From a Child

Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Tim 3:15) In speaking to Timothy about the coming apostasy, Paul reminded Timothy that he had known the scriptures since his youth, and would be protected against false doctrines. 

This year, the 'Come, Follow Me' study has helped our whole family be more involved in the New Testament. We still have quite a ways to go to really integrate the studies in our home, but we have definitely had the opportunity to know more about Christ's life and the other teachings of the New Testament. 

As we end this inaugural year of 'Come, Follow Me' and look ahead to 2020's Book of Mormon study, I hope we can see the ways that this year's study has "made [us] wise unto salvation[.]" That we can see how it has helped our "faith which is in Christ Jesus." And finally, that we know and continue to have faith that, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2 Tim 3:16) 

-Bishop Sullivan

His Grace is Sufficient

Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Like Paul, we all have "a thorn in the flesh." We all have weaknesses, infirmities, and difficulties. While it can be a struggle to face our own shortcomings, I find comfort in reading from prophets, like Paul, who express their own disappointments. 

It's comforting to know we aren't in this alone. We know that others are combating their own thorns in life. However, if we do ever find ourselves feeling alone and it seems as though life has dealt us a more challenging hand than others, there is even greater comfort in knowing that there is one who has overcome all in Jesus Christ. 

This week's lesson allows me to share one of my all-time favorite talks as Paul reminds the Corinthians that Christ's grace is sufficient for each of us to overcome our weaknesses. In Brad Wilcox's talk with the same title he says, "When we understand grace, we understand that God is long-suffering, that change is a process, and that repentance is a pattern in our lives. When we understand grace, we understand that the blessings of Christ’s Atonement are continuous and His strength is perfect in our weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). 

When we understand grace, we can, as it says in the Doctrine and Covenants, “continue in patience until [we] are perfected” (D&C 67:13)." Last week I asked if our trials really could be blessings. I think Paul answers that question this week. Even if the only blessing is turning us to Christ so we can more fully appreciate the atonement, yes our trials and weaknesses are blessings. God lives and loves us. Christ's atonement is real. We can bring all our weaknesses to Him and His grace will be sufficient to make weak things strong. 

-Bishop Sullivan

Personal Testimony

Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

About the middle of Joseph Smith History, the Prophet compares himself to Paul before King Agrippa, which we read this week. I’ve always loved the sternness of Joseph’s conviction in these verses. 

Joseph’s and Paul’s testimonies are similar in their conviction in the face of doubt. Joseph describes them this way: “However, it was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision. I have thought since, that I felt much like Paul, when he made his defense before King Agrippa, and related the account of the vision he had when he saw a light, and heard a voice; but still there were but few who believed him; some said he was dishonest, others said he was mad; and he was ridiculed and reviled. But all this did not destroy the reality of his vision. He had seen a vision, he knew he had, and all the persecution under heaven could not make it otherwise; and though they should persecute him unto death, yet he knew, and would know to his latest breath, that he had both seen a light and heard a voice speaking unto him, and all the world could not make him think or believe otherwise. 

“So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.” (JS-H 1:24-25) 

That strong testimony spread the gospel through the known world after Christ’s death and fueled the restoration of the gospel in the latter days. Those testimonies continue to change people’s hearts and people’s lives today. The lesson this week invites us to, “Consider the opportunities you have to share your testimony.” I would add, after considering the opportunities to look for your next opportunity and share your testimony with someone this week. Your own testimony will grow, and who knows who you will affect by doing so. 

Have a great week! 

-Bishop Sullivan

Graven Upon His Palms

Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“Yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me” (1 Nephi 21:15-16). 

This is one of my favorite scriptures and illustrations of the atonement. The thought of being “graven” on the palms of the Savior’s hands makes me feel the personalized nature of His sacrifice. 

Too often we believe strongly in what He has done and can do for others, but we fail to understand that His atonement is for each of us individually. As we study the final moments of Christ’s earthly ministry this week, consider what Christ did for you personally. 

-Bishop Sullivan

The Merciful Shall Obtain Mercy

Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

There is a lot to cover this week in "Come, Follow Me," including one of my favorite New Testament stories--the women taken in adultery. 

To me, the story teaches so many Christlike attributes of teaching, forgiveness, repentance, etc. The manual points out: "When speaking about the Savior’s interaction with the woman taken in adultery, Elder Dale G. Renlund said: “Surely, the Savior did not condone adultery. But He also did not condemn the woman. He encouraged her to reform her life. She was motivated to change because of His compassion and mercy. The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible attests to her resultant discipleship: ‘And the woman glorified God from that hour, and believed on his name’ [see John 8:11, footnote c]” (“Our Good Shepherd,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 30)." 

Christ undoubtedly shows us the same mercy each day. I believe one of the most important Christlike attributes we can develop would be to show others that same, unearned mercy. 

-Bishop Sullivan