Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Summary of Lessons 1-4

We've started our study of the New Testament at the beginning - with the miracles surrounding the conception and birth of both Jesus Christ and his forerunner,John the Baptist. Matt 1-4, Luke 1-3

Just think of Zacharias, doing his duty, going to burn incense in the temple, saying his prayers as usual, except this time is different. This time an angel appears to him and tells him his prayer will be answered. Which prayer? A prayer he may not have prayed for years. He and his wife had long given up hope that they would ever have children as Elizabeth was long past childbearing age.

I deeply believe that our day is a day of miracles. Just as there were miracles surrounding Christ's birth, there are miracles happening in the world today to prepare us for His Second Coming. Open your eyes and your heart to receive the gifts Heavenly Father is showering upon you. As you notice his hand in your life, you will invite more miracles to come your way.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Lesson 5: Born Again

Link to class member study guide on www.lds.org

This week I would like you to think about what a miracle it is to be "born again". Maybe you have some specific memories in your life of times when you felt a strong connection to the Lord- maybe a time when you felt the healing power of forgiveness in your life. What a miracle that is!

Please share your stories.

Trina

"Lesson 5: “Born Again”," New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)

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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.)
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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).
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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”

Happy New Year everyone!

I'm excited for our curriculum this year in Sunday School. January 2 at ~11:15 am we will begin our year long discussion of the New Testament, highlighting the life of Christ, his mission, and what it means for us in our lives. For class on Sunday please consider your response to the following question:

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What accounts or teachings in the New Testament have particularly inspired or helped you?

If you are not able to attend on Sunday you are welcome to send your story to me by leaving a comment below and I would be happy to share it with the class. For additional preparation materials -scriptures to read, questions to ponder- please consult theClass Member Study Guide for Lesson 1 available by clicking this link (or find it on-line at www.lds.org).

As we study the life of Jesus Christ together I pray that we will focus in on the many miracles that show up- we will learn about the miracle of Christ's birth, the miracles he performed, and the miracle of you. Yes YOU. You are a miracle and everyday holds miraculous potential. Together as we study the teachings of Christ we will unlock the miracles that He desires to create with us in our lives!

Even if you are not able to attend the class on Sunday, we would love to have you following along with us in our study. Join us in spirit as you use the many study resources that are available on-line and in print.

So get ready - read the scriptures John 1:1–3 or Joseph Smith Translation, John 1:1–3.

Consider the following questions:

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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.)
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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?
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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?

Study the following

Scripture Chain: Jesus Christ’s Foreordained Mission

Additional Study Materials:

The New Testament Institute Manual

President Thomas S. Monson said, "The entire message of the New Testament breathes a spirit of awakening to the human soul" (Thomas S. Monson, "The Spirit Giveth Life," Ensign, June 1997, 2). As you study the New Testament you will come to better know Jesus Christ. In addition to learning more about the life, ministry, and Atonement of the Savior, your study of the New Testament will help you learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ as established by the Savior. You will also better understand the epistles of Paul and the symbolism used in the book of Revelation.

Our Savior in the Gospels

34 Episodes
Faculty members from BYU Religious Education discuss the mortal life, mission and teachings of the Savior in this 34 part series. Each of the half-hour episodes covers portions of the writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the New Testament.

For this week you can listen to the first episode that provides an introduction to the historical origins of the gospels.

Introduction

"Introduction," New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)

http://lds.org/manual/new-testament-class-member-study-guide/introduction?lang=eng

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

"Lesson 1: “That Ye Might Believe That Jesus Is the Christ”," New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)

http://lds.org/manual/new-testament-class-member-study-guide/lesson-1-that-ye-might-believe-that-jesus-is-the-christ-?lang=eng

Blessings Abound

--
Trina Burgess
Ready 4 Miracles!.