Come, Follow Me LIVING, LEARNING, AND TEACHING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. For Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums

Transcription

1 Come, Follow Me LIVING, LEARNING, AND TEACHING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST For Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums 1

2 Pilot Test for Come, Follow Me: Living, Learning, and Teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums Thank you for participating in this pilot test of Come, Follow Me: Living, Learning, and Teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This resource is an effort to improve gospel learning and teaching at home and at church. We hope you will have a wonderful experience using these materials. WHAT IS COME, FOLLOW ME? Come, Follow Me is composed of five books: Come, Follow Me for individuals and families at home Come, Follow Me for Sunday School Come, Follow Me for Primary Come, Follow Me for Young Women and Relief Society Come, Follow Me for Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood quorums WHY THIS TEST? Under the direction of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the Church is exploring ways to (1) better help your family live and learn the gospel at home and (2) help your experiences at church better support your gospel learning at home. Your participation and feedback as a teacher or leader and as a Church member will be very valuable. WHAT MATERIALS SHOULD I USE FOR THE TEST? As part of this test, you are invited to use the following materials as you prepare to learn and teach on Sundays: 1. Come, Follow Me for individuals and families at home. Each family in your ward or branch has received a copy of this book and has been encouraged to use it for gospel study at home (scripture study, family home evening, and so on). 2. Come, Follow Me for Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood quorums. This book contains lessons that will support the topical study that class members are doing at home during the month. It also helps priesthood holders learn and fulfill their priesthood duties. Together, these two books will help you as you teach. They will also strengthen members in their efforts to learn and live the gospel at home. For the period of the test, these two books will replace your current Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood quorum meeting materials, including Come, Follow Me: Learning Resources for Youth and Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Howard W. Hunter. After the test is over, you can return to teaching from the previous materials. HOW DO I SHARE MY FEEDBACK? At least weekly, please share your experiences, comments, and suggestions. You will remain completely anonymous, and you can comment as often as you would like. Thank you for your help. May the Lord bless you in your efforts to learn and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. To share your comments, go to lds.org/test/learn.

3 Contents Quorum Meetings Are More Than Classes... ii Using Come, Follow Me for Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums...iii Outlines for Priesthood Quorum Meetings January: Charity Week 1: Counseling Together to Do God s Work Week 2: How Did the Savior Show Love for Those He Served? Week 3: Developing Christlike Love through Service...6 February: Agency Week 1: Counseling Together to Do God s Work...8 Week 2: How Do My Choices Affect My Priesthood Power?...10 Week 3: Freedom Comes from Making Correct Choices...12 March: The Atonement of Jesus Christ Week 1: Counseling Together to Do God s Work Week 2: How Can I Receive Forgiveness for My Sins?...16 Week 3: How Can Jesus Christ Help Me in My Trials?...18 Topics for Fourth-Sunday Meetings...20 Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Salt Lake City, Utah 2015 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America PD

4 Quorum Meetings Are More Than Classes The Lord has called in the last days, [those] who should hold the power of priesthood to bring again Zion, and... to put on the authority of the priesthood (D&C 113:8). Weekly priesthood quorum meetings help sons of God fulfill this divine mandate. In these meetings, priesthood holders learn their divinely appointed duties. They study, counsel, and pray together. Their discussions focus on who they are and the work they are called to do to serve in the family, administer priesthood ordinances, and participate in the work of salvation. Following the guidance of the Holy Ghost, they seek the Lord s will and then organize themselves and go forth to serve. This is not a traditional classroom, with the teacher talking and everyone else listening. This is a vital, working meeting of priesthood holders. They counsel together, seeking the Lord s help in finding and applying solutions to the most pressing challenges facing quorum and ward members. As they work together in unity and love, the Lord magnifies them and hastens His work. ii

