentance and sorrow that does not? In this section your family study group will learn this difference  about sorrow.

You and your family members and friends might consider reading Mormon 2:10–15 together so that they can learn about the difference between the sorrow that leads to repentance and the sorrow that does not. Then it will be time for your family study group to work together to answer questions.

 You begin by discussing questions like these: What is the role of “sorrowing” in repentance? What is the difference between “sorrowing … unto repentance” and the “sorrowing of the damned”? What attitudes and behaviors can help us have “broken hearts and contrite spirits”? 

This next part comes to you directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

]Mormon 2:10–15

Godly sorrow leads to true and lasting change.

When Mormon saw his people’s sorrow, he hoped they would repent. But “their sorrowing was not unto repentance” (Mormon 2:13)—it was not the kind of godly sorrow that leads to real change (see 2 Corinthians 7:8–11). Instead, the Nephites felt worldly sorrow (see Mormon 2:10–11). To understand the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow, consider making a chart where you can record what you learn from Mormon 2:10–15 about these two types of sorrow. Your chart might look something like this:

Godly sorrow Worldly sorrow

Comes to Jesus (verse 14)

Curses God (verse 14)

As you reflect on what you learn, consider how it can influence your efforts to overcome sin and become more like Heavenly Father and the Savior.

See also Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “You Can Do It Now!” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 55–57.

Mormon 3:12

We can love others, even if we don’t agree with their choices.

In our daily life members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are like Mormon, in the fact that many of them associate very closely with people who do not share their beliefs. How might you use Mormon’s experience to teach your family members and friends about loving others despite their differences? 

At this time you may want to consider reading Mormon 3:12 together with your family members and friends. Then talking with them about  the times when Mormon showed love for those who rejected his message. Those who openly rejected Mormon’s message, also willfully rebelled against God.

 For instance, you can check out the following verses: Mormon 1:16–17; 2:12. What experiences can class members share from their own lives of loving those who did not share their beliefs or values? The statement by President Dallin H. Oaks  gives additional counsel.

Loving others who believe differently.

President Dallin H. Oaks explained:

“We should all follow the gospel teachings to love our neighbor and avoid contention. Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable. Our stands and communications on controversial topics should not be contentious. We should be wise in explaining and pursuing our positions and in exercising our influence. In doing so, we ask that others not be offended by our sincere religious beliefs and the free exercise of our religion. We encourage all of us to practice the Savior’s Golden Rule: ‘Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them’ (Matthew 7:12).

“When our positions do not prevail, we should accept unfavorable results graciously and practice civility with our adversaries” (“Loving Others and Living with Differences,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 27).

i believe that President Dallin H. Oaks gives us each some very good counsel in such a small amount of space:)The following comes to you directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and families manual:

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Mormon 3:3, 9

I should always acknowledge God’s hand in my life.

Mormon recorded a weakness he saw in the Nephites: they failed to acknowledge the ways the Lord had blessed them. President Henry B. Eyring urged us “to find ways to recognize and remember God’s kindness. … Pray and ponder, asking the questions: Did God send a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life or the lives of my children? … I testify that He loves us and blesses us, more than most of us have yet recognized” (“O Remember, Remember,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 67, 69).

As you read Mormon 3:3, 9, you might ponder how you are acknowledging God’s influence in your life. What blessings come when you acknowledge His influence? What are the consequences of not acknowledging Him? (see Mormon 2:26).

Mormon 6:17

Jesus Christ stands with open arms to receive us.

You know sometimes a person feels as if there is no hope for them because they have made too many wrong choices in their lives. This is when a person feels like there is no way for them to be forgiven:(  I was in this place many years ago, before I allowed the missionaries to come to teach my oldest daughter.

As i have mentioned before, they came to teach her about Jesus Christ and His gospel. I was not familiar with the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so I sat i n on her lessons. I wanted to know just exactly what they were teaching her:)

I know as for me and for each and every person who comes to the Savior after they have repented it is the same as it is for anyone who feels like there is no hope for them, that they can be forgiven of their sins. Mormon’s description of the Savior standing “with open arms to receive you” could provide reassurance.

Providing reassurance to your family members and / or friends who are not yet baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as for anyone that you share the gospel with:) you might also show them a picture of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms [which is one of my favorite pictures:)].

You may want to consider reading  Mormon 6:17 together with your family members and friends as you are showing this picture of Jesus Christ:) You should ask your family study group the following question: What does this verse teach about the Savior’s eagerness to help us? 

Another thing you might consider doing is to sing a hymn together with your family members and friends, like the following: “Come unto Jesus” (Hymns, no. 117).You could also find another hymn that you could sing together that has the same message. 

