Post # 264 -- Come, Follow Me for Sunday School -- Week # 47 -- November 30–December 6 -- Moroni 1–6 ---“To Keep Them in the Right Way”

Dear Family and Friends,

I truly do pray that each one of you are healthy and doing well. This past week I was very sick. I came home from work and went to bed, where I remained pretty much the whole time until I got up for work this morning. 

I was up for a short period of time and I would go right back to bed. I am very grateful that it was not COVID !!! So i know that there are other things out there that are keeping our people from performing at their best every day:( 

I went in the morning to get my labs done and the nurse checked my temperature. I was fine that way and I was feeling fine as well. As the day wore on I was in and out of the bathroom a couple of times, but by the time I reached home I knew I was really sick.

I think was fevered throughout the night and drained of all energy. My body was completely emptied. I could not eat or drink as my stomach felt like it was on the seas in a storm or so it seemed. It was definitely a dark night for me.

I felt like I needed a priesthood blessing to get me through this illness. I did not want anyone to be exposed to whatever it was that I had. If it was COVID I certainly did not want to share it!!!  So with my family members upstairs.

I stayed in my basement room and I prayed for help to endure and healing from the Lord.  I woke a few times wondering what day it was:( I think I had more energy when I was undergoing the heavy chemotherapy in the beginning than I have had with this illness. 

Of course having a weakened immune system anyway does not help to fight off these nasty bugs when they come around:( Well that’s enough of that! I am so grateful that i am beginning to feel so much better, even if I only have a very little bit of energy to go on. 

I know, with the Lord’s help I will be able to get stronger and stronger each day, if it be His will for me to do so:) We always must remember that we need to be willing to accept His will. I've often thought about what would be of most value.

Something that I could leave in my journals for my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and so on, I wondered what I could leave them that would be of the most use for them. Have you ever had thoughts like these or is it just me??? 

Then I looked into this week’s lesson only to find that Moroni asked himself a somewhat similar question:) The Following comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

Moroni recorded what he hoped would “be of worth … in some future day” (Moroni 1:4). What do you find in Moroni 1–6 that is of worth to you? Record what you discover, and consider sharing it with someone who also might find it valuable.

What is of worth to you and your family members and friends? What are the things that you should be teaching your family members and friends? I believe these are journal worthy notes for you to keep and ponder on. 

Let the holy ghost guide you to know what you can share that is of worth to you:) The Following comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:

 After finishing his father’s record of the Nephites and abridging the record of the Jaredites, Moroni thought at first that his record-keeping work was done (see Moroni 1:1). What more was there to say about two nations that were utterly destroyed? But Moroni had seen our times (see Mormon 8:35), and he was inspired to “write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth … in some future day” (Moroni 1:4). He knew that widespread apostasy was coming, bringing with it confusion about priesthood ordinances and religion in general. This may be why he gave clarifying details about the sacrament, baptism, conferring the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the blessings of gathering with fellow believers to “keep [each other] in the right way, … relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of [our] faith” (Moroni 6:4). Precious insights like these give us reason to be thankful that the Lord preserved Moroni’s life so he could “write a few more things” (Moroni 1:4).

Moroni had thought that he was finished with his work when he had completed the abridgment of the records. He remained hidden from his enemies. He was inspired to continue to write things of worth and value to those of the future – us!!

Moroni 1:1

Book of Mormon

1 Now I, Moroni, after having made an end of abridging the account of the people of Jared, I had supposed not to have written more, but I have not as yet perished; and I make not myself known to the Lamanites lest they should destroy me.

Moroni wrote these things for our day!!! He saw our day. He knew what we would be facing at some future time. Moroni knew what we would need because the Holy Ghost guided him in what he should write on those plates so long ago.

Mormon 8:35

Book of Mormon

35 Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing.

Moroni 1:4

Book of Mormon

4 Wherefore, I write a few more things, contrary to that which I had supposed; for I had supposed not to have written any more; but I write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord.

Moroni 6:4

Book of Mormon

4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Moroni 1

Disciples of Jesus Christ remain faithful despite opposition.