5 Using Come, Follow Me for Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums Come, Follow Me is designed to help you create experiences in quorum meetings that build upon, support, and encourage meaningful priesthood service at church and in everyday life. The materials in this book are organized in the following categories. QUORUM MEETING OUTLINES FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH First-Sunday quorum meetings are dedicated to counseling together about priesthood duties and planning ways to fulfill them. Each of the first-sunday outlines includes the following sections: Share Experiences. Contains sample questions to encourage quorum members to share experiences with learning and living the gospel and acting on plans they made in previous quorum meetings. Counsel Together. Provides ideas for counseling together and making plans to act on the impressions we receive individually and as a quorum. Learn Priesthood Duties and Principles. Features a principle of priesthood service to discuss as time permits. QUORUM MEETING OUTLINES FOR THE SEC- OND AND THIRD SUNDAYS OF EACH MONTH Outlines for the second and third Sundays of each month focus on a doctrinal topic that corresponds with the monthly topic in Come, Follow Me for individuals and families. Each of these lesson outlines includes the following sections: Share Experiences. Contains sample questions to encourage quorum members to share their insights and experiences from learning and living the gospel each week. Learn Together. Provides learning activities to help quorum members understand a doctrinal topic and how it applies to their priesthood service. Plan to Act. Includes suggestions for how to invite quorum members to plan what they will do, personally and as a quorum, to act on the things they learned. This might include assignments from quorum leaders. TOPICS FOR FOURTH-SUNDAY QUORUM MEETINGS Fourth-Sunday meeting topics are prayerfully chosen by quorum leaders based on quorum members needs and in consultation with the bishopric or branch presidency and ward or branch council. These discussion meetings may be held in separate quorums or as a group discussion in any of the following combinations: Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society, Melchizedek Priesthood and Aaronic Priesthood, or Aaronic Priesthood and Young Women. Fifth-Sunday meetings are under the direction of the bishopric. iii

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7 OUTLINES FOR PRIESTHOOD QUORUM MEETINGS I have learned over the years that the strength in a quorum doesn t come from the number of priesthood holders in it. Nor does it come automatically from the age and maturity of the members. Rather, the strength of a quorum comes in large measure from how completely its members are united in righteousness.... The teacher and those who participate [in quorum meetings] must always desire to bring the Spirit of the Lord into the hearts of the members in the room to produce faith and a determination to repent and to be clean. And that desire goes beyond the walls of the room where the quorum meets. In a truly united quorum, that desire extends to the members wherever they are (Henry B. Eyring, A Priesthood Quorum, Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 43 44). 1

8 PRIESTHOOD DUTIES January Week 1 Counseling Together to Do God s Work LEADER TRAINING Our quorum meetings are more than classes. In our meetings, we learn our duties, counsel together, and teach one another. We report on our efforts to do God s work, seek His will, and plan to serve His children. As we do His work, His power is in us. SHARE EXPERIENCES (5 10 minutes) As disciples of Jesus Christ and priesthood holders, we can strengthen each other by sharing how the gospel has blessed us and our families during the week. Sharing these experiences is one way to invite the Spirit into our meetings. For example, when have we or someone we know done the following? How did we feel? What did we learn? Served someone in need Learned and applied gospel truths Sought the Lord s help in strengthening family members Acted on what we learned in last week s meeting Followed the impressions of the Spirit and used the priesthood to minister to others Received divine help MY EXPERIENCES 2

