Post # 258 -- Come, Follow Me -- Week # 41 -- October 19–25 -- 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi -- “There Could Not Be a Happier People”
Dear Family and Friends
Hello everyone!!! I pray that you are each one having a wonderful Fall day. Here it is a little chilly, but nice. Things may change before I get off work, but that’s how it is for now:) you probably already know this, but i want to share it with all of you just in case you have forgotten:)
I have an idea to share with you, if your child struggles in learning add music to what you're learning. Even if you need to make up silly songs! You might be surprised by the progress that your child makes:) The following comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:
The Lrd commanded His disciples to write the things they experienced (see 3 Nephi 27:23–24). As you study, write down the spiritual experiences you have.
Whenever you are preparing to teach these lessons to your family members and friends. … The best way for you to prepare to teach -- you begin with prayer and by personally studying the following chapters 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi , from the Book of Mormon.
Make sure that you have your scripture study journal so that you can jot down the spiritual impressions you receive as you are studying. The doctrines and the ideas that are in the outline from our lesson manual may help you to respond to the spiritual promptings you will receive as you are studying:)
It’s so important for each one of us to get into the habit of journaling, especially scripture journals and a separate journal for spiritual impressions from the Holy Ghost. The following comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:
The teachings of Jesus Christ are not just a beautiful philosophy to ponder. They are much more than that—they are meant to change our lives. The book of 4 Nephi provides a stunning example of this, illustrating just how thoroughly the Savior’s gospel can transform a people. Following Jesus’s brief ministry, centuries of contention between the Nephites and Lamanites came to an end. Two nations known for dissension and pride became “one, the children of Christ” (4 Nephi 1:17), and they began to have “all things common among them” (4 Nephi 1:3). The “love of God … did dwell in the hearts of the people,” and “there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God” (4 Nephi 1:15–16). This is how the Savior’s teachings changed the Nephites and the Lamanites. How are they changing you?
When your family members and friends are not wanting to share what they have learned from their study it would be a good time to encourage them to do so. You might challenge them to find a hymn or primary song that is related to our study this week.
So after they have each individually studied 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi you can then give them this challenge and now ask them to share the hymn or hymns or even primary songs they found and maybe how the hymn [s] is related to these chapters and the scriptural truths found within them also.
The Church of Jesus Christ is called in His name and is built upon His gospel.
Something that might deepen your family member’s and friends' appreciation for their membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints might be discussing the name of the Church. If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a discussion about the name of His church.
Having a good discussion about the name of Jesus Christ’s Church here on the earth might also be helpful for you and your family members to understand why He has named His church in this way:) you might consider asking your family members and friends to list the names of some of the various organizations;
These would be those organizations within the Church that you are making a list of and then have them describe what the names tell us about all of those organizations. You should have your family members and friends read through 3 Nephi 27:1–12. It might be helpful for you to read these verses together.
As you read through these verses have your family members and friends be looking for what the Savior has taught about the name of His Church. You could share or have them share just what it means to be members of Christ’s Church. What does it mean for us to take upon us His name?
Get out your poster board and be ready to write! Write the name of the church on the poster board: ‘The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ and have it ready. Now you can begin your discussion about the importance of the name of the Savior’s Church. You may want to read through 3 Nephi 27:1–22 together.
Again, together with your family members and friends discuss the truths that you have found in these verses. Now let each one of your family study group choose a word or words from the name of the church which you have written upon your poster board.
You may want to write the word or words they choose down along the left hand of your poster board. Then you can write their answers beside the word[s] they choose:) ask your family members and friends how each word[s] helps us to know who we are and / or what we believe:)
President M. Russell Ballard’s statement may be beneficial for you to read with your family members and friends:
The name of Christ’s Church.
President M. Russell Ballard said:
“I have thought a lot about why the Savior gave the nine-word name to His restored Church. It may seem long, but if we think of it as a descriptive overview of what the Church is, it suddenly becomes wonderfully brief, candid, and straightforward. How could any description be more direct and clear and yet expressed in such few words?
“Every word is clarifying and indispensable. The word The indicates the unique position of the restored Church among the religions of the world.
“The words Church of Jesus Christ declare that it is His Church [see 3 Nephi 27:8]. …“Of Latter-day explains that it is the same Church as the Church that Jesus Christ established during His mortal ministry but restored in these latter days. We know there was a falling away, or an apostasy, necessitating the Restoration of His true and complete Church in our time.
“Saints means that its members follow Him and strive to do His will, keep His commandments, and prepare once again to live with Him and our Heavenly Father in the future. Saint simply refers to those who seek to make their lives holy by covenanting to follow Christ” (“The Importance of a Name,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 80).
