September 9–15 2 Corinthians 1–7 “Be Ye Reconciled to God”

September 9–15; 2 Corinthians 1–7

“Be Ye Reconciled to God”

Sunday 9/8/19

Five months since I last wrote a post on Come Follow Me. I thought studying on my own and not writing this post would give me a deeper understanding as I read each day rather than all at once. I am not sure this has worked for me, so I changed the name of this post--taking it out of the Sunday School realm, which might mean no-one but me sees it, but I thought that this would be a familiar medium for me anyway and would help me focus more during the week on these scriptures and the accompanying documentation. I will also be using a couple of commentaries—from D. Kelly Ogden and Andrew Skinner and also Bruce R. McConkie. 

I remember having a discussion with a friend that turned into an argument—sometimes I want to hold on to an opinion so badly that I am willing to even get angry, how ridiculous is that! Anyway, the opinion I held was that you should be able to get through this life without suffering. I was pretty young at the time and hadn't really suffered as far as I could remember and certainly didn't want to. And, to be honest, I still don't want to, but I understand that suffering has a purpose: 2 Corinthians 1:3–7

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

7 And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

McConkie says that "Those who suffer for Christ and His Cause, receive from Him comfort and consolation which drowns out and swallows up all sorrow and tribulation." But what of suffering that we bring on ourselves? Maybe that is what ministering is all about. When we suffer for any reason, we can feel for others who are suffering. And I don't think the Lord reserves His comfort for those who are suffering for His Cause as McConkie says. His Gospel is a Gospel of repentance, and if we are suffering because of our own straying, then that comfort from Him, will come to us as we repent. But as ministers, we do not judge but have the divine ability to comfort all those who stand in need of comfort (see Mosiah 18:8–10).

Monday 9/9/2019

So I guess today is Pres. Nelson's 95th birthday. Last night I watched the birthday celebration and was impressed by yet another talent of his--classical pianist. Something that President Oaks and President Eyring said, and I think Elder Holland as well, was that he was the most forgiving person they knew. 2 Cor. 2:5–11 talks about forgiveness. And it puts me in mind of Pres. Eyring's oft quoted sentiment that over half the people we meet will be going through trials. And I suppose that any injustice we might feel from bad treatment from someone could well be a result of that--so perhaps it is always better to immediately work toward forgiveness rather than giving into hurt and recrimination? Tough thing to do, but obviously we can follow our prophet in this.

Thursday 9/12/19

So much of this week's chapters are about dealing with trials and forgiveness, becoming a new person in Christ. It seems I am surrounded with people dealing with difficulties. Mostly to do with family members. But, like the repentance process which is almost mirrored in these chapters, there is hope shining brightly before us. Even though the trials we face are not of our own doing, as long as we do not separate ourselves from the love of God, we can endure and suffer through--the Lord has promised us His Spirit.

April 15–21. Easter: “O Grave, Where is Thy Victory”

Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families

April 15–21. Easter: “O Grave, Where is Thy Victory”

I have been trying to nail down a daily Come Follow Me habit. I wake up, grab my iPad, and go through my bookmarks on the Gospel Library each morning, but for some reason, my Come Follow Me bookmark doesn’t get the proper attention. I feel I need to be upright and focused when I go through these scriptures and have a means to record my impressions. So I reason with myself that I will find time later on, and then the day starts. I am mostly doing good things, to do with my Church Service mission, exercising, helping friends, etc., but committing time to Come Follow Me is just not happening. I tried downloading an app to remind me and, of course, I added a few other things that I ought to be doing. That was too stressful. It has been a wake-up call for me, because I admit I was feeling pretty good that each morning I would go through my bookmarks: scriptures, general conference talks, etc. But doing the same thing I have been doing for years is no longer enough. I need to improve—go farther along the iron rod. 

This week’s lesson includes suggested daily reading. So, although because of the nature of my Church Service mission, I cannot necessarily pick an exact time each day, I will commit to sitting down with Come Follow Me, the scriptures, and my journal and work on those scriptures each day this week. And to keep me honest, I will add to this blog entry each day with my thoughts. 

