Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

Today we study the beginning of chapter 13 in Mosiah. We consider how the Lord will sustain those who He calls in His service and we reflect on the power of our example. 

Elder Jeffrey R Holland: And therein lies a message for every young man and young woman in this Church. You may wonder if it is worth it to take a courageous moral stand in high school or to go on a mission only to have your most cherished beliefs reviled or to strive against much in society that sometimes ridicules a life of religious devotion. Yes, it is worth it, because the alternative is to have our “houses” left unto us “desolate”—desolate individuals, desolate families, desolate neighborhoods, and desolate nations . . .

Unfortunately, messengers of divinely mandated commandments are often no more popular today than they were anciently, as at least two spit-upon, potato-spattered sister missionaries can now attest. Hate is an ugly word, yet there are those today who would say with the corrupt Ahab, “I hate [the prophet Micaiah]; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always [prophesied] evil.” That kind of hate for a prophet’s honesty cost Abinadi his life. As he said to King Noah: “Because I have told you the truth ye are angry with me. … Because I have spoken the word of God ye have judged me that I am mad” or, we might add, provincial, patriarchal, bigoted, unkind, narrow, outmoded, and elderly.

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

Join us as we study the exchange of scripture and insights between King Noah's priests and Abinadi in Mosiah 12:19-30. We consider why the priests selected that specific passage from Isaiah and reflect on why understanding is an important part of receiving knowledge. 

Book of Mormon Central: In ancient Israelite law, a “false prophet” was not simply someone whose prophecy did not come true—something too difficult, if not impossible to prove. Anyone who spoke in contradiction to the word of previously accepted prophets could also be deemed a false prophet. As such, there must have been a commonly accepted interpretation of Isaiah 52:7–10 which they believed would expose Abinadi as a false prophet. Abinadi had come among the people warning of the consequences of sin and riotous living (Mosiah 12:1–12), and his message was the polar opposite of the “glad tidings” Isaiah said would be the message of a true prophet (Mosiah 12:21; Isaiah 52:7).

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

Today we continue our study of Abinadi's incredible example. We consider how this inspired prophet made an impact despite his seeming 'failure' and we reflect on what we learn from King Noah's responses. 

W Craig Zwick: Abinadi was a man of unwavering courage who stood for truth when it was unpopular to do so. As he courageously called the people to repentance, he knew his own life was in jeopardy. In your mind’s eye, you can see the riveting scene of Abinadi, who has just had the death sentence pronounced upon him. He had an opportunity to save himself by denying his faith and testimony, but instead he fearlessly proclaimed, ‘I say unto you, I will not recall the words which I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true.’

We may not have to lose our lives in defense of truth, but we can, just like Abinadi, draw ourselves to full stature, and with full heart and energy, valiantly proclaiming that Jesus Christ is our Savior. He was and is the Son of the Almighty. He lives and He loves us.

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

Join us today as we begin to study the principles found in Mosiah 11-12 and review the context that Abinadi enters the story. We consider the profile of Abinadi and reflect on the lessons we can learn from his outstanding example. 

Robert J Matthews: The Nephite prophet Abinadi holds a singular place in the Book of Mormon. He is the first Nephite of whom we have record to die as a martyr. His doctrinal teachings are some of the most valuable in the Book of Mormon, clarifying the purpose of the law of Moses, identifying who the Redeemer would be, and declaring some facts about the Resurrection not previously mentioned in the Book of Mormon. He was capable of exquisitely colorful language sparked with fiery metaphor, yet at times was plain-spoken to the point of bluntness. . . . So far as we know, he converted but one man… Alma

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

Today we pause from our regular Come Follow Me study. I go a bit out of my comfort zone to share a side project that I'm starting to have a go at. I'm considering writing a book about some key principles that I see vital for my children to try and understand to be spiritually strong as they grow. 