9 COUNSEL TOGETHER (20 25 minutes) The Savior taught that quorum presidents are to sit in council with quorum members (see D&C 107:85 89). First-Sunday quorum meetings are designated for this purpose to counsel together about the work of the priesthood and make specific plans to act on our impressions. As a presidency, prayerfully consider what the quorum should counsel about. Below are some ideas. As you counsel, be sure to avoid sensitive topics that deal with specific individuals. In future meetings, quorum members will be invited to share how they are acting on their plans. What assignments have we received from our quorum, ward, or stake leaders? When and how can we fulfill them? What can we do to strengthen our homes? What challenges do we face? What has the Spirit prompted us to do to strengthen our quorum members, families, or others? What can we do to improve our community? What plans will we make to accomplish this? What direction did we receive in the priesthood session of the most recent general conference? How can we act on this direction? As priesthood holders we have been asked to invite all to come unto Christ. How can we do this outside of church? How can we improve our efforts to administer and receive priesthood ordinances, including temple ordinances? How can we better prepare ourselves for these opportunities? How can we better serve those we home teach? What other topics do quorum members feel they should counsel together about? MY ASSIGNMENTS LEARN PRIESTHOOD DUTIES AND PRINCIPLES Presidency member, group leader, or an assistant (5 minutes) What does it mean to magnify my priesthood office and calling? As time permits, spend a few minutes studying and discussing a principle of priesthood service: As part of the oath and covenant of the priesthood, we promise to magnify our calling (see D&C 84:33). To magnify is to enlarge, to make clearer, and to strengthen. In a priesthood context, it also includes participating in priesthood ordinances. Invite quorum members to think about a priesthood duty they have and share what they could do to magnify it. MY IMPRESSIONS 3

10 CHARITY January Week 2 How Did the Savior Show Love for Those He Served? SHARE EXPERIENCES (5 10 minutes) As disciples of Jesus Christ and priesthood holders, we can strengthen each other by sharing how the gospel has blessed us and our families during the week. Sharing these experiences is one way to invite the Spirit into our meetings. For example, when have we or someone we know done the following? How did we feel? What did we learn? Participated in God s work Sought the Lord s help in strengthening family members Served someone in need Experienced the power of the priesthood Acted on what we have learned in quorum meetings Felt God s love MY EXPERIENCES IMPROVING OUR TEACHING Love those you teach. Everything the Savior did was motivated by love (see John 13:34). With Christlike love, we seek every day to help others learn of Christ and come unto Him. Love should be the reason for our service. 4

11 LEARN TOGETHER Adviser or quorum member (20 25 minutes) Help quorum members learn together by using the following suggestions, ideas from this week s study outline in Come, Follow Me for individuals and families, or your own ideas: What can quorum members share from their personal or family study of charity in Come, Follow Me for individuals and families? The Savior is our example of serving others with love. What images of Christ from the Gospel Art Book (2009) inspire us to serve others as He did? Quorum members could study these images and the related scripture passages at the front of the book. What do we learn from these scripture passages about how the Savior showed love to those He served, and how can we do the same? As quorum members read Luke 7:11 15; 23:33 34; John 13:4 10; and 3 Nephi 17:6 25, either silently or as a group, what words or phrases do they find that illustrate the Savior s love for others? How can we develop Christlike love? Quorum members could also share examples of people who demonstrate this type of love. The video Christlike Attributes (LDS.org) illustrates characteristics of the Savior. Quorum members could watch the video and share their feelings about Him. Who do they know who exemplifies Christlike attributes? How could developing these attributes help us become better priesthood holders? As quorum members read, watch, or listen to all or part of Elder Dallin H. Oaks s talk Loving Others and Living with Differences (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 25 28), what do they learn about loving those who are different from them? How can we apply these teachings as a quorum? MY IMPRESSIONS PLAN TO ACT (5 minutes) Quorum members can plan how to act on impressions by discussing questions like those below. Tell them that they will have time to share their experiences in next week s quorum meeting. How can we apply what we have learned today in our lives and in our priesthood assignments? What can we do as a quorum to serve with love as Christ did? What is the Spirit teaching us to do as a result of our experience today? MY ASSIGNMENTS 5

12 CHARITY January Week 3 Developing Christlike Love through Service SHARE EXPERIENCES (5 10 minutes) As disciples of Jesus Christ and priesthood holders, we can strengthen each other by sharing how the gospel has blessed us and our families during the week. Sharing these experiences is one way to invite the Spirit into our meetings. For example, when have we or someone we know done the following? How did we feel? What did we learn? Invited others to come to Christ Seen the hand of the Lord in our lives Defended the truth Served someone in need Ministered through home teaching Acted on what we learned in last week s meeting MY EXPERIENCES IMPROVING OUR TEACHING Ask inspired questions. The Savior asked questions that helped learners discover gospel truths. Consider asking questions that begin with phrases like the following: What do you learn from...? or What can you share...? 6

