Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
After Christ appears to and teaches the Nephites, He
instructs them to go “unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have
said and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand.” (3 Nephi 17:3)
I see this same invitation in the upcoming schedule changes and ‘Come Follow
Me—For Individuals and Families.’
We are being invited to more diligently study in our homes,
as individuals and families, and be more converted as we do so. While the
curriculum, the schedule, the program, etc. are all new, the invitation to
study the gospel is not. It has always been a foundation of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints to study and pray to find out for ourselves.
The introduction in ‘Come Follow Me’ lists several tips for
personal scripture study. They are:
|
Look for
truths about Jesus Christ |
Look for
inspiring words and phrases |
|
Look for
gospel truths |
Listen to the
Spirit |
|
Like the
scriptures to your life |
Ask questions
as you study |
|
Use scripture
study helps |
Record your
thoughts and feelings |
|
Study the
words of latter-day prophets |
Share insights |
|
Live by what
you learn |
|
In January, we will all start this new chapter in the
Restored Church together. As we adjust to schedules and new curriculum, it is
my hope that we will focus on our personal and family studies. I look forward
to the Spirit we will feel as we collectively come prepared to discuss the
words of Christ as found in the New Testament!
I know we are led by a modern-day prophet in President
Russel M. Nelson. I know Christ’s gospel is found in the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints. I know that as we strive to live that gospel and follow
the council of the prophets, we will have greater peace in our lives and
happiness in our homes.
As I’ve shared in tithing settlement, I invite each of you
to review the new ‘Come Follow Me’ manual and come up with a plan on how you
will use it to increase your study of the gospel in 2019 before the end of the
year.
Thank you for all you do to help our ward grow,
Bishop Sullivan