The last thing you may want to do for this section is to share with your family members and friends  President Russell M. Nelson’s experience. After you have shared this experience with your family study group you can ask them to discuss how we can help others recognize that repentance is possible.

Repentance is possible.

President Russell M. Nelson shared the following experience:

“Last year while Elder David S. Baxter and I were driving to a stake conference, we stopped at a restaurant. Later when returning to our car, we were approached by a woman who called out to us. … She asked if we were elders in the Church. We said yes. Almost unrestrained, she told the story of her tragic life, swamped in sin. Now, only 28 years old, she was miserable. She felt worthless, with nothing to live for. As she spoke, the sweetness of her soul began to emerge. Pleading tearfully, she asked if there was any hope for her, any way up and out of her hopelessness.

“‘Yes,’ we responded, ‘there is hope. Hope is linked to repentance. You can change. You can “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him”’ [Moroni 10:32]. We urged her not to procrastinate [see Alma 13:27; 34:33]. She sobbed humbly and thanked us sincerely.

“As Elder Baxter and I continued our journey, we pondered that experience. We recalled the counsel given to a hopeless soul by Aaron, who said, ‘If thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, … then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest’ [Alma 22:16]. …

“… To the 28-year-old woman mired in the swamp of sin, and to each one of us, I declare that the sweet blessing of repentance is possible. It comes through complete conversion to the Lord and His holy work.”

In addition, President Nelson observed: “We also remember the sinful people under the care of their concerned leader, Mormon, who wrote, ‘I was without hope, for I knew the judgments of the Lord which should come upon them; for they repented not of their iniquities, but did struggle for their lives without calling upon that Being who created them’ (Mormon 5:2)” (“Repentance and Conversion,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 102, 104).

I loved what President Nelson said especially the part about hope. ‘He said that hope is linked to repentance.’ He also said that you can change and “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him”. This next part comes to you directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Mormon 5:8–24; 6:16–22

Jesus Christ stands with open arms to receive me.

The Nephites rejected Mormon’s teachings, but he had hope that his record would influence you. As you read Mormon 5:8–24 and 6:16–22, what do you learn about the consequences of sin? What do you learn from these passages about Heavenly Father’s and Jesus’s feelings toward you, even when you sin? How have you felt Jesus Christ reaching out to you with open arms? What do you feel inspired to do as a result?

What would you write in a letter to the people of the future? In our scripture reading for our lesson next we will be reading and studying from Mormon Chapters 7-9. Ask your family members and friends what they would put in a letter to the future?  

It is here in these chapters that you and your family members will discover that in Mormon 7–9 your little study group will read just what Mormon and Moroni wrote, centuries ago, to people in our day. I have included the following to help you improve your teaching, I hope it is as helpful for you as it was for me.

Improving Our Teaching

Teach clear and simple doctrine. The Lord’s gospel is beautiful in its simplicity (see Doctrine and Covenants 133:57). Rather than trying to entertain your family members and friends with extravagant lessons, make sure that what you teach is centered on pure and simple doctrine.

Improving Our Teaching

Spiritual growth occurs at home. Your family members and friends spend 165 hours each week outside of church. During that time, they have their own spiritual experiences that teach them about the gospel. Ask questions that encourage learners to share the things they have learned during the week and with their families (see Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 18).

I have included more ways to improve our teaching. I understand that some of you are brewery good teachers and this is good, but there are some of us who still need an idea or two to get us over the humps and through the bumps of a lesson:)  I know that I can always use some fresh ideas in my preschool class.

Even though I have been teaching preschool off and on since I was 17 years old :)First of all I need to keep up with the new rules and regulations, because they really do change:) Also I have to take into consideration each child and what their needs are. How i can help each child individually as well as when they are in a group.

Oh, but I am rambling aren't i? Well, as you can tell we are at the end of our lesson for this week. As always, I hope and I pray that I have shared something with each of you that has uplifted you in some small way and possibly made your day a little brighter. 

Make sure that you remember just who you are -- A Child of God!!! Also please remember that your Heavenly Father loves each one of you so much that He gave His Only Begotten Son. to die for us on the cross. His Son, Jesus Christ freely gave up His life so that each one of us can return to our heavenly home again:)

Remember to say your prayers each day, at least morning and night:) Continue to study your scriptures every day and do your best to apply what you have learned into your daily lives:) -Please continue to study the Book of Mormon with me and all of our cyber study buddies out there in cyberspace.

I believe I have learned so much this time through my study of the Book of Mormon and I pray that you and each one learned a lot as well:) Until my next post, do all you can do to keep safe in our ever changing world. Stay close to your family and friends. Keep learning about our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ:)