For some people, it’s easier to be faithful in times of ease and comfort. But as disciples of Jesus Christ, we must remain faithful even when we face trials and opposition. As you read Moroni 1, what inspires you about Moroni’s faithfulness to the Lord and to his calling? How can you follow his example?

 

 

Now might be a good time for you to review the chapter headings of this week’s readings Moroni 1–6. I know that reading the chapter headings helps me know what is coming and I think it also helps me to remember what I have read just a little bit better, maybe. Here they are for your review below: 

       CHAPTER 1

Moroni writes for the benefit of the Lamanites—The Nephites who will not deny Christ are put to death. About A.D. 401–21.

CHAPTER 2

Jesus gave the twelve Nephite disciples power to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 401–21.

CHAPTER 3

Elders ordain priests and teachers by the laying on of hands. About A.D. 401–21.

CHAPTER 4

How elders and priests administer the sacramental bread is explained. About A.D. 401–21.

CHAPTER 5

The mode of administering the sacramental wine is set forth. About A.D. 401–21.

CHAPTER 6

Repentant persons are baptized and fellowshipped—Church members who repent are forgiven—Meetings are conducted by the power of the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 401–21.Create a Note

I  have always had a hard time sharing what I have read with others because I am always worried that I will say it wrong or it will come out sounding odd or disconnected in some way from the topic at hand:( 

I have a bad habit of always second guessing what I want to share with others:( After you have reviewed the chapter headings you may want to challenge your family members and friends to search through our assigned chapters.

You will be searching to find a meaningful passage, phrase or verse that they would like to share with the others in your family scripture study group:) Doing this in your family group might be beneficial for your family members and friends.

Beneficial in helping them learn to share these small things. Which in turn may lead them into a more secure and confident place as they are required in school and other places to share and give answers in front of a group.

Moroni 2–6

Priesthood ordinances must be administered as the Lord commands.

How would you and your family members and friends feel about doing a little role-playing for the following situations? You could pair up your family scripture study group:

(1) Your brother is about to be ordained to the priesthood. What counsel would you give from Moroni 3? 

(2) A friend of another faith wonders why it’s necessary to partake of the sacrament every week. What would you say? (see Moroni 4–5). 

(3) Your daughter’s baptism is approaching, but she isn’t sure she’s ready. How would you help her? (see Moroni 6:1–3). 

If you have a family member or friend who is preparing to receive a priesthood ordinance it would be beneficial to take a good look at what Moroni taught us about those ordinances as found in Moroni 2–6. 

When you and your family members and friends have finished your role-playing activity, it may be a good time for a discussion or sharing time as it were. You could each share what you have learned from one another as you were doing your role-playing activities. 

This would also be a good time for you to share your testimonies about how the ordinances like the ones they have been role-playing have brought each of you closer to your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Do you have a family member who is preparing for baptism? Someone who may be interested in getting baptized here real soon? 

Whether you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not, it would not hurt you to check this out.

No, I don’t believe it would hurt you at all to check this out and join in the discussion and ask any questions that you might have -- you can go here and talk with our missionaries, they would love to answer your questions:

 https://www.comeuntochrist.org/requests/missionary-visit

To help in this discussion you might want to ask your family members and friends if they could describe to you some ways in which they have prepared for some important commitments in their lives? School --  college or business school; a new job, marriage, parenthood, a mission, or other significant opportunities which take preparation.

In discussing these other preparations and the preparation needed for baptism: How did that preparation compare to the preparation needed to qualify for baptism, as described in Moroni 6:1–3? 

1 And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it.

2 Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins.

3 And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.

For more information you should also look up the following passages: Mosiah 18:8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37. 

Mosiah 18:8–10

Book of Mormon

8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

 

Doctrine and Covenants 20:37

Doctrine and Covenants

37 And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.

You may want to review the characters listed in these passages. Why do you feel the characteristics which are listed within these passages are necessary for baptism? How do we know if we are prepared for this ordinance? 

It is important to stop and take a look at your life if you are planning to get baptized. And it does not matter what your age is!!! Review your life and see how well you are living up to the new standards which you have been introduced to and have begun to follow. 

