“He Taught Them as One Having Authority” - Come Follow Me

“He Taught Them as One Having Authority”

Come Follow Me

February 25-March 3

"The Sermon on the Mount is one of the best-known discourses in Christianity. The Savior taught with rich images, such as a city set on a hill, lilies of the field, and wolves disguised as sheep. But the Sermon on the Mount is far more than a beautiful speech. The power of the Savior’s teachings to His disciples can change our lives, especially when we live by them. Then His words become more than words; they become a sure foundation for life that, like the wise man’s house, can withstand the world’s winds and floods"

This week's study chapters are Matthew 6-7, a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount.  There are probably more memorable teachings in these to chapters than in just about any pair in the scriptures.  "Judge not", "straight is the gate", "forgive men their trespasses", "the light of the body is the eye", "no man can serve to masters", "seek ye first the kingdom of God", and "by their fruits ye shall know them" are just a few of the sayings that so many of us use and think of in our daily lives.

"Priesthood Blessings" - Dallin H. Oaks, Apr 1987

Priesthood Blessings

by Dallin H. Oaks

April 1987 General Conference

"Brethren, young and old, do not be hesitant to ask for a priesthood blessing when you are in need of spiritual power. Fathers and other elders, cherish and magnify the privilege of blessing your children and the other children of our Heavenly Father. Be prepared to give priesthood blessings under the influence of the Holy Ghost whenever you are requested in sincerity and faith."

"Brother's Keeper" - Dallin H. Oaks, Oct. 1986

Brother's Keeper

by Dallin H. Oaks

October 1986 General Conference

"Are we our brothers’ keepers? In other words, are we responsible to look after the well-being of our neighbors as we seek to earn our daily bread? The Savior’s Golden Rule says we are. Satan says we are not."

"Blessed are Ye" - Come Follow Me

February 18–24
Matthew 5; Luke 6

“Blessed Are Ye”

"Everybody wants to be happy, but not everyone looks for happiness in the same places. Some search for it in worldly power and position, others in wealth or in satisfying physical appetites. Jesus Christ came to teach the way to lasting happiness, to teach what it truly means to be blessed."

The two chapters for the reading are similar - both cover the Sermon on the Mount and have a strong focus on Christ coming to fulfill the law, not just replace it, and in doing so the law becomes more elevated.  It's interesting that recent changes in the church have been talked about in a similar manner, and I think it is logical to think that there will be a continual refinement of the law as we fulfill the requirements of the lesser laws.

In Primary this week I plan to start teaching "I Feel My Savior's Love" and "Love At Home".  My plan for the program is to have the two songs sung together, most likely one verse of each one.  We'll see how it goes tomorrow!

"Reverent and Clean" - Dallin H. Oaks, Apr 1986

Reverent and Clean

by Dallin H. Oaks

April 1986 General Conference

"The names of the Father and the Son are used with authority when we reverently teach and testify of them, when we pray, and when we perform the sacred ordinances of the priesthood."

"Spirituality" - Dallin H. Oaks, Oct 1985

Spirituality

by Dallin H. Oaks

October 1985 General Conference

"How we interpret our experiences is also a function of our degree of spirituality. Some interpret mortality solely in terms of worldly accomplishments and possessions. In contrast, we who have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ should interpret our experiences in terms of our knowledge of the purpose of life, the mission of our Savior, and the eternal destiny of the children of God."

"Taking upon Us the Name of Jesus Christ" - Dallin H. Oaks, Apr 1985

Taking upon Us the Name of Jesus Christ

by Dallin H. Oaks

April 1985 General Conference

"It is significant that when we partake of the sacrament we do not witness that we take upon us the name of Jesus Christ. We witness that we are willing to do so. (See D&C 20:77.) The fact that we only witness to our willingness suggests that something else must happen before we actually take that sacred name upon us in the most important sense."

"Why Do We Serve?" - Dallin H. Oaks, Oct 1984

Why Do We Serve?

by Dallin H. Oaks

October 1984 General Conference

"People serve one another for different reasons, and some reasons are better than others. Perhaps none of us serves in every capacity all the time for only a single reason. Since we are imperfect beings, most of us probably serve for a combination of reasons, and the combinations may be different from time to time as we grow spiritually. But we should all strive to serve for the reasons that are highest and best."

"Strive for Excellence" - Dallin H. Oaks, Oct 1971

Strive for Excellence

by Dallin H. Oaks

October 1971 General Conference

"Rigorous standards and high achievement in any field of learning are not at odds with faith and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Strive for excellence, use the talents that the Lord has given you, meet and master the learning of men.

In approaching any field of learning, remember the Lord’s direction to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith.”

The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It? - October 2017

The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?

by Russell M. Nelson

October 2017 General Conference

"The Book of Mormon provides the fullest and most authoritative understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to be found anywhere. It teaches what it really means to be born again. From the Book of Mormon we learn about the gathering of scattered Israel. We know why we are here on earth. These and other truths are more powerfully and persuasively taught in the Book of Mormon than in any other book. The full power of the gospel of Jesus Christ is contained in the Book of Mormon. Period."

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives - April 2017

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives

by Russell M. Nelson

April 2017 General Conference

"Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord"

Today was Week 5 for the Come Follow Me program, and the theme was "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord".  In Primary today, I selected "Baptism" as our focus song.  I had originally just been thinking of using it today to talk about baptism, but after singing it I think we might make it a part of our Primary Program in the fall. 

The children have been enjoying singing "Come, Follow Me" each week, or at least the first verse.  My plan was to try and add a verse each month so they are familiar with most of them by the end of the year.  I think in the Primary Program we will end up singing 2-3 and then the congregation will join in on a few verses at the end of the program.

We also practiced "Scripture Power" today.  I'd like to have them learn it well enough to sing in Sacrament Meeting on March 10th.  If it doesn't seem like they have it down, we might end up singing something from last year's program that they know pretty well.  We will see how the next few weeks go.

I'm enjoying the new 20 minutes of singing.  It really isn't a change from what I have been doing in the past, but for some reason it feels different.  Today finally felt like a good balance between old songs and new songs in Jr. Primary, and I've been mixing in some "Wiggle Songs" between the new songs and it seems to be working well. 

Joy and Spiritual Survival - October 2016

Joy and Spiritual Survival

by Russell M. Nelson

October 2016 General Conference

"Every day that you and I choose to live celestial laws, every day that we keep our covenants and help others to do the same, joy will be ours."

The Price of Priesthood Power - April 2016

The Price of Priesthood Power

by Russell M. Nelson

April 2016 General Conference

"In these latter days, we know there will be earthquakes in diverse places. Perhaps one of those diverse places will be in our own homes, where emotional, financial, or spiritual “earthquakes” may occur. Priesthood power can calm the seas and heal fractures in the earth. Priesthood power can also calm the minds and heal fractures in the hearts of those we love."

A Plea to My Sisters - October 2015

A Plea to My Sisters

by Russell M. Nelson

October 2015 General Conference

"My dear sisters, nothing is more crucial to your eternal life than your own conversion. It is converted, covenant-keeping women whose righteous lives will increasingly stand out in a deteriorating world and who will thus be seen as different and distinct in the happiest of ways."