Sunday: Triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:6–11)

Just over a year ago, I walked where it was likely this triumphant procession marched. But I also walked down to the Garden of Gethsemane and in the area where the tomb is thought to have been located. The Savior knew as He rode, seeing the branches laid down for him and hearing the shouts of the multitude acknowledging his divine, messianic identity, that those voices would soon be shouting “Crucify him!” Because of what happened in Gethsemane, His mortal self did not know that He would overcome the trials of Gethsemane and the cross. I think that always, now, as I take the Sacrament, Elder Holland’s words will echo:

Brothers and sisters, this hour ordained of the Lord is the most sacred hour of our week. By commandment, we gather for the most universally received ordinance in the Church. It is in memory of Him who asked if the cup He was about to drink could pass, only to press on because He knew that for oursake it could notpass. It will help us if we remember that a symbol of that cup is slowly making its way down the row toward us at the hand of an 11- or 12-year-old deacon.[1]

The Savior did not know if He could do this, especially as His Father withdrew from Him. But we knowthat we can endure to the end, because we have the gift of repentance, and of knowledge that the Savior will never leave us alone. We do not have to do this alone, because He did. For us.

Monday: Cleansing the temple (Matthew 21:12–16)

This is the second recorded time that the Savior cleansed the temple. Dr. Andy Skinner pointed out to me that walking through the streets of Jerusalem at that time, the lined route led to either the Antonia Fortress or the Temple. The people thought He was the chosen Messiah who would come to overthrow their oppressors and free them, starting at the Fortress. Instead, He turned to the Temple and instead of revolting against mortal rulers, He reclaimed His House. (See D.Kelly Ogden and Andrew Skinner, The Four Gospels, Verse by Verse, 456.) This tells me that, as Jeremy King testified to us yesterday, that we should work on submitting our will to His. The end the Savior saw as He made that critical turn toward the Temple and away from the Fortress, was the mission the Father had given Him. Our ultimate goal is not earthly, but celestial glory. We talked in Relief Society about recognizing the Spirit. In this turmoil-tainted world, His is the one clear voice we need to carefully listen for. I believe the gift of discernment will help us tune out all those conflicting voices and find our path away from earthly things and towards celestial. 

Tuesday: Teaching in Jerusalem (Matthew 21–23)

I’ve always kind of felt sorry for the Fig tree that the Lord cursed, but reviewing all the parables and instructions in these chapters, I see that it has to do with Matthew 23:37 and the comparison with whited sepulchers. It pretended to be something that it wasn’t—showing off its leaves and not concentrating on the fruit which is what the measure of its creation was. In today’s society where we create online personas, game avatars, edit our journals to show what we want our posterity to think about us—how close are we to showing who we are? Maybe it comes down to what Elder Uchtdorf said:

What I am asking is that you always look for opportunities to bring up your faith in natural and normal ways with people—both in person as well as online. I am asking that you “stand as witnesses” of the power of the gospel at all times—and when necessary, use words.[1]

Wednesday: Continued teaching (Matthew 24–25)

My take on today’s reading is that the Lord was preparing His disciples not only for His own atoning sacrifice, but also His resurrection and Second Coming. And not only His own disciples, present with Him during this time, but all His disciples through the ages down to our time. President Kimball taught us that the parable of the 10 virgins applied specifically to the members of the Church in these last days. And maybe the parable of the talents ties in with that. Keeping oil in our lamps through doing what we all know to bring us closer to the Savior is akin to recognizing what the Lord has blessed us with and using it to build up His Kingdom on earth. And as the early disciples passed that message on through the scriptures, so we also pass it on to our families and all those around us, if necessary with words.

Thursday: The Passover and Christ’s suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26)

There is so much artwork, music, and literature surrounding this chapter of Matthew. I am sure that images come to your mind as well as favorite hymns and orchestral music—all helping us to somehow feel part of what went on. Do we see Judas sneaking out of the upper room during the Last Supper—have we had any feelings that he might do something to harm the Savior? Do we understand what the Savior said to us “the Son of Man is betrayed to be crucified.” And “one of you shall betray me”?

There is more for us to experience and ponder, but will sleep overcome us? Today we have the advantage and the great joy of knowing that the Savior completed His Atoning Sacrifice and rose from the dead so that we might also live eternally. We don’t have to experience the utter devastation of His disciples and followers—His family and friends—for those days He lay in the tomb. But it might help us to contemplate what our lives would be without Him and His Spirit to guide us through what President Nelson called this sin-soaked world. 