13 LEARN TOGETHER Adviser or quorum member (20 25 minutes) Help quorum members learn together by using the following suggestions, ideas from this week s study outline in Come, Follow Me for individuals and families, or your own ideas: The Attribute Activity in Preach My Gospel (page 126) could help quorum members identify opportunities to develop charity and love. Quorum members could read a scripture listed in the activity and share with the quorum what it teaches about charity. They could also ponder and record what they will do to more fully develop charity. How can we apply what we learn from the video Seven Days of Service? (LDS.org). What made this service activity successful? How were the young men and others blessed through service? As a quorum, what service could we provide, and when could we perform it? (See also For the Strength of Youth [2011], ) What do we learn from Matthew 25:31 46 that could help us in our priesthood service? What words and phrases in these verses inspire us? Invite quorum members to share when they have experienced this type of service. (See also Walking the Savior s Path of Charity, chapter 20 in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Howard W. Hunter [2015], ) All of us know someone who could benefit from our service. Who can we identify as a quorum? As appropriate, quorum members could discuss these individuals needs and make a plan to meet them. The service category on the Youth Activities website (lds.org/ youth/activities) can be a helpful resource for service activity ideas. MY IMPRESSIONS PLAN TO ACT (5 minutes) Quorum members can plan how to act on impressions by discussing questions like those below. Tell them that they will have time to share their experiences in next week s quorum meeting. How can we apply what we have learned today in our lives and in our priesthood assignments? Whom do we feel impressed to serve as a result of our experience today? What will we do to serve them? MY ASSIGNMENTS 7

14 PRIESTHOOD DUTIES February Week 1 Counseling Together to Do God s Work LEADER TRAINING We are watchmen (see Ezekiel 3:17 21) To watch means to be vigilant and to guard. Priesthood holders have the divine responsibility to watch over God s children, protect them, and help them come unto Christ. SHARE EXPERIENCES (5 10 minutes) As disciples of Jesus Christ and priesthood holders, we can strengthen each other by sharing how the gospel has blessed us and our families during the week. Sharing these experiences is one way to invite the Spirit into our meetings. For example, when have we or someone we know done the following? How did we feel? What did we learn? Learned and applied gospel truths Fulfilled priesthood duties Sought the Lord s help in strengthening family members Served someone in need Followed the impressions of the Spirit and used the priesthood to minister to others Acted on what we learned in last week s meeting MY EXPERIENCES 8

15 COUNSEL TOGETHER (20 25 minutes) The Savior taught that quorum presidents are to sit in council with quorum members (see D&C 107: 85 89). First-Sunday quorum meetings are designated for this purpose to counsel together about the work of the priesthood and how we plan to do it. As a presidency, prayerfully consider what the quorum should counsel about. Below are some ideas. As you counsel, be sure to avoid sensitive topics that deal with specific individuals. In future meetings, quorum members will be invited to share how they are acting on their plans. Who in our quorum is less active? What can we do to invite them back? Consider ideas like the following: Strengthen friendships by participating with them in activities that are not related to the Church. Visit them in their home to share lessons and messages they missed at church. Invite them to use their talents to serve ward members in need. What other ideas do we have? What can we do to share the gospel with others? For example: How can we use social media or other online tools to share the gospel? Who has had a successful experience they could share? Who, specifically, do we feel is prepared to hear the gospel? What gospel truths do our friends need to better understand? How can we prepare to share these truths? What else is the Spirit inspiring us to do? We have a priesthood duty to protect our homes and families. What can we do to defend them from the influences of the world? For example: How are our standards being challenged by our community or friends? What can we do to stand up for what is right? How can we better protect our homes from the dangers of inappropriate use of technology? What false teachings are being taught to our family members? How can we combat these teachings? MY ASSIGNMENTS LEARN PRIESTHOOD DUTIES AND PRINCIPLES Presidency member, group leader, or an assistant (5 minutes) How can we listen and respond to the Spirit? As time permits, spend a few minutes studying and discussing a principle of priesthood service: Having the Spirit is essential for us to know what to teach (see D&C 42:12 14), what to do (see D&C 6:14 15; 2 Nephi 32:3), and whom to serve (see Alma 18:34). When have we been guided by the Spirit in our priesthood service? How can we continue to seek inspiration in our service? MY IMPRESSIONS 9