I have included the most recent statements regarding the name of the Savior's Church here on the earth that i thought i would share with you:
1.
“The Lord has impressed upon my mind the importance of the name He has revealed for His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We have work before us to bring ourselves in harmony with His will. In recent weeks, various Church leaders and departments have initiated the necessary steps to do so. Additional information about this important matter will be made available in the coming months” (Russell M. Nelson, in “The Name of the Church” [official statement, Aug. 16, 2018], mormonnewsroom.org).
2.
Preceding Presidents of the Church have made similar requests. For example, President George Albert Smith said: “Don’t let the Lord down by calling this the Mormon Church. He didn’t call it the Mormon Church” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1948, 160).
Now it is time for you and your family members and friends to answer the following question: Why is it important to use the name of the Church as we share our beliefs with others? The Savior described what His gospel plan is, which He did after He explained that His Church must be “built upon [His] gospel” as we find in 3 Nephi 27:10.
10 And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it.
How could you describe or explain to a neighbor or a friend what the gospel is? It might be helpful to ask your family members and friends this same question. Then list all of your responses on your poster board for all to see and discuss together. You could then search together the following verses:3 Nephi 27:13–22.
In these verses you will be looking for how it was that the Savior defined His gospel. Once you have found out the way He defined His gospel, you may want to compare what the Savior said and what you and your family members and friends said about what the gospel is.
Now with all of these things done and said, how about a question or two? How did you and your family members and friends do with answering the question about what is the gospel? How would you and/ or they summarize what the Savior said? How can you encourage them with sharing their responses?
As you and your family members and friends study the Savior’s definition of the gospel, what insights do we gain about how to live the gospel in our daily lives? The following comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:
Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
The Church of Jesus Christ is called in His name.
As the Savior’s disciples began establishing His Church throughout the land, a question arose that, to some, might seem like a minor point—what should be the name of the Church? (see 3 Nephi 27:1–3). What do you learn about the importance of this name from the Savior’s answer in 3 Nephi 27:4–12? In 1838 the Lord revealed the name of His Church today (see Doctrine and Covenants 115:4). Ponder each word in that name. How do these words help us know who we are, what we believe, and how we should act?
See also Russell M. Nelson, “The Correct Name of the Church,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 87–80; M. Russell Ballard, “The Importance of a Name,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 79–82.
The Book of Mormon is a sign that God’s latter-day work is being fulfilled.
In this section we will be learning and talking about signs. You may want to take this moment to ask your family members and friends if they can tell you some signs we watch for to know when a storm is coming or signs that tell us that a new season is approaching? This could be a good beginning for your next discussion,
Your next discussion about the following chapters 3 Nephi 29–30. You could read together with your family members and friends the following verses to learn what is signified by the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, which Mormon called “these sayings” as found in 3 Nephi 29:1–3.
In 3 Nephi 21:1–7 you will find added information about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon as well as things pertaining to America.
1 And now behold, I say unto you that when the Lord shall see fit, in his wisdom, that these sayings shall come unto the Gentiles according to his word, then ye may know that the covenant which the Father hath made with the children of Israel, concerning their restoration to the lands of their inheritance, is already beginning to be fulfilled.
2 And ye may know that the words of the Lord, which have been spoken by the holy prophets, shall all be fulfilled; and ye need not say that the Lord delays his coming unto the children of Israel.
3 And ye need not imagine in your hearts that the words which have been spoken are vain, for behold, the Lord will remember his covenant which he hath made unto his people of the house of Israel.
Israel will be gathered when the Book of Mormon comes forth—The Gentiles will be established as a free people in America—They will be saved if they believe and obey; otherwise, they will be cut off and destroyed—Israel will build the New Jerusalem, and the lost tribes will return. About A.D. 34.
1 And verily I say unto you, I give unto you a sign, that ye may know the time when these things shall be about to take place—that I shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion;
2 And behold, this is the thing which I will give unto you for a sign—for verily I say unto you that when these things which I declare unto you, and which I shall declare unto you hereafter of myself, and by the power of the Holy Ghost which shall be given unto you of the Father, shall be made known unto the Gentiles that they may know concerning this people who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, and concerning this my people who shall be scattered by them;
3 Verily, verily, I say unto you, when these things shall be made known unto them of the Father, and shall come forth of the Father, from them unto you;
4 For it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in this land, and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father, that these things might come forth from them unto a remnant of your seed, that the covenant of the Father may be fulfilled which he hath covenanted with his people, O house of Israel;
5 Therefore, when these works and the works which shall be wrought among you hereafter shall come forth from the Gentiles, unto your seed which shall dwindle in unbelief because of iniquity;
6 For thus it behooveth the Father that it should come forth from the Gentiles, that he may show forth his power unto the Gentiles, for this cause that the Gentiles, if they will not harden their hearts, that they may repent and come unto me and be baptized in my name and know of the true points of my doctrine, that they may be numbered among my people, O house of Israel;
7 And when these things come to pass that thy seed shall begin to know these things—it shall be a sign unto them, that they may know that the work of the Father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of the covenant which he hath made unto the people who are of the house of Israel.
