Lesson 5: “Born Again”

Purpose: To help class members understand that to receive everlasting life, we must be “born again” and continue to follow Jesus Christ.

It is not uncommon to hear people declare, "I want a do over!" You've heard that right?!?!?! I know that I have. Truthfully, there have been times when words have come out of my mouth that I wish I could take back. What if you could wipe the slate clean and start over? Are there things in your life, given the opportunity, you would change? Our lesson this week is about being born again. Remarkably, we can be born again and through the covenant of baptism and the gift of the atonement we can start again clean each week.

John 3-4
• Jesus told Nicodemus that “except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). What does it mean to be born again? (See the scripture chain in this section.)

• Read and ponder Alma 5:14–31 as if Alma were speaking to you. What do you need to do personally to be “spiritually … born of God”? (Alma 5:14).

• Jesus told the Samaritan woman that he could give her “living water” (John 4:10). What do you think “living water” means? (See 1 Nephi 11:25; D&C 63:23.) How can we obtain living water? How has this living water blessed you?

Suggestion for Family Discussion: Give each family member a drinking glass. Pour water into each glass, and invite family members to drink the water. Ask family members if they think they will ever need another drink of water. Then read John 4:1–15, and discuss the questions in the third paragraph of this section. Testify that if we will come to Christ and live his gospel, we will receive “everlasting life” (John 4:14).

Scripture Chain: “Born Again”
John 3:3–5
John 3:16–17
Mosiah 5:1–7
Mosiah 27:25–26
Alma 5:14–16
Alma 22:15–18



Conclusion: Just as plants need water to live, we need to follow the Savior and his teachings to be born again and have everlasting life.

Lesson 4: “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord"

Purpose:

To inspire class members to draw near to the Savior by repenting of their sins, keeping their baptismal covenants, and withstanding temptation.

It is no secret that most of the material I use for the blog comes directly from the student manual. I do this for a couple of reasons. Most importantly because it isn't my class, nor my message. I know that by following the manual, which has been approved by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, that I am standing on solid ground and that I can leave the heavy lifting to the spirit. This understanding has helped me to be able to "teach" a group of people that are surely more knowledgeable and fluent in the scriptures than am I.

Each week I begin my preparation by writing the PURPOSE of the lesson on a sticky note. I put it where I can see it and I think about it all week. Surely there is a reason it is listed at the beginning of each lesson. I have followed that pattern and have stated the purpose of each lesson at the beginning of each blog post. The PURPOSE of the lesson this week is to INSPIRE class members to draw near to the Savior...That is a pretty hefty responsibility. Sheesh, how does one go about inspiring people? If I am honestly with you, I am not sure that I am in a position to inspire you, but I am confident that I know the source of all inspiration and am relieved to know that by referring you to our Father in Heaven and enlisting the spirit that is no longer a burden I have to carry.

I came across something Elder D. Todd Christofferson said a couple of days ago and have been thinking about it each day since. He taught, "True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives--that is, our time and choices--to God's purposes. In so doing, we permit Him to raise us to our highest destiny."

I am including this little video clip because it inspires me to draw near unto the Savior. I really want to live my life in a meaningful way and I know that the only way I can really succeed in this pursuit is to draw near unto the Savior. I realize that many of you have seen this clip before and are familiar with Stephanie Nelson's story, but it is worth revisiting.

Questions to consider:

• •

  What message did John preach to prepare the people for the coming of the Savior? (See Matthew 3:1–2.) What does it mean to repent? (See2 Corinthians 7:9–10; Luke 19:8; Mosiah 7:33; D&C 1:31–32; 58:42–43.)

• •

  As you read about the Savior’s encounter with Satan in the wilderness, what do you learn about withstanding temptation? (SeeMatthew 4:1–11. See also the footnotes to Matthew 4:1–2, 5–6, 8–9, and 11, which contain the Joseph Smith Translation of these verses.)

• •

  After receiving a witness that Jesus was the Messiah, how did Philip answer Nathanael’s doubts? (See John 1:43–46.) What can you do to invite others to “come and see” the Savior?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Prepare a lesson to help family members who are preparing for baptism or to discuss ways to help converts who will soon be baptized. Discuss why Jesus needed baptism (Matthew 3:13–15; 2 Nephi 31:6–9) and why we need baptism (2 Nephi 31:5, 10–12; D&C 20:71–73; 49:13–14). Invite family members who have been baptized to tell about when they were baptized and express their feelings about the blessings they have received because they were baptized.