16 AGENCY February Week 2 How Do My Choices Affect My Priesthood Power? SHARE EXPERIENCES (5 10 minutes) As disciples of Jesus Christ and priesthood holders, we can strengthen each other by sharing how the gospel has blessed us and our families during the week. Sharing these experiences is one way to invite the Spirit into our meetings. For example, when have we or someone we know done the following? How did we feel? What did we learn? Sought the Lord s help in strengthening family members Served someone in need Experienced the power of the priesthood Participated in God s work Acted on what we learned in quorum meetings Acted on what we learned in last week s meeting MY EXPERIENCES IMPROVING OUR TEACHING Prepare yourself spiritually. Powerful gospel teaching involves not just preparing a lesson but preparing ourselves. To do this, treasure up... continually the words of life (D&C 84:85), seek revelation daily, and record impressions. 10

17 LEARN TOGETHER Adviser or quorum member (20 25 minutes) Help quorum members learn together by using the following suggestions, ideas from this week s study outline in Come, Follow Me for individuals and families, or your own ideas: What can quorum members share from their personal or family study of agency in Come, Follow Me for individuals and families? Our choices affect our lives, families, and priesthood power. How can we illustrate this truth? For example, you could label one end of a stick choice and the other consequence. As a quorum member picks up the choice end of the stick, ask what he learns about the relationship between choices and consequences (see 2 Nephi 2:16, 27). Quorum members could share experiences in which they or someone they know made a choice that had far-reaching consequences. What can quorum members learn about how choices affect priesthood power from the following verses? Helaman 14:30 31; Moroni 7:14 19; Doctrine and Covenants 58:26 29; 121: There are many scriptural examples that show the farreaching consequences of choices. For example, quorum members could contrast the choices made by Nephi and those made by Laman and Lemuel as recorded in 1 Nephi 3:1 8. What other scriptural examples can quorum members share? What were the consequences of the choices made by these individuals? How did their choices affect their ability to serve those around them? As quorum members watch the video Leave the Party (LDS.org) or read President Boyd K. Packer s talk The Power of the Priesthood (Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 6 10), what do they learn about how our choices affect our ability to serve? MY IMPRESSIONS PLAN TO ACT (5 minutes) Quorum members can plan how to act on impressions by considering questions like those below. Tell them that they will have time to share their experiences in next week s quorum meeting. What can we do as a quorum to strengthen each other in our efforts to make correct choices? What have we learned today that will affect the way we serve? What changes do we need to make in our personal lives to have greater priesthood power? MY ASSIGNMENTS 11

18 AGENCY February Week 3 Freedom Comes from Making Correct Choices SHARE EXPERIENCES (5 10 minutes) As disciples of Jesus Christ and priesthood holders, we can strengthen each other by sharing how the gospel has blessed us and our families during the week. Sharing these experiences is one way to invite the Spirit into our meetings. For example, when have we or someone we know done the following? How did we feel? What did we learn? Defended the truth Invited others to come unto Christ Seen the hand of God in our lives Served someone in need Ministered through home teaching Acted on what we learned in last week s meeting MY EXPERIENCES IMPROVING OUR TEACHING Sharing experiences invites the Spirit. As we share experiences, we invite the Spirit, motivate each other to live gospel truths, and inspire each other to fulfill priesthood duties. Consider inviting a few quorum members to come prepared to share experiences. 12