I believe now is the time for you and your family members and friends to answer some more questions. Are you all ready? Okay then here we go!! What message did the Lord give in 3 Nephi 29:4–9 to those who would “spurn” or “deny” the work of God in the last days?
How does reading the Book of Mormon daily strengthen our faith in those things that other people “spurn” or “deny” in our day? You may want to ask your family members and friends to read the Lord’s invitation in 3 Nephi 30 and share how the Book of Mormon has helped them accept this invitation.
The following comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:
Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
As I purify my desires, I become a more faithful disciple.
What would you say if the Savior asked you, as He asked His disciples, “What is it that ye desire of me?” (3 Nephi 28:1). Think about this as you read about the experience of the Savior’s disciples in 3 Nephi 28:1–11. What do you learn about the desires of the disciples’ hearts from their answers to His question? President Dallin H. Oaks taught: “To achieve our eternal destiny, we will desire and work for the qualities required to become an eternal being. … We will desire to become like [Jesus Christ]” (“Desire,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 44–45). What can you do to make the desires of your heart more righteous? (For more information about the “change wrought upon [the] bodies” of the three disciples, see 3 Nephi 28:37 and “Translated Beings,” Guide to the Scriptures, scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)
Conversion to Jesus Christ and His gospel leads to unity and happiness.
It is time for you to get out your poster board again:) as we read and search through the account which we find in 4 Nephi illustrates the great joy that can come into your lives—as individuals, as families, and as a ward or stake—as we strive to be more fully converted to Jesus Christ.
If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints you can still strive to be more fully converted to Jesus Christ. You can investigate the church, His Church here on the earth. You can learn more about Jesus Christ and all He has done for you and your family members and friends:)
You can ask your family members and friends to search 4 Nephi 1:1–18 and write on your poster board the blessings that came to the people when they were all converted to the Lord. How did their conversion affect how they treated each other? Maybe you and your family members and friends could share how the gospel has brought similar blessings to their families or their ward.
Something that might help your family members and friends to better understand how each one of them can live more like the people in 4 Nephi and how they can encourage greater unity and happiness among those around them, you could read the following statement by Elder D. Todd Christofferson:
What will it take to build Zion?
Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught:
“Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens [see Moses 7:18]. … If we would establish Zion in our homes, branches, wards, and stakes, we must rise to this standard. It will be necessary (1) to become unified in one heart and one mind; (2) to become, individually and collectively, a holy people; and (3) to care for the poor and needy with such effectiveness that we eliminate poverty among us. We cannot wait until Zion comes for these things to happen—Zion will come only as they happen” (“Come to Zion,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 38).
You and your family members and friends might want to consider it a challenge to assess yours and theirs -- individually and as a family, yours and their personal efforts in the three areas that Elder Christofferson described.
If you remember, the people of the Book of Mormon had distinguished themselves as Neohites and Lamanites -- many other “-ites” -- for centuries, but after the Savior’s ministry among them, these distinctions disappeared. You should read 4 Nephi 1:17 together with your family members and friends.
17 There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in aone, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.
After reading 4 Nephi 1:17 together, maybe you and your family members and friends could share their thoughts about what kinds of “-ites” or groups exist in our society today. What can we do to overcome such divisions and truly become “one, the children of Christ”?
What can your and your family members and friends learn from the decline of the Zion society described in 4 Nephi? Youmight want to consider having your family study group divide into pairs to search 4 Nephi 1:19–34. Tell them that they are going on another search:)
Can you imagine living in a land of total peace and unity of all those around you? You and your family members and friends will be looking for what ended the great happiness and unity that the people had experienced in the nearly 200 years following the Savior’s visit.
What truths in these verses can help your family study group to identify the attitudes and the behaviors that need to change in our lives and in our society? The following comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:
Ideas for Personal Scripture Study
Conversion to Jesus Christ and His gospel leads to unity and happiness.
Can you imagine what it would have been like to live in the years following the Savior’s visit? How did the people maintain this divine peace for so long—nearly 200 years? As you study 4 Nephi 1:1–18, consider marking or noting the choices that people made in order to experience this blessed life.
Ponder what you can do to help your family, ward, or community live in greater unity and happiness, as the people in 4 Nephi did. What teachings of Jesus Christ can you live more fully in order to accomplish this goal? What can you do to help others understand and live these teachings?
