NEW TESTAMENT 2019

Come, Follow Me

with

Follow the Prophet

Reinforces this week’s “Come Follow Me” study: Ephesians
“For the Perfecting of the Saints”

Scripture:

Ephesians 4:11-12

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Song:

Follow the Prophet p. 110

Lesson:

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul taught that the church is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20). He also taught that the church is made up of people with many different callings including prophets, apostles, pastors, and teachers, each helping to build up and support each other. As we each fulfill our callings, and support our leaders, those in the church come together in love and unity, and we learn how to become more like Christ.

We have a great opportunity to listen to the Apostles and the Prophet during General Conference. As we listen to their messages, we can know the things Heavenly Father wants us to know, and we can avoid being “carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14).

In ancient times, the prophet Noah taught the people that they needed to repent, or a flood would come and they would be unprepared. Noah was told by the Lord to build an ark so his family would be safe. In our day, our Prophet has encouraged us to build our testimony and faith. We will be prepared for the coming “storms of life” if we have faith in Jesus Christ.

Quote:

“May our lives reflect the knowledge we have that God lives, that Jesus Christ is His Son, that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that we are led today by another prophet of God.” Thomas S. Monson

Q&A:

Why were Noah and his family saved from the flood? (Discuss ideas. See Hebrews 11:7)

Joseph Smith was the first Prophet of this dispensation to whom all the keys were restored. What are some of the things the prophet Joseph Smith taught that the Lord wanted us to know? (Discuss ideas.)

Who is the Lord’s prophet on the earth today? 

Why is it important to listen to and follow the Prophet? (Discuss ideas.)

How can following the prophet help us to avoid confusion? (Discuss ideas)

Story:

Jace Wants to Follow the Prophet

Ten-year-old Jace helped Mother unload the week’s supply of groceries from the car.

“Let Dad get that one, Jace,” Mother said, pointing to the twenty-five pound bag of rice.

Jace looked at the large bag with strange writing on it. “What’s in it?” Jace asked.

“Rice,” Mother answered. “It’s for our food storage!”

“Food storage? What’s that?” Jace questioned.

“It’s setting aside a basic supply of food in order to be prepared for hard times,” Mother said.

“What kind of hard times?” Jace asked, with a worried expression on his face.

“Don’t look so worried, Son,” Mother soothed. “The Lord said, ‘If ye are prepared ye shall not fear,’” Mother said quoting a scripture from the Doctrine and Covenants. “Food storage is one of the things the prophets have encourage the Saints to have for many, many, years,” Mother continued. “We keep our food storage under the stairs in the basement.”

“So by storing food, we’re following the Prophet?” Jace asked.

“That’s right! And you know that following the Prophet brings happiness. Right?”

Jace smiled. “The Prophet says we should pray and I know I’m always happier when I do,” Jace agreed.

Jace thought a lot about food storage and following the Prophet during the week. He wanted to follow all the Prophet’s words, because, “‘His words are the Lord’s words,’” Jace said, repeating the words Sister Brown had taught him in Primary. “But, what can I do?” he thought.

The next week Father gave a lesson on Noah’s ark for Family Home Evening. “Noah was a prophet. Do you know who followed the prophet Noah?” Father asked.

“Nobody,” six-year-old Corbin answered.

“Nobody, except, his wife and sons and their wives,” Jace proudly corrected.

“That’s right! Noah’s family helped build the ark, store food, prepare supplies and gather and tend to the animals,” Father explained.

Jace smiled as he thought about what Father had said. “The Lord told them to have food storage,” Jace exclaimed. “Just like He’s told us to!”

“Yes, He did,” Mother replied. “In order for Noah’s family to prepare for hard times.”

“Hard times,” Jace thought. “The flood!”

“Mom, Dad,” Jace said. “I want to be like Noah’s sons and help with our food storage. I’m going to give you all my allowance to use for food storage, after I pay my tithing of course.”

“That’s very generous, Jace,” Father said. “But, the Prophet also said not to go to extremes in establishing our food storage. How about if you give, let’s say, one-tenth of your allowance.”

“That’s the same amount I give back to the Lord,” Jace said with satisfaction.

“Are we going to have to build an awk, too?” Asked three-year-old Morgan.

“Oh, no, Sweetie,” Mother answered. “Heavenly Father promised Noah that He would never flood the earth again and Heavenly Father always keeps His promises.”

Jace added, “That’s why Heavenly Father gave us rainbows, Morgan. As a reminder.”

“Oh, yeah! I like wainbows!” Morgan exclaimed. “They awe pwetty.”

Jace gave his little sister a big hug and whispered in her ear, “But, they’re not nearly as pretty as you are, Morgan!”

by Margie Nauta Lee

Activity idea:

Build an Ark


During this fun Noah’s Ark activity your family will work together, like Noah’s family, to build an ark and gather animals–while learning why we should always follow the prophet!

Treat idea:

Animal Crackers


Noah was commanded to gather all the animals of the earth “…by two, the male and his female.” (Genesis 7:2). Your children will delight in helping to make home-made Animal Crackers using this simple and fun ANIMAL CRACKERS RECIPE and animal shaped cookie cutters. Be sure to make two of each animal! But, if you’re short on time use store-bought animal crackers and have children search the bag for animal “crackers” two by two.

These lessons are perfect for Family Home Evening at the beginning of the week, or to recap the following Sunday. Or use portions of the lesson throughout the week to enhance your family scripture study.

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