Scripture Chain: Repentance

Luke 15:3–10

2 Corinthians 7:9–10

Alma 34:31–34

1 John 1:8–9

Matthew 3:1–2

D&C 58:42–43

Conclusion

The invitation to “come and see” the Savior is extended to each of us. We can accept that invitation by repenting, being baptized, keeping our baptismal covenants, and withstanding temptation.

Lesson 3: “Unto You Is Born … a Saviour

Purpose: To encourage class members to rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ and follow the example he set in his youth, “[increasing] in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52).





• What were the circumstances of Jesus’ birth? (See Luke 2:7.) In what ways do people today refuse to make room for the Savior in their lives? What can you do to make room for him in your life?

When he was born, Jesus had the veil over his memory of the premortal life, just as all do. Elder James E. Talmage taught:
"He came among men to experience all the natural conditions of mortality; He was born as truly a dependent, helpless babe as is any other child; His infancy was in all common features as the infancy of others; His boyhood was actual boyhood, His development was as necessary and as real as that of all children. Over His mind had fallen the veil of forgetfulness common to all who are born to earth, by which the remembrance of primeval existence is shut off. The child grew, and with growth there came to Him expansion of mind, development of faculties, and progression in power and understanding." (Jesus the Christ, pg. 111)

• Why did Jesus come to earth? (See 3 Nephi 27:13–16.)

• What did the “wise men from the east” do when they found the child Jesus? (See Matthew 2:11.) What gifts can you offer to the Lord?

• As a youth, Jesus “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). In other words, he developed intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially. What are some specific things you can do to grow intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially?

Suggestion for Family Discussion
Read lines from several hymns or Primary songs about Jesus’ birth, and invite family members to identify the hymns or songs. Sing one of the hymns or songs as a family, and discuss the importance of remembering Jesus’ birth throughout the year rather than just during the Christmas season.

Scripture Chain: Jesus’ Birth
Isaiah 9:6
Helaman 14:1–8
1 Nephi 11:13–21
Luke 2:7–14

Conclusion: We can and should rejoice in the birth of the Savior and follow the example he set in his youth.

Lesson 2: My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord

Purpose: To help class members develop greater faith in Jesus Christ through a study of the lives of Elisabeth, Zacharias, John the Baptist, Mary, and Joseph.

Background: Zacharias and his wife, Elisabeth, were Jews who lived near Jerusalem. They obeyed God’s commandments. They were old and had no children. They prayed for a baby. Luke 1:5–7, 13

Zacharias was a priest in the temple. One day an angel named Gabriel came to him and said that God would bless Zacharias and his wife. God would answer their prayers—Elisabeth would have a baby, whom they should name John. Luke 1:8–13, 19

God had work for John to do: He was to tell people about Jesus Christ. John would be a righteous prophet of God. Luke 1:15–17

Zacharias did not believe the angel and said that Elisabeth was too old to have a baby. Gabriel said that she would have a child and that because Zacharias did not believe it, he would not be able to talk until John was born. Luke 1:18–20

• What do you learn about Mary from her conversations with the angel Gabriel and with Elisabeth? (See Luke 1:26–38, 45–49; see also Alma 7:10.) What can you do to follow her example?


• How do the examples of Elisabeth, Zacharias, John the Baptist, Mary, and Joseph help you see the Savior’s greatness and increase your faith in him? How can you help others increase their faith in Jesus Christ?

Suggestion for Family Discussion
Read Luke 1:16, and discuss the importance of helping people “turn to the Lord” by sharing the gospel with them. Make a list of family members or friends who are not members of the Church or who are less-active members of the Church. Pray as a family for guidance in deciding whom you can share the gospel with and how to go about it.

Scripture Chain: Prophecies about John the Baptist
Isaiah 40:3
1 Nephi 10:7–10
Luke 1:13–17

Luke 1:67, 76–79

Lesson 1: “That Ye Might Believe That Jesus Is the Christ”

Happy New Year!

I hope that everyone had a lovely Christmas and found time to reflect on the Savior's birth. I am posting a nice video that will extend the true Christmas spirit and will help set the stage for our study in the New Testament this year.

Purpose: To encourage class members to strengthen their testimonies of Jesus Christ by studying the New Testament.

• What do you learn about Jesus Christ from John 1:1–3, 14? (Note that “the Word” in John 1:1, 14 refers to the Savior. Use the Joseph Smith Translation of these verses if it is available.)
• The Apostle John said that “in [Jesus] was life” (John 1:4). He also testified that Jesus is “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9). How has the Savior given you life and light?
• What accounts or teachings in the New Testament have particularly inspired or helped you? How might studying the New Testament this year help strengthen your testimony of Jesus Christ?