Friday: Trial, Crucifixion, and burial (Matthew 27:1–61)

Growing up in the Church of England, in England, Good Friday was/is a public holiday, as is Easter Monday. As I remember, typically there would be a 3-hour service at Church, from 12-3pm where you could drop in and stay as long as you like, singing Easter hymns, observing silence, having scriptures read to you. Today, in an increasingly secular society, Good Friday in England is mostly observed by eating Hot Cross Buns—I’ve seen some here in Utah, but they are so small and also iced—the only resemblance is the cross on the top of them. Why am I thinking, or even blogging about this? To me, it indicates a dilution, a secularization of what Easter really represents. Coincidentally it is also the first day of the Jewish holiday of Passover—Pesach. A holiday maybe more strictly observed.

My point, I think, is that although we cannot share in His pain and suffering, we can imbue the forgiveness, the renewal, the hope, and the joy that resulted into our own lives and souls. And we can, as we promise each Sunday as we take the Sacrament, always remember Him—with profound gratitude.

Saturday: Christ’s body lies in the tomb (Matthew 27:62–66) while His spirit ministers in the spirit world (D&C 138)

I will not lightly forget President Ballard’s moving talk in last October’s conference on D&C 138, especially since he wrote it before his wife died, but delivered after she had passed on. We all have loved ones on the other side of the veil who may not have had the chance to accept the Gospel in this life, but, because of Christ’s atoning sacrifice, now have that chance as we do our part and seek them out. As I have said, I am on a Church Service Mission with FamilySearch, and although we put an average of 30 million new records on FamilySearch each month, those records must be found by their relatives on this side of the veil. It has never been easier to take a name to the temple. Just log onto FamilySearch, and click on Templeand then Ordinances Ready, and then the ordinance you wish to do—FamilySearch will find one for you. If anyone needs help with this, we have wonderful people at the Family History Center by Dixon Middle School, or check our Ward Temple and Family History consultants on LDS Tools and contact one of them. Or me. 

Sunday: The appearance of the resurrected Christ (Matthew 28:1–10)

It is fitting that I end this week of posting with the greatest message we could have, that He is risen. His Atoning Sacrifice enables each of us to repent and be forgiven—to be renewed as we take the Sacrament each week—to continue unimpeded on our journey towards the Savior of the World, day by day, week by week. Always learning, always striving to improve, to do what our Prophet has asked us and increase in spirituality, ability to receive revelation—to be more aware of the needs of those around us and less concentrated on ourselves. There is always something we can do to keep moving forward on the path of truth, keeping our eyes, minds, and hearts looking towards Him. I so testify with gratitude in my heart for this knowledge and practice. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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[1]https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2019/04/14uchtdorf?lang=eng.

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[1]https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2019/04/28holland?lang=eng.

April 1–14. Matthew 16–17; Mark 8–9; Luke 9: ‘Thou Art the Christ’

Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families

April 1–14. Matthew 16–17; Mark 8–9; Luke 9: ‘Thou Art the Christ’

If you look at the online or mobile version of this lesson, there is a video of L. Tom Perry narrating a time when President Kimball was with some of the Twelve in Denmark and they went to the chapel where Thorvaldson’s original statutes of the Christus and the Twelve Apostles were displayed. It is a touching video relating President Kimball’s explanation of the keys held by him at that time, Peter of old, and those held by the Apostles then and now. 

This incredible experience was recently repeated in the Rome Temple Visitor’s Center. The best and most complete versions of the statutes of Christ and the Twelve Apostles have been digitally scanned and reproduced there. The iconic photographs of the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles in front of those statues bear witness that they hold the same priesthood keys and authority from Christ. 

This week, as we prepare for General Conference and the words from our those men and our auxiliary leaders that will direct our lives for the next six months, for me it will be helpful to realize that their inspiration, and the authority with which they lead us to do what the Lord would have us do, comes through the same Spirit which will confirm the truthfulness of their words to us. 

One thing about Peter. These scriptures bring out his humanity and his nobility. He dared to express himself to the Savior, sometimes bringing censure, sometimes approval, but he always tried to make sense of the situation he was in, as he was learning from the Savior how to eventually lead His Church. We too act in ways that might bring censure or approval, but we need to act. The difference is that we have His Spirit to guide us, to help us to develop the kind of faith that the Lord would have us have. 