19 LEARN TOGETHER Adviser or quorum member (20 25 minutes) Help quorum members learn together by using the following suggestions, ideas from this week s study outline in Come, Follow Me for individuals and families, or your own ideas: The diagram shown here might help quorum members understand 2 Nephi 2: What personal insights can they share as they study these verses and this chart? What experiences can quorum members share in which keeping the commandments led to freedom while choosing to disobey led to some form of captivity? The story of David and Bathsheba can be used to illustrate this principle (see 2 Samuel 11 and 12). Consider showing the video To Look Upon (LDS.org). Isaiah saw our day and described how Satan often distorts our perceptions of good and evil to entice us to make poor choices (see Isaiah 5:20). What can we do to combat deception and remain faithful? Quorum members could write down and share phrases or situations in which evil is called good or good is called evil. To better understand how to stay true to the Lord despite pressure from others, quorum members could study the following resources individually or in small groups and then share their impressions: Genesis 39:1 12; Daniel 1 3; Dare to Stand Alone (video, LDS.org); For the Strength of Youth (2011), 2 3. MY IMPRESSIONS PLAN TO ACT (5 minutes) Quorum members can plan how to act on impressions by discussing questions like the following: How can we apply what we have learned today in our lives and in our priesthood assignments? Who in our lives needs to understand that freedom comes from making correct choices? What will we do to help them understand this truth? What changes do I need to make in order to enjoy the freedom that comes from obedience to God? MY ASSIGNMENTS 13

20 PRIESTHOOD DUTIES March Week 1 Counseling Together to Do God s Work LEADER TRAINING First-Sunday quorum meetings To prepare for this meeting, confer with your bishopric or branch presidency, ward or branch council, or stake or district presidency to receive direction and assignments. Also consider the needs of quorum members and their families. SHARE EXPERIENCES (5 10 minutes) As disciples of Jesus Christ and priesthood holders, we can strengthen each other by sharing how the gospel has blessed us and our families during the week. Sharing these experiences is one way to invite the Spirit into our meetings. For example, when have we or someone we know done the following? How did we feel? What did we learn? Followed the impressions of the Spirit and used the priesthood to minister to others Received divine help Learned gospel truths and life lessons Served someone in need Sought the Lord s help in strengthening family members Acted on what we learned in last week s meeting MY EXPERIENCES 14

21 COUNSEL TOGETHER (20 25 minutes) The Savior taught that quorum presidents are to sit in council with quorum members (see D&C 107:85 89). First-Sunday quorum meetings are designated for this purpose to counsel together about the work of the priesthood and how we plan to do it. As a presidency, prayerfully consider what the quorum should counsel about. Below are some ideas. As you counsel, be sure to avoid sensitive topics that deal with specific individuals. In future meetings, quorum members will be invited to share how they are acting on their plans. What can we do to better provide temporally for our families and those around us? What are we doing to provide spiritual leadership in our homes? What ideas can we share with one another? Who in our community could we collaborate with in order to make a positive difference in our area? What direction have we received as priesthood holders during general conference? How can we respond? Do all quorum members understand how to perform priesthood ordinances properly? (see Handbook 2: Administering the Church [2010], and chapter 20). What are we doing to live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God? (D&C 84:44). What can we do to help make the sacrament a more meaningful experience? How can we manify our priesthood duties (see D&C 84:33) to perform ordinances, serve others, and invite all to come unto Christ? (see Handbook 2: Administering in the Church [2010], 2.4.5). What other topics do quorum members feel they should counsel together about? MY ASSIGNMENTS LEARN PRIESTHOOD DUTIES AND PRINCIPLES Presidency member, group leader, or an assistant (5 minutes) How do principles of righteousness affect priesthood leadership in the home? As time permits, spend a few minutes studying and discussing a principle of priesthood service: How do the principles related to righteous and unrighteous priesthood leadership found in Doctrine and Covenants 121:36 45 apply to priesthood leadership in the home? Use a dictionary for help with unfamiliar words. When have principles of righteousness blessed our priesthood leadership at home? MY IMPRESSIONS 15