Wickedness leads to division and sorrow.
Sadly, the Zion society described in 4 Nephi (see also Moses 7:18) eventually unraveled. As you read 4 Nephi 1:19–49, look for the attitudes and behaviors that caused this society to fall apart. Do you see any signs of these attitudes or behaviors in yourself?
See also “Chapter 18: Beware of Pride,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson (2014), 229–40
Our lesson for next week covers a lot of destruction and tragedy among the people. It actually teaches of the downfall or destruction of the Nephite people. You and your family members and friends will need to read and study the following chapters of the Book of Mormon -- in Mormon 1–6 you will find our readings for next week.
As you are studying these chapters -- I challenge you to look for things that you and your family members and friends notice about the Nephites that you can see happening in our day. Are you up for this challenge? The following comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:
Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening
As you read the scriptures with your family, the Spirit can help you know what principles to emphasize and discuss in order to meet the needs of your family. Here are some ideas.
3 Nephi 27:13–21
These verses can help family members better understand what the Savior meant when He referred to “my gospel.” After reading and discussing these verses, you could ask each family member to summarize what the gospel is in one sentence.
3 Nephi 27:23–26
How are we doing at recording the things we have “seen and heard”—individually or as a family? Why is it important to keep a record of spiritual things?
3 Nephi 27:30–31
To help family members understand the joy the Savior described in these verses, you could play a game in which family members hide and another family member tries to find them. This could lead to a conversation about why it’s important to find every family member so that “none of them are lost.” How can we help our family members stay strong in the gospel or return if they have left?
3 Nephi 28:17–18, 36–40
What can we learn from Mormon’s example when he did not understand everything about the change that happened to the three Nephite disciples? What can we do when we don’t understand everything about a gospel principle? President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught: “God cares about you. He will listen, and He will answer your personal questions. The answers to your prayers will come in His own way and in His own time, and therefore, you need to learn to listen to His voice” (“Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 21).
4 Nephi 1:15
To reduce contention in your home, perhaps family members could set a goal to be more loving to each other this week. After the week is over, review your progress together and discuss how showing greater love has affected your family.
For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.
Suggested song: “The Church of Jesus Christ,” Children’s Songbook, 77.
Again I have included the section about improving our personal study. I believe that we can never get too much to keep us on the right track back to our Savior and personal study of the scriptures is building a firm foundation, I think these little tidbits are very helpful reminders.
Improving Personal Study
Seek revelation daily. Revelation often comes “line upon line” (2 Nephi 28:30). As you ponder the verses you are studying, ideas and impressions may come to you throughout the day. Don’t think of gospel study as something you “make time for” but as something you are always doing (see Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 12).
I have included the following about improving our teaching, because we are all teachers aren't we? You may already know some of these methods of teaching and others you may not. You can always look up more in the manual ‘Teaching in the Savior’s Way’. You can also find teaching methods explained in more depth in this manual.
Improving Our Teaching
Use a variety of methods. It can be easy to get comfortable with one particular style of teaching, but different teaching methods reach different class members. Think about methods you have used recently—have you used stories, object lessons, pictures, and so on? (see Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 7).
Here we are again at the end of our lesson. Thanks to each one of you for hanging in with me all this time. I know that my posts are long, and I pray that you enjoy them as well as are learning from them:) I have enjoyed sharing it with all of you and your family members and your friends as well:)
I pray that something I have shared with you this day, has been uplifting in some way and has given you the strength to make the changes necessary for you to come unto your Savior. You only need to repent of your sins and accept His help and the Help of your Heavenly Father. They are always there for you!!!
And your Savior, even Jesus Christ, always has His hand ever reaching down for you. He is waiting for each one of you -- you and your family members and friends to reach up and accept His hand. I believe that reaching up and grabbing hold of His hand was best for me!!!
I believe that this action will be what is best for each of you as well!!! Take the courage to repent of any sin that is keeping you from becoming one of His disciples. Remember who you are and let your Savior, Jesus Christ help each one of you.
He can help you and your family members and friends become all He knows that you can become -- With His help. I may not have done such a great job over the years, but I am still trying to get it right and so should each one of you!!! If you fall short one day when you have done your best --
Please remember that your Heavenly Father only asks that you to do the best you can each day. He knows what your best is and He will accept it. You will never be sorry that you did! I have to believe this or what is it all for? so do your best and do it with an attitude of gratitude:)
And I promise you that none of the things that you are doing that have become habits in your life that take you away from Jesus Christ are worth holding on to. Give them up!!! Until my next post, please be safe and take care:), Please continue studying the Book of Mormon with me.
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