If one of your family members and or friends have recently been baptized, now would be a good time to give them praise. Praise them  for the way they have been changing their lives and living the gospel standards which they have chosen to live. 

It may do well to have a little review with your newly baptized family member and/or friend and help them to see how well they are living the new standards. You can help them see just how well they are living and keeping the covenants.

Those  promises which they have made to their Heavenly Father. You could also help them to see anywhere in which they could make any small improvements which will help them in the long run of life.

Now is a good time to give some encouragement to your family members and friends who have made this decision to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It is important to be there for them in this decision. They will need your love and support.

And to those who have been baptized recently. Encourage them to ponder, to think about how well they have been living up to these standards. Help them see what they might do to improve. Encourage them to write down any impressions that they might have received. Encourage them to refer to these impressions often.

Ordinances are performed by the power of the priesthood.

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Moroni 2–6

Priesthood ordinances must be administered as the Lord commands.

During His mortal ministry, the Savior received and administered sacred ordinances, such as baptism (see Matthew 3:13–17; Joseph Smith Translation, John 4:1–3 [in the Bible appendix]), priesthood ordination (see Mark 3:13–19), and the sacrament (see Matthew 26:26–28). However, because of the Great Apostasy, many people today are confused about how ordinances must be performed—and even whether they are needed at all. In Moroni 2–6, Moroni provided important details about certain priesthood ordinances that can help clear up some of that confusion. What impressions come as you learn about the ordinances in these chapters? The following are some questions you might ask to help you learn:

Confirmation (Moroni 2; 6:4).

What do the Savior’s instructions in Moroni 2:2 teach you about the ordinance of confirmation? What do you think it means to be “wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost”? (Moroni 6:4).

Priesthood ordination (Moroni 3).

What do you find in this chapter that could help someone prepare to be ordained to the priesthood? What do you find that would help someone perform an ordination?

The sacrament (Moroni 4–5; 6:6).

Note the promises in the sacrament prayers (see Moroni 4:3; 5:2), and ponder what you are doing to keep your promises. What can you do to invite the influence of the Spirit more powerfully as you participate in the sacrament?

Baptism (Moroni 6:1–3).

What can you do to continue to meet the qualifications for baptism given in these verses, even after you are baptized? What do these verses suggest to you about what it means to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ?

Based on what you have learned, how will you change the ways you think about, participate in, or prepare others for these ordinances? Why is it important that these ordinances be “administered … according to the commandments of Christ”? (Moroni 4:1).

See also “Ordinances,” Gospel Topics, topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Moroni 4–5

Partaking of the sacrament helps us draw closer to Jesus Christ.

Now might be a good time for you to consider asking your family members and friends to share with one another just how they prepare for the sacrament. What things do they each do to help prepare themselves?  How do you prepare yourself and your family members to have sacred experiences with the sacrament?

You are probably among the group who has heard the sacramental prayers many times before.  Seriously though, do you think much about the words as they are spoken? Do you think about what the words mean? What can you do to help your family members and friends think more about these prayers?

You may want to consider having them write down what they remember from each of the sacramental prayers on a sheet of paper. Or you could do it all together and write it out on one of your pieces of poster board. This will be helpful in learning how to ponder the sacramental prayers and make them more meaningful to you.

 

After you and your family members have written down what you can remember of each of the sacramental prayers you could compare what you and /or they have written with Moroni 4:3 and 5:2.  What did they easily remember? What did they miss? Did they notice anything about these prayers that they hadn’t noticed before? 

You could then ask your family members and friends to share with one another any words and / or phrases from the sacramental prayers that really stood out to you and /or them as they were writing them down or as they were checking what they had written down.