Suggestion for Family Discussion
Read John 1:1–3 or Joseph Smith Translation, John 1:1–3. Explain that Jesus (“the Word” in John 1:1–3) created the earth under Heavenly Father’s direction. Take a walk as a family, giving close attention to the many beauties of creation.

Scripture Chain: Jesus Christ’s Foreordained Mission
John 1:1–5
John 1:9–17
Abraham 3:22–27
Mosiah 3:5–10
Isaiah 61:1–2
Luke 4:16–21

Conclusion: I can assure you that your testimony of the Savior will increase as you seek the Spirit’s guidance in your study of the New Testament and as you come prepared to participate in class discussions.

I am including another video that is worth watching. May the Lord continue to bless you and attend to your individual needs this New Year!

Lesson 44: Every Thing Shall Live Whither the River Cometh

Purpose: To encourage class members to partake of the life-giving, healing powers that are available in the temple.

Have you ever been excited while watching a sporting event or some other kind of entertainment? Have you ever been so excited at such an event that you stood and shouted or cheered? There are several sacred events that have been or will be accompanied by enthusiastic expressions of joy and gratitude. Some of these events include:

a. The creation of the earth (Job 38:4–7).

b. The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (John 12:12–16).

c. The Second Coming of Christ and the Resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

While the excitement of sporting events or other entertainment is temporary, the joy associated with sacred events is eternal. During the dedication of a temple, the congregation participates in a great expression of joy called the Hosanna Shout. They show their joy and gratitude by standing, shouting, and waving.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT - Study the following scriptures:
**It is helpful to keep in mind what we talked about today, that Ezekiel was called as a prophet to the Jews who had been taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar. He served the exiled Jews in captivity for 22 years. When Ezekial was called by the Lord he said, "I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel" (Ezekiel 3:17).

a. Ezekiel 43:1–12; 44:6–9, 23. Ezekiel is shown a vision of the temple in Jerusalem.

b. Ezekiel 47:1, 6–12. Ezekiel sees a river flowing from the temple that gives life to the desert and heals the Dead Sea.

c. Ezekiel 47:2–5. Ezekiel measures the river’s depth and discovers that the water gets deeper each time he wades into it.

What do you learn about the temple from Ezekiel 43:1–12 and 44:6–9, 23?

According to Ezekiel’s vision, what changes will take place in the Judean wilderness and the Dead Sea, which are east of Jerusalem, because of the river flowing from the temple? (See Ezekiel 47:6–12.) How does the water of life available in the temple heal and give life to marriages? families? our ancestors? the Church?

The TAKE AWAY: The Lord has called the temple “a place of thanksgiving” (D&C 97:13). I am thankful for the blessings that come because of the temple. I hope you will take time this week to reflect on how the temple has impacted your life.

Lesson 43: The Shepherds of Israel

Our lesson this week is so so good! I hope to do this beautiful message justice and pray that you will come prepared to share the spirit. It is a truly remarkable lesson about shepherds. This little video is a nice prelude to our discussion. Watch it!!


PURPOSE: To encourage class members to fulfill their responsibilities as "shepherds of Israel"

Study the following scriptures:

a. Ezekiel 34. The Lord reproves those shepherds who do not feed the flock. He will seek all the lost sheep and be their Shepherd.

b. Ezekiel 18:21–32. Ezekiel teaches that the wicked who repent will be saved and that the righteous who turn to wickedness will be cast out.

c. Ezekiel 37:1–14. Ezekiel sees a vision in which many dry bones are given life.

d. Ezekiel 37:15–28. Ezekiel prophesies that the stick of Judah and the stick of Joseph will become one in the Lord’s hand.

In 597 B.C. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon carried into captivity many people from the kingdom of Judah. Among these captives was Ezekiel, whom the Lord called as a prophet five years later. Ezekiel ministered to his exiled people until 570 B.C. UAdd a Note

Ezekiel’s writings include rebukes and promises that apply not only to the ancient kingdom of Judah but to all Israel, including Church members today. Although Jerusalem had been destroyed, Ezekiel foresaw a day when Israel would be gathered and restored. UAdd a Note

Who are the “shepherds of Israel” spoken of in Ezekiel 34? In what ways can each of us be considered a shepherd of Israel?

How is the Savior like a shepherd to us? (See Ezekiel 34:11–16; Psalm 23.)

What does it mean to “make … a new heart and a new spirit”? (Ezekiel 18:31). How can we experience this change of heart? (See Alma 5:7–14.)

In the prophecy recorded in Ezekiel 37:15–28, one of the things the stick of Judah represents is the Bible. One of the things the stick of Joseph represents is the Book of Mormon. What blessings have come from having the Book of Mormon in addition to the Bible?