Sunday, May 29, 2011

Lesson 21: “What Is the Sign of Thy Coming?”


Purpose

To help recognize the signs that will precede the Savior’s Second Coming and to encourage members to prepare themselves for this great event.

Preparation

  1. 1.

    Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:

    1. a.

      Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:1–20 (Matthew 24:1–5, 9–13, 15–22). Jesus foretells the impending destruction of Jerusalem.

    2. b.

      Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:21–55 (Matthew 24:6–8, 14, 23–51). Jesus describes the signs that will precede his Second Coming and teaches how his elect can prepare for his coming.

  2. 2.

    Additional reading: Mark 13; Luke 21:5–38; Doctrine and Covenants 45:15–55.

Elder M. Russell Ballard gave the following counsel of hope and encouragement: “Although the prophecies tell us that these things are to take place, more and more people are expressing great alarm at what appears to be an acceleration of worldwide calamity. … Admittedly we have ample reason to be deeply concerned because we see no immediate answers to the seemingly unsolvable problems confronting the human family. But regardless of this dark picture, which will ultimately get worse, we must never allow ourselves to give up hope! …

“… The Lord is in control. He knows the end from the beginning. He has given us adequate instruction that, if followed, will see us safely through any crisis. His purposes will be fulfilled, and someday we will understand the eternal reasons for all of these events. Therefore, today we must be careful not to overreact, nor should we be caught up in extreme preparations; but what we must do is keep the commandments of God and never lose hope!

“But where do we find hope in the midst of such turmoil and catastrophe? Quite simply, our one hope for spiritual safety during these turbulent times is to turn our minds and our hearts to Jesus Christ. … Armed with the shield of faith, we can overcome many of our daily challenges and overpower our greatest weaknesses and fears, knowing that if we do our best to keep the commandments of God, come what may, we will be all right” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1992, 41–43; or Ensign, Nov. 1992, 31–32).

"Lesson 21: “What Is the Sign of Thy Coming?”," New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)


Joseph Smith—Matthew (Matthew 24)

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Discuss some of the signs that precede the Second Coming, as outlined in the scripture chain in this section. Hand out recent newspapers and Church magazines. Have family members work individually or in pairs to look in the newspapers and magazines for signs of the Second Coming. As they share what they have found, discuss how to prepare for the Second Coming.

Scripture Chain: Signs of the Second Coming

Isaiah 2:2–3

Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:21–37

Daniel 2:44

D&C 45:16–35

The BYU scripture discussions are a great way to prepare for class and get more insights into the topics we are studying. For this week check out Episode 26: The Olivet Discourse.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Lesson 19: “Thy Faith Hath Saved Thee”


  1. Purpose

    To develop greater faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.


    From Preach My Gospel, Chapter 6 - Christlike Attributes, pg. 116:

    Faith in Jesus Christ

    When you have faith in Christ, you believe in Him as the Son of God, the Only Begotten of the Father in the Flesh. You accept Him as your Savior and Redeemer and follow His teachings. You believe that your sins can be forgiven through His Atonement. Faith in Him means that you trust Him and are confident that He loves you. (Italics added for emphasis.)


    Preparation

  2. Luke 18:1–8, 35–43; 19:1–10; John 11

    1.

    Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:

    1. a.

      Luke 18:1–8. Through the parable of the unjust judge and the widow, Jesus teaches the importance of persevering in prayer.

    2. b.

      Luke 18:35–43. A blind man demonstrates his faith and is healed by Jesus.

    3. c.

      Luke 19:1–10. Jesus is received in Zacchaeus’s home.

    4. d.

      John 11:1–54. Jesus testifies of his divinity by raising Lazarus from the dead.

  3. 2.

    Additional reading: Mark 10:46–52; Luke 11:5–13; Bible Dictionary,“Faith,” 669–70.


  • How did the blind man near Jericho show that he had faith in the Lord? (See Luke 18:38–42.) How have you been blessed as you have exercised faith in Jesus Christ?

  • How did Zacchaeus show his great desire to see Jesus? (See Luke 19:3–4.) What did Jesus tell Zacchaeus after seeing him in the tree? (SeeLuke 19:5.) How did Zacchaeus respond to Jesus’ words? (See Luke 19:6.) What can we do to receive the Savior joyfully into our homes?

  • What impresses you about Martha’s testimony recorded in John 11:21–27?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Read John 11:1–46. Ask family members how this account makes them feel about the Savior. Review verses in the passage that show the faith Mary and Martha had in Jesus Christ. Ask family members to choose one thing they can do to show greater faith in the Savior.