You and or your family members and friends could share with one another words and / or phrases which help you and / or them to feel the sacredness of this ordinance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You could sing or play a sacrament hymn or you could watch the following video: “Always Remember Him” 

(ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2014-06-0001-always-remember-him?lang=eng

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Here are some ideas that I came up with for this section. I pray that they will be helpful to you and your family members and friends for your personal scripture study”

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/the-sacrament-brings-us-closer-to-christ?lang=eng

PROPHETS AND APOSTLES

THE SACRAMENT HELPS US DRAW CLOSER TO JESUS CHRIST

Dallin H. Oaks

Here is a really good pdf for you about the sacrament:

Thoughts and Teachings Concerning The Sacrament

https://emp.byui.edu/satterfieldb/quotes/sacrament.htm

That I Might Draw All Men unto Me - The Church of Jesus ...

https://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/magazines/ensign-may-2016/2016-05-12-that-i-might-draw-all-men-unto-me-eng.pdf?lang=eng

Moroni 6:4–9

Disciples of Jesus Christ minister to one another.

You may want to consider using an analogy for the following section. You may want to picture in your mind a new plant or a new baby. What things does a new plant need for nourishment? What does a new baby news for its nourishment? What will happen to something if it needs nourishment and you neglect that nourishment?

How are new and returning members of the Church similar to a plant or infant in need of nourishment? Keeping this analogy in your mind could help you and your family members and friends to understand the importance of being “nourished by the good word of God” (Moroni 6:4).

Moroni 6:4

Book of Mormon

4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.

Your family members and friends could search together through Moroni 6:4–9 for ideas about how they can “nourish” each other spiritually. You and your family members and friends might also find some ideas from reading the following statements:

Nourished by the word of God.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught: “Most people don’t come to church looking merely for a few new gospel facts or to see old friends, though all of that is important. They come seeking a spiritual experience. They want peace. They want their faith fortified and their hope renewed. They want, in short, to be nourished by the good word of God, to be strengthened by the powers of heaven” (“A Teacher Come from God,” Ensign, May 1998, 26).

President Gordon B. Hinckley explained that nourishing converts with the word of God “is a work for everyone. It is a work for home teachers and visiting teachers [now ministering brothers and sisters]. It is a work for the bishopric, for the priesthood quorums, for the Relief Society, the young men and young women, even the Primary.

“I was in a fast and testimony meeting only last Sunday. A 15- or 16-year-old boy stood before the congregation and said that he had decided to be baptized.

“Then one by one, boys of the teachers quorum stepped to the microphone to express their love for him, to tell him that he was doing the right thing, and to assure him that they would stand with him and help him. It was a wonderful experience to hear those young men speak words of appreciation and encouragement to their friend. I am satisfied that all of those boys, including the one who was baptized last week, will go on missions.

“In a recent press interview I was asked, ‘What brings you the greatest satisfaction as you see the work of the Church today?’

“My response: ‘The most satisfying experience I have is to see what this gospel does for people. It gives them a new outlook on life. It gives them a perspective that they have never felt before. It raises their sights to things noble and divine. Something happens to them that is miraculous to behold. They look to Christ and come alive.’

“… I ask each of you to please help in this undertaking” (“Converts and Young Men,” Ensign, May 1997, 48).

You may want to share with your family members and friends a time when a fellow disciple ministered to you. Maybe one or more of your family scripture study group would like to share of a similar experience in which they were ministered too as well.

In reading Moroni 6:4–9 could be beneficial in helping your family members and friends to understand just how we are blessed when we are “numbered among the people of the church of Christ” and attend church meetings. How could we explain these blessings to someone who questions the need for an organized church? 

Moroni 6:4–9

Book of Mormon

4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.

5 And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.

6 And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.

7 And they were strict to observe that there should be no iniquity among them; and whoso was found to commit iniquity, and three witnesses of the church did condemn them before the elders, and if they repented not, and confessed not, their names were blotted out, and they were not numbered among the people of Christ.

8 But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven.

9 And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done.

 

You could search these verses together with your family members and friends to find something in which you could each share with one another. You could write these things down on a piece of your handy dandy poster board:) you could also make a list of some blessings in which you and/or they have received…

These blessings you put on your list are due to the fact that you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So list blessings you and / or they have received as members of the Church. You could read together the following article by D. Todd Christofferson, “Why the Church,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 108–11). 