March 25–31. Matthew 14–15; Mark 6–7; John 5–6: ‘Be Not Afraid’

Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families

March 25–31. Matthew 14–15; Mark 6–7; John 5–6: ‘Be Not Afraid’

Miracles happen in prisons in the Book of Mormon, Alma and Amulek stand alone as the prison walls and all those in it who reviled them were destroyed (Alma 14) Aaron and Muloki and their brethren are released from prison after the miraculous conversion of Lamoni’s father (Alma 20). Many Lamanites were converted as a result of divine intervention when Nephi and Lehi were in prison (Helaman 5). In contrast, John the Baptist was in prison because Herod feared doing anything more drastic to him, and eventually, “knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.” But Herod got drunk and backed himself into a corner with Salome which led to his beheading the man of whom the Savior said, “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). Such was the impact of John the Baptist on Herod, that when he heard of Jesus’s miracles, he said, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him” (Matthew 14:2).

Why my focus on John the Bapist today? Well basically because Matthew 14 seems to start with Herod as if something was going to happen, then backs up and gives the background, but never completes it. You have to go to Mark 6 to get a fuller description, but even then it is up to us to make the connection. And because I am getting confused, here are the Herods, and the political/religious leaders we deal with in the time of Christ:

Herod the Great is the ruler who was responsible for the massacre of the innocents in Matthew 2. 

Herod Antipas, his son, was the tetrarch referred to with regard to John the Baptist and before whom Jesus was brought. 

Pontius Pilate was the Roman leader assigned to Judea. Herod Antipas served under him. 

The Sanhedrin was the political and judicial court, comprising—possibly—Pharisees, and Saducees.

The Scribes and the Pharisees were basically lawyers, having different views of resurrection. 

The Saducees were high priests who clung to the Torah (5 books of Moses) 

That is a very simplified run down on who was instrumental in bringing events to the crucifixion of Christ.

What stuck out to me most in this week’s reading occurred after Jesus had walked on water to the disciples’ boat and they had reached shore to be met by many people. 

For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. (Mark 6:52).

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled (John 6:26)

Miracles happen in our lives, but that is not what leads to our lasting conversion. That comes from our relationship with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, through prayer, through studying Their words, and listening and heeding the counsel of Their prophets.

March 18–24. Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13: ‘Who Hath Ears to Hear, Let Him Hear’

Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families

March 18–24. Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13: ‘Who Hath Ears to Hear, Let Him Hear’

Matthew 13 has a succession of parables, which we all know. At least I thought I did but I see that I have overlooked the last one:

Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old (Matthew 13:52).

This one is significant since it follows Christ asking his Apostles, “Have ye understood all these things?” So I think this means that we, as disciples of Christ, should be constantly seeking to understand His teachings, however they come. Especially since in three short weeks, we will again hear His words through living prophets and leaders in General Conference. New and old teachings we learn are treasures to us.

Obviously, the Lord taught in arable parables (sorry—couldn’t resist that) using symbols which would be familiar to those around Him who relied on Mother Earth for sustenance, “by the sweat of thy face . . .” (Moses 4:25). And I think for us, as always, having the Book of Mormon as a guide to some of these parables is pivotal. For instance, Alma 32 helps us understand the parables of the mustard seed and of the sower. 

A few years ago, President Dallin H. Oaks gave us a hard-hitting, uncompromising analysis of the parable of the sower as it applies to us today. The messages given to us at General Conference are increasing in their urgency as we careen through these last days almost as if we were in rapids. Here is an excerpt:

If we are not rooted in the teachings of the gospel and regular in its practices, any one of us can develop a stony heart, which is stony ground for spiritual seeds.

Spiritual food is necessary for spiritual survival, especially in a world that is moving away from belief in God and the absolutes of right and wrong. In an age dominated by the Internet, which magnifies messages that menace faith, we must increase our exposure to spiritual truth in order to strengthen our faith and stay rooted in the gospel. .[1]

I used to almost dread the inaction of Sundays—for me the lack of structure outside of the time we spend at Church; always having to choose between things I think I want to do and things I should be doing on the Sabbath—was distressing. I don’t have it down yet, but having this opportunity to focus on Come Follow Me helps a great deal. One more guide from President Oaks’s talk, important not least because he quotes one of my personal heroes: Hugh Nibley.

We are overcome by the “cares … of this life” when we are paralyzed by fear of the future, which hinders our going forward in faith, trusting in God and His promises. Twenty-five years ago my esteemed BYU teacher Hugh W. Nibley spoke of the dangers of surrendering to the cares of the world. He was asked in an interview whether world conditions and our duty to spread the gospel made it desirable to seek some way to “be accommodating of the world in what we do in the Church.” His reply: “That’s been the whole story of the Church, hasn’t it? You have to be willing to offend here, you have to be willing to take the risk. That’s where the faith comes in. … Our commitment is supposed to be a test, it’s supposed to be hard, it’s supposed to be impractical in the terms of this world.”