22 THE ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST March Week 2 How Can I Receive Forgiveness for My Sins? SHARE EXPERIENCES (5 10 minutes) As disciples of Jesus Christ and priesthood holders, we can strengthen each other by sharing how the gospel has blessed us and our families during the week. Sharing these experiences is one way to invite the Spirit into our meetings. For example, when have we or someone we know done the following? How did we feel? What did we learn? Felt God s love Sought the Lord s help in strengthening family members Experienced the power of the priesthood Served someone in need Participated in God s work Acted on what we learned in last week s meeting MY EXPERIENCES IMPROVING OUR TEACHING Invite with patience and love. We have a duty to invite all to come unto Christ, especially those who do not attend quorum meetings. We should always show through our actions that we love and miss them. 16

23 LEARN TOGETHER Adviser or quorum member (20 25 minutes) Help quorum members learn together by using the following suggestions, ideas from this week s study outline in Come, Follow Me for individuals and families, or your own ideas: To illustrate how sin can be a heavy burden, consider inviting a quorum member to hold his arms straight out and hold a heavy object in each hand. Quorum members could discuss the burden of sin as you place more heavy objects on the quorum member s hands. Remove the objects and invite quorum members to share what they have learned about sin, repentance, and forgiveness from this object lesson (see Matthew 11:28 30; see also For the Strength of Youth [2011], 28 29). The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 is a powerful illustration of forgiveness. To help quorum members understand this parable, consider showing a picture of the prodigal son while retelling the story (see Luke 15:11 32). What does this parable teach us about sin, repentance, and forgiveness? What does it teach us about our Heavenly Father? (See Brent H. Nielson, Waiting for the Prodigal, Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 101 3; and The Prodigal Son, biblevideos.lds.org). Quorum members could study the following verses individually and then share in small groups what they learn about repentance and forgiveness: Doctrine and Covenants 19:16; 58:42; and Alma 36: What could quorum members say to a friend who justifies his actions by saying that he can always repent later? The video Within Bounds (LDS.org) could help answer this question. What do we learn from this video about keeping the commandments, the role of repentance, and the role of the bishop? (see D&C 58:42 43). MY IMPRESSIONS PLAN TO ACT (5 minutes) Quorum members can plan how to act on impressions by discussing questions like those below. Tell them that they will have time to share their experiences in next week s quorum meeting. What have we felt impressed to do as a result of what we learned today? How can we help others understand how the Atonement of Jesus Christ can cleanse them from sin? What can we do to help others receive the blessings of the Atonement? MY ASSIGNMENTS 17

24 THE ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST March Week 3 How Can Jesus Christ Help Me in My Trials? SHARE EXPERIENCES (5 10 minutes) As disciples of Jesus Christ and priesthood holders, we can strengthen each other by sharing how the gospel has blessed us and our families during the week. Sharing these experiences is one way to invite the Spirit into our meetings. For example, when have we or someone we know done the following? How did we feel? What did we learn? Seen the hand of the Lord in our lives Received or participated in acts of service Ministered through home teaching Strengthened our testimonies Defended the truth Acted on what we learned in last week s meeting MY EXPERIENCES IMPROVING OUR TEACHING Be flexible. Consider the needs of your quorum members as you conduct this meeting. You may feel prompted to let a meaningful discussion continue, even if you must change your plans to cover other material. 18