You can read or  listen to this talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/10/why-the-church?lang=eng

What can we do to ensure that our fellow disciples are “remembered and nourished by the good word of God” as we “meet together oft”? (Moroni 6:4–5).

Moroni 6:4–5

Book of Mormon

4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.

5 And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Moroni 6:4–9

Disciples of Jesus Christ look after the welfare of each other’s souls.

While it’s true that we all “work out [our] own salvation” (Mormon 9:27), Moroni also taught that “meet[ing] together oft” with fellow believers can help keep us “in the right way” (Moroni 6:4–5). As you read Moroni 6:4–9, ponder the blessings that come from being “numbered among the people of the church of Christ” (Moroni 6:4). How could you help make the experiences you and others have at church more like the one Moroni describes, whether you are a leader or a participant?

Our reading assignment for this upcoming week is for us each to read and study Moroni 7–9. You will find within this week’s readings two letters written by Moroni to help his son to stay faithful during the difficult times he will face. This is good advice for you and your family members and friends as well as for each one of us.  

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.

Moroni 1; Moroni 6:3

What does it mean to “deny the Christ”? (Moroni 1:2–3). How can we show our “determination to serve him to the end”? (Moroni 6:3). Share examples of people you know who have this determination to serve Him.

Moroni 4:3; Moroni 5:2

Reading the sacrament prayers as a family could lead to a discussion about treating the sacrament with more reverence. Perhaps family members could discuss phrases from these prayers that are especially meaningful to them. They could also record their thoughts about these phrases or draw a picture that helps them think about the Savior. They could bring what they wrote or drew to sacrament meeting to help them focus their thoughts on Him. Tell your family how you feel about the sacrament and the Savior’s sacrifice.

Moroni 6:1–4

What does it mean to have a “broken heart and a contrite spirit”? (Moroni 6:2). How does this help us prepare for baptism? How might it help us after we are baptized?

Moroni 6:4–9

According to these verses, what are some of the blessings that come from being “numbered among the people of the church of Christ”? (Moroni 6:4). Why do we need the Church?

Moroni 6:8

What does this verse teach about repentance? What does it mean to seek forgiveness with “real intent”? (Moroni 6:8). Consider singing a song about forgiveness, such as “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 99).

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “Help Me, Dear Father,” Children’s Songbook, 99.

As usual, below are some ideas for your improvement in your personal scripture study as well as improvement for your teaching:

Improving Personal Study

Find evidence of God’s love. President M. Russell Ballard taught, “[The] gospel is a gospel of love—love for God and love for one another” (“God’s Love for His Children,” Ensign, May 1988, 59

Improving Our Teaching

Seek your own inspiration. Rather than viewing these outlines as instructions you must follow, use them to get ideas or spark your own inspiration as you ponder the needs of those you teach

Here we are at the  bottom or the end of  our lesson for this week. Again I pray that I have shared something here in my post that has been uplifting for each one of you and brightened your day for the reading of it:) You are amazing!!! 

You are a child of God!!! Your Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ love YOU!!!   Even though this week’s lesson is a few days late, I hope that you and your family members and friends are still able to get your study in for your lesson on Sunday:) 

We  can not call when sickness will come upon us, so we can only do what we can do!  I try to do the best that I can each day and I try to do a little better daily:) So if and when you are sick focus on getting well first, then do the best you can when you are feeling better. 

That is truly all we can do isn’t it?  Keep praying every day individually and with your family -- at least twice a day, with a prayer in your heart all day long:) Continue to study your scriptures each day. 

And please continue studying the Book of Mormon with me and all of our cyber study buddies out there in cyberspace:)  we are almost finished with this wonderful book of scripture. I pray that you have each learned a lot from your study as I have.

Please continue to live in such a way that you have the Holy Ghost to be your constant companion. Let Him be your guide! Until my next post keep your chin up, stay positive through all of this world changing pandemic. 

Don’t fear it!  Learn from it! And keep your faith in the Lord firm and steadfast:) Fully rely on the Lord for all your needs. He is there for you …. ALWAYS!!! Put your complete trust in Him.