Enough of my musings. Suffice to say listening to Carole King singing “Tapestry” is possibly not helping this introspection. Have a wonderful week.

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[1]https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-parable-of-the-sower?lang=eng.

March 11–17. Matthew 10–12; Mark 2; Luke 7; 11: ‘These Twelve Jesus Sent Forth’

Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families

March 11–17. Matthew 10–12; Mark 2; Luke 7; 11:
‘These Twelve Jesus Sent Forth’

I mentioned last week how much more significant it was for the Savior to forgive sins than to heal physical ailments. As the crowds flock to Him in this week’s reading, would they have gone away sad if He had forgiven their sins but not healed them. I feel this has very much to do with us in our day when we are so used to instant gratification from the world around us. Do we, do I, demand that of God? Do we/I sometimes get frustrated when little children talk about losing something precious to them which is immediately restored after they pray? Kara taught us last week that we are all children to our Heavenly Father, so why aren’t we healed? Why aren’t our prayers answered immediately? I think it comes down to what we need to learn in this life in order to progress in the next. And what is of most value to us. 

We know who we are and, to a certain extent, what awaits us at the end of the rod of iron as we pass from this life to the next. We have the opportunity to repent and be renewed as we partake of the Sacrament each week. We know that our physical ailments will no longer be a factor when we pass through the veil, but our sins will. Do we go away sad when our prayers are not answered as quickly as, or in a manner that we expected. An important part of the Lord’s Prayer is later echoed as the Savior atoned for each of us in the Garden of Gethsamene: “Thy will be done” (Luke 11:2) “Not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39).

As the twelve Apostles of the Lamb were sent forth, and continue to be sent by Him today, we are His disciples, endowed with power to do what He would have us do. Isn’t that cause to rejoice?

Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families March 4–10. Matthew 8–9; Mark 2–5: ‘Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole’

Michaelangelo "Creation of Adam"

Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families

March 4–10. Matthew 8–9; Mark 2–5: ‘Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole’

One thought I had coming off our discussion in Sunday School on judging righteously was that it is all tied into the gift and power of discernment. If we pray for that gift as we review a situation or a person’s action, then that will help us/me know how to react righteously. I hope that makes sense.

The beautiful painting depicted above was created for the chapel at Magdala, Israel by Daniel Cariola. When I first saw a print of it, not knowing where it came from, I wondered whether it had to do with Isaiah—“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7). But as I looked closer I saw the hand among the feet and I understood that it showed the woman with the issue of blood touching the hem of the Savior’s robe. And that of course features in this week’s reading. But it also now puts me inexorably in mind of Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel masterpiece where God—Elohim—is stretching out his hand to Adam, presumably putting in him the “breath of life.” God first reaches out to us so that we can reach out to Him. I don’t think the comparison is coincidental. 

There is a fairly though-provoking video in the Gospel Library or lds.org version of this manual entitled “Everyday Example: When Beliefs Are Questioned” that has to do with how we emulate the Savior in dealing with confrontation regarding our beliefs. I think of the time when He cleared the temple—Christ was not above taking action, but He did it to end confrontation, not foment it. 

One more thing for me to think about this week is spiritual healing. Do we concentrate on our physical discomforts and neglect our spiritual sore patches? I love the story in Mark 2 when the man “sick of the palsy” was brought to Him and the more important, and first thing the Savior did was to forgive him of his sins. That caused a furor among the Pharisees, who accused Him of blasphemy. His answer to them? “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.” Thereby healing him physically. Spiritual and physical healing comes from our Savior. 

