New Testament 2023

Before a child runs, they learn to walk. And before they walk, they learn to crawl. A simple, but beautiful, progression with a quiet lesson for us all. In today’s study of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, we learn how we can—and ought to be—growing in the gospel. Much like a child, our first steps in trying something new might be timid, but when we invite the Spirit, we can progress spiritually in ways we never imagined.
How is everyone doing today—like, right now? Before starting this week’s episode, let’s take a moment to think about or write down a sentence or two about how you are. Paul’s message in 2 Corinthians 8–13 is for those of us who maybe aren’t doing so well. For those carrying a tremendous load with no rest stop in sight. In these comforting chapters, Paul reminds us there are prayers being said in our behalf and that God has given us an indescribable gift to rely on—His surpassing grace.
It’s a situation we’ve all been in—wanting to comfort someone but not wanting to sound trite. How do we find the right words when a friend or family member is really going through it? We want to inspire hope for the future, while not invalidating the difficulty of today. In this week’s lesson, we find Paul in just that situation. As we study 2 Corinthians 1–7, we’ll discover what Paul chose to say to comfort the Saints, and perhaps find inspiration on how we, too, can point others to Christ.
Simple truths can come to the rescue in our confusing world. For example, when we hear that we will only live once, we can remember that Christ’s resurrection makes it possible for us rise again. When we hear that that we will never be good enough, we can lean on the grace of God. In this week’s lesson in 1 Corinthians 14–16, we will find more simple truths to add to our pocket to help us when the voices of the world grow loud.
Charity never fails—now that’s a powerful promise. And it’s a truth that can especially be helpful to remember when you are unsure how to move forward. This week, we will read what Paul taught the Saints about charity’s power in 1 Corinthians 8–13. And perhaps one of the most important takeaways is this: we all have a place in Christ’s church, and charity is how we will help everyone feel just how much they belong.
Have you ever been afraid that you don’t have what it takes? Maybe you were just extended a new calling and feel way over your head. Or maybe you’ve received an impression to serve a mission and think you aren’t spiritual enough or smart enough for the task. Well in 1 Corinthians 1–7, we learn that we are exactly the kind of enough that God can work with, and with Him we can become more than we ever could imagine on our own.
Have you ever wanted to share the gospel with someone, but felt unsure of what to say? If so, this week’s study in Romans 7–16 is for you. These chapters contain some of the greatest missionary verses of scripture—verses any one of us could share as a way to spark conversation on a beautiful, doctrinal truth. Come and learn how simple it can be to live President David O. McKay’s motto, “Every member a missionary.”
You know when you get a letter in the mail that you’ve been looking forward to? There’s something exciting about discovering what’s inside, knowing you are reading words that are meant just for you. Well today, we’re going to begin our 17-week study of the letters, or epistles, from the Apostles—and we’re going to focus first on Paul. We’ll start by discussing Romans 1–6 and find that though these letters may not have been written directly to us, we can still look forward to learning many things from them today.
One of the greatest stories of redemption is found in the life of the Apostle Paul. When we first met him, he was actively persecuting Christ’s followers and even took part in a martyrdom. Yet the Lord knew that Paul could become “a chosen vessel unto [Him.]” Paul did change the whole current of his life and dedicated himself to preaching the gospel. In this week’s lesson in Acts 22–28, we will see just how much Paul was transformed as we read his final letters and departing message to the Saints.
April 17, 2023 02:31 PM MDT
When we start feeling like the man who literally misplaced his car for twenty years, we may be getting too distracted.
5 Min Read
February 06, 2023 10:45 AM MST
For the 2023 Come, Follow Me study year, there's a brand-new resource for your home-centered gospel learning.
1 Min Read
January 31, 2023 12:00 PM MST
A new interactive map of the Holy Land allows for a truly unique Come, Follow Me experience where families can—almost literally—follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
1 Min Read
January 11, 2023 06:00 AM MST
Both the new Come, Follow Me study manual and journal edition feature huge, beautiful art pieces on their covers, and the imagery that accompanies each week’s study material is no less inspiring.
1 Min Read
Nothing beats a good pair of shoes when you’re serving a mission. But the number of steps missionaries put in now can’t even be compared to the thousands of miles the Apostle Paul walked in his day. In Acts 16–21, we’ll take a look at the Apostle’s many journeys across the ancient world as he followed the creed to spread the gospel. During his service, Paul was jailed, beaten, and persecuted. But in the end, he leaves us with a humble message that he gave everything he could, and that it's always better to give than to receive.
Managing the relationships in our lives can at times seem like a full-time job; a job that none of us is completely qualified for. Perhaps you can relate to the silent prayer of, “Heavenly Father, please help me to see this person the way you do.” In your experience, how has that prayer impacted the way you think about or interact with people? In this week’s study of Acts 10–15, we’ll learn about the role revelation can play in softening our hearts towards all of God’s children.
Who do you think of when you hear the title “captain”? Captain America? Captain Jack Sparrow? Captain Crunch? Our world has no shortage of high-profile captains. But what about Jesus? You might think that sounds like an unusual title for Christ, that is until we study Acts 6–9 and discuss some inspired words from President Ezra Taft Benson. Then “captain” may become one of the first descriptions that comes to mind when you think of the Savior. We’ll also learn that “Captain” is more than just a title for Christ—it’s one of His most important roles as we learn to follow Him and truly make Him the Captain of our lives.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland once said that a more complete title for the book of Acts could be “The Acts of the Resurrected Christ working through the Holy Spirit in the Lives and Ministries of His Ordained Apostles.” Isn’t that interesting? According to Elder Holland, the “acts” we refer to were Christ’s—not solely those of the Apostles left behind after His death. In today’s lesson, we will dive into Acts 1–5 and see how from the very beginning, the Holy Spirit was influencing the Apostles, and we will also be reminded of the active role the Savior desires to have in our lives.
The story that follows the events after Christ’s death tells of those who loved Him most. There were the women who prepared His body with spices and oils, wrapping Him in linen before He was placed in a tomb. And there were His disciples who rejoiced when they realized that the Savior of the world had risen. While thousands of years have passed since that time, the joy and love that these witnesses of Christ experienced is felt by us today. So while we may not have the opportunity to be at the same tomb as they did, our study of Matthew 28, Mark 16; Luke 24; and John 20–21, will help you feel like you're there—and, we hope, help remind you of your love for Him.
The last Friday of the Savior’s life was filled with devastating, consuming sorrow that will gnaw at the souls of those who love and honor the Son of God. Of all the days since the beginning of this world’s history, this Friday is the darkest. But as Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin once beautifully reminded us, “the doom of that day did not endure. The despair did not linger.” As we study the final hours of Jesus’s life in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19, hold in your heart that both in scripture, and in our own lives, the glory and relief of Sunday will come.