25 LEARN TOGETHER Adviser or quorum member (20 25 minutes) Help quorum members learn together by using the following suggestions, ideas from this week s study outline in Come, Follow Me for individuals and families, or your own ideas: The Savior can strengthen us during our trials (see Philippians 4:13). Quorum members could privately write down a trial that they are experiencing. The video Mountains to Climb (LDS.org) could help them discover how the Savior can strengthen them during their trials. (See also biblevideos.lds.org for videos related to this principle.) There are many scriptures that could help quorum members learn how to withstand trials. Invite them to find and share a scripture that is meaningful to them for example, Isaiah 53:3 5; Matthew 11:28 30; Philippians 4:13; 1 Nephi 17:3; Mosiah 24:8 25; Alma 7:11 13; Helaman 5:12; Doctrine and Covenants 19:23; 68:6. Invite quorum members to share experiences in which they learned how relying on Christ will help them endure trials. How can Jesus Christ strengthen us in our trials? Quorum members could read Elder Shayne M. Bowen s experience with the loss of his son (in Because I Live, Ye Shall Live Also, Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 15 17). How did the Savior and the power of His atoning sacrifice help Elder Bowen during his trial? Who do we know who is experiencing a significant trial? What advice could we give them? Consider looking for such advice in Elder Quentin L. Cook s talk Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness (Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 32 36). MY IMPRESSIONS PLAN TO ACT (5 minutes) Quorum members can plan how to act on impressions by discussing questions like those below. Tell them that they will have time to share their experiences in next week s quorum meeting. How can we apply what we have learned today in our lives and in our priesthood assignments? Whom do we feel impressed to serve as a result of our experience today? What will we do to serve them? What can we do to help a quorum or ward member carry his or her burdens? MY ASSIGNMENTS 19

26 Topics for Fourth-Sunday Meetings FOR PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS, YOUNG WOMEN CLASSES, AND RELIEF SOCIETY MEETINGS Prayerfully select a topic for fourth-sunday discussions based on the needs of ward members. Under the direction of the bishopric or branch presidency, these discussions may be held in separate quorums, classes, or meetings or as a group discussion in any of the following combined meetings: Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society, Aaronic Priesthood and Young Women, Melchizedek Priesthood and Aaronic Priesthood, or Relief Society and Young Women. Sabbath-Day Worship Exodus 20:8 11; Isaiah 58:13 14; Doctrine and Covenants 59:9 16. Russell M. Nelson, The Sabbath Is a Delight, Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, Observing the Sabbath: That Your Joy May Be Full, in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith (2011), Eternal Marriage Genesis 2:24; Moses 5:1 12; Doctrine and Covenants 42:22. Richard G. Scott, The Eternal Blessings of Marriage, Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, Marriage An Eternal Partnership, in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Howard W. Hunter (2015), Making Our Homes a Refuge 2 Nephi 14:5 6; 3 Nephi 22:13. Richard G. Scott, For Peace at Home, Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, Strengthening Families through Family History Doctrine and Covenants 2; 128: Quentin L. Cook, Roots and Branches, Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, Uniting Families through Temple and Family History Work, in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant (2002), Helping Our Youth Prepare to Make Covenants Psalm 24:3 5; Mosiah 18:8 10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37. Linda K. Burton, Prepared in a Manner That Never Had Been Known, Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, Improving Personal and Family Gospel Study 1 Nephi 15:24 25; Helaman 3:29 30; Doctrine and Covenants 84: Boyd K. Packer, The Key to Spiritual Protection, Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, The Power of the Word, in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson (2014), Working Together to Build the Lord s Kingdom 1 Corinthians 12; Doctrine and Covenants 38:27. Chi Hong (Sam) Wong, Rescue in Unity, Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, How Good and How Pleasant It Is... to Dwell Together in Unity, in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2011), Ministering through Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching Luke 22:32; Doctrine and Covenants 20:51 59; 81:5. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, You Are My Hands, Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, Preparing to Serve a Mission Doctrine and Covenants 4:1 7; 18: Robert D. Hales, Couple Missionaries: Blessings from Sacrifice and Service, Ensign or Liahona, May 2005, Strengthening New and Less-Active Members Luke 15; Alma 31:34 35; Moroni 6:4 5. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Come, Join with Us, Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, Come Back and Feast at the Table of the Lord, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Howard W. Hunter), Unity in Our Ward John 17:11 23; Mosiah 18:21 22; Moses 7:18. Henry B. Eyring, Our Hearts Knit as One, Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, Gospel Principles that Sustain Us During Economic Difficulties Genesis 41:14 57; 2 Nephi 5:17; Doctrine and Covenants 29:8 11. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Providing in the Lord s Way, Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, Provident Living: Applying Principles of Self-Reliance and Preparedness, in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball (2006),

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