Me: I am aware that there will be those who could teach the principles that I have selected in this book better than I can. However, this is written out of love. A love for my children which burns brighter every day. Since that time, a list of principles that I desire my children to understand as best as they can has begun to form in my mind. These principles will prepare them for the turbulent world they are inheriting – for they are the ones to “inherit the earth” (D&C 56:20) when I have eventually moved on to another stage in my eternal journey. Perhaps some of you reading this book have similar concerns to me; that your young children are entering a world where, considering we don’t know what the next few months will bring, it can be concerning to the fretful parent. If that is you, this is the book for you. Hopefully, if we can understand the principles in this book, then we can equip our little ones with the spiritual tools to prepare for the storms of life.

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

Join us today as we conclude our study of Mosiah 10 and the words of Zeniff. We consider the impact that misunderstandings and false perceptions have had on generations of Lamanites and the impact this had on thousands later. We also reflect on how this applies directly to us today. 

Elder Dale G Renlund: Nephi’s closeness to God enabled him to recognize and appreciate God’s “tender mercies.” In contrast, when Laman and Lemuel saw Nephi receiving blessings, they “were wroth with him because they understood not the dealings of the Lord.” Laman and Lemuel saw the blessings that they received as their due and petulantly assumed that they should have more. They seemed to view Nephi’s blessings as “wrongs” committed against them. This is the scriptural equivalent of disgruntled entitlement.

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

Today we continue diving into the experience of Zeniff. We consider the lessons he learnt from the first invasion of the Lamanites and how this applies to us. We also reflect on the progress Zeniff made as a leader and what we can glean from his progress. 

Elder Robert D. Hales taught that ‘joyfully living within our means and preparing for the ups and downs of life’ helps us to ‘be ready for the rainy-day emergencies when they come into our lives.’ He added, ‘happy is the man who lives within his means and is able to save a little for future needs. As we live providently and increase our gifts and talents, we become more self-reliant. Self-reliance is taking responsibility for our own spiritual and temporal welfare and for those whom Heavenly Father has entrusted to our care’

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

Join us today as we begin our study of Zeniff's record and experiences. We consider the impact that being overzealous can have and how this can apply in our lives. We also reflect on the method of King Laman and how we need to be cautious in our lives. 

D Kelly Ogden and Andrew C Skinner: A subtle warning is presented in this verse. There is nothing wrong with being zealous (which means energetic, dynamic, dedicated) in a cause, but overzealousness can be dangerous and an example of a strength becoming a weakness. Apparently, Zeniff was obsessed with the idea of resettling the old homeland, and he was blinded by the motives of the Lamanite king, who took advantage of him.

“Wisdom suggests that we avoid becoming overzealous and instead keep things in balance.

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

Today we continue studying Mosiah 8 and consider the explanation Ammon gives about the difference between a seer and a prophet. We consider how we can be prophets within our own spheres of influence and what the blessings of having seers on the Earth today is. 

Book of Mormon Central: Ammon drew a distinction between prophethood and seership. A prophet, a spokesperson for God, can with divine authority foretell what would, could, or should occur if people behave in certain ways (such as promised blessings for keeping the commandments or promised woes for falling into apostate behavior).1 While each dispensation has great Prophets (capital P) who stand at the head of God’s covenant people or God’s church with priesthood keys, individuals, both men and women, can act as prophets or prophetesses (lowercase P) in their respective lives, families, and ecclesiastical roles

Church of Jesus Christ Study Session seeks to generate reflection about areas in the Restored Gospel. Whether it's Come Follow Me, a General Conference talk or a recent Gospel Topic, hopefully you'll find something to keep the Spirit of Christ in your life. Twitter - @mattsroberts90

You can also join the discussion in the Facebook Group 'Church of Jesus Christ Study Session with Come Follow Me'.

Join us today as we study in Mosiah 8 about the mysterious 24 plates that were found by King Limhi's people. We reflect on the context of the story so far and consider the Lord's hand in it. 

Robert D Hales: We accept the Savior’s invitation when we ponder and pray to understand what we have been taught and then go forward and do His will. Remember President Spencer W. Kimball’s words: “I have made up my mind that when I go home from this [general] conference … there are many, many areas in my life that I can perfect. I have made a mental list of them, and I expect to go to work as soon as we get through.” President Monson recently said: “I encourage you to read the talks … and to ponder the messages contained therein. I have found in my own life that I gain even more from these inspired sermons when I study them in greater depth.”