Encounter by Daniel Cariola

Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families New Testament Lesson #9 Matthew 6–7

Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families

New Testament Lesson #9

Matthew 6–7

So much to think about in the Sermon on the Mount, as we continue our study of these teachings of the Savior this week. The first part is on prayer. We do it so often, with varying degrees of sincerity—if I am honest with myself—and, coincidentally, this morning I was reading a talk by President Nelson from October 2003 General Conference entitled “Sweet Power of Prayer.” I am also reading his biography which was written about the same time. President Nelson was a ground-breaking heart surgeon, I believe, principally because of his ability to communicate with our Heavenly Father through prayer. Here is an excerpt:

Jesus taught us how [to pray]. We pray to our Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Ghost. This is the “true order of prayer,” in contrast to “vain repetitions” or recitations given to “be seen of men.” . . . Jesus revealed that we pray to a wise Father who knows what things we have need of, before we ask Him. . . . We should pray in accord with the will of our Heavenly Father. He wants to test us, to strengthen us, and to help us achieve our full potential. When the Prophet Joseph Smith was held in Liberty Jail, he pled for relief. His prayers were answered with an explanation: “All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.”[1]

In Relief Society last Sunday, we talked about better communication as a method for strengthening families. Surely better communication with our Heavenly Father through prayer will strengthen our faith and give us what we need to negotiate this rocky trail through life. Interestingly, trail is an anagram of trial!

One thing about prayer that was recently clarified for me is that it is OK to pray for the same things each day. Obviously we remember those we love in our prayers every day. Sincerity is the safeguard against vain repetition. If your mind wanders, and I speak from personal experience, then perhaps a vocal personal prayer is better if you are able. 

There is much more to the Sermon on the Mount, but hopefully this will lead into your study of this week’s two chapters and we can share next Sunday.

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[1]https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2003/04/sweet-power-of-prayer?lang=eng.

Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families New Testament Lesson #8 Matthew 5; Luke 6

Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families

New Testament Lesson #8

Matthew 5; Luke 6

The Sermon on the Mount, as it is known, was given at least twice, and possibly three times. First is Matthew 5, 6, and 7, and second is 3 Nephi 12–14. The sermon in Luke 6:17–49 is sometimes represented as the same event as in Matthew, but the text tells us it was given on a plain (Luke 6:17) after Jesus came down from the mountain where he named/called His twelve disciples. The logistics are not critical; what is critical is the message. And I wonder if it came as a result of the Savior being asked, “what kind of person should we be?” “How do we achieve exaltation—what can we do in this life to return to live with our Heavenly Father and be with our family forever?”

These are the steps to perfection; the aim is high. In essence, perhaps these sermons are helping us understand how we cleanse our inner selves so that we can treat His other children the way He would want them to be treated. But, as always, the blessings we receive as we follow these injunctions far outweigh any sacrifice we might make of those elements within ourselves we have to give up. 

During Sunday School today, I was thinking about crossing or drawing a line. Are we aware of a drawn line within ourselves when crossing it would reveal unacceptable thoughts or actions? Have we actually drawn one? And what got me thinking, after Brother Linn’s comment about intentions, was is my line receding into grey, badly lit areas, and thereby becoming blurred, or is it gaining more contrast with light before it. 

How am I doing with meekness, mercy, peace-making, light-bringing. Is my spiritual house firmly embedded in rock? And, of course, if not, then what do I need to do to bring that line firmly into the light. 

Sorry if this is completely introspective today. But I’d love to have any thoughts and comments. 

Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families New Testament Lesson #7 John 2–4

Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families

New Testament Lesson #7

John 2–4

Well, the last two days have certainly given us a lot to think about regarding how we implement Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families into our own study routines. Ice cream and Legos being at the forefront of what I remember. All kidding aside, I realized that writing this blog was not sufficient for what I need to be doing. I was encouraged by everyone’s shared experiences with it, in the various demographics in our Stake. We all have challenges, which are somewhat unique to our own situations, but the Lord can help each of us as we strive to obey His commandments, especially as regards the new home-centered learning with Come Follow Me.

D&C 7 gives us some information about John, and in the spirit of putting flesh and bones on the people we read about and hear from, I wonder how he feels now about the state of the world, walking upon it, as he presumably does. Was he the man on the white horse who saved Sister Cornish’s ancestor (I think it was Sister Cornish)? 

John is very definite about the first and second public miracle performed by the Lord: changing water into wine and resurrecting the nobleman’s son. But why did Mary ask her Son to do something fairly pedestrian. My answer to that is that Jesus Christ has power over all earthly things, from making a fig tree wither to the power over life and death themselves—the power of the Priesthood. Because He would never use His power for anything other than in accordance with His Father’s will, and demonstration of that power is not categorizable. It is His power, pure and simple. And with that power, He can bless us beyond our ability to comprehend. Truly, with God nothing is impossible. But, as Elder Cornish told us—quoting President Nelson, we have to do those things that will increase our spiritual capacity to receive revelation.