New Testament 2023

As we study Revelation 15–22, the final chapters of John’s revelation, we answer the call to “come and see” that Christ is the “bright and morning star” that shines in the dark sky (Revelation 22:16). This sign is a promise that dawn is coming soon. And according to these chapters, He is coming soon. So, as we patiently wait, we see that in our waiting, our hope and faith have been purified in the fires of latter-day adversity. And this growth will have all of us calling out together, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
In Moses 6:63, the Lord says, “all things are created and made to bear record of me.” At Christmastime especially, we can apply this scripture by asking ourselves, "How do I personally bear record of Him?" This week's Come, Follow Me lesson can help guide us in this effort as we study "The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles.” Let's read this witness from the Apostles and hear from several families about their experiences studying it.
In Revelation 6–14, we learn amazing insights about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. While these chapters appear to be about horses, seals, and signs at first glance, the Savior is truly the central figure. In this episode, we'll discuss what we learn about Him and what will happen when He comes again.
In this episode, we'll begin our study of the book of Revelation—scriptures that some consider to be impossible to understand, overwhelming, and confusing. Our guest, Don Parry, says that the goal of studying Revelation is to “better understand God's designs for the future of the world and its inhabitants and prepare themselves better for the days ahead. In doing so, such individuals will find peace and calmness in their lives, because the Lord has promised us, 'If ye are prepared ye shall not fear' (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30).” So, let’s prepare, along with Don Parry, to dive into Revelation 1–5.
John the Apostle and Jude, one of Jesus’s brothers, wrote their epistles in the New Testament to correct prevailing false doctrine. These corrupt ideas, which had already started leading many Saints into apostasy, included teachings questioning whether Jesus Christ had actually appeared “in the flesh.” Today, as we study 1–3 John and Jude, we’ll dive into how these apostles stood for truth and dispelled erroneous beliefs.
Have you ever considered how inspiring Peter was during the last few years of his life? Christ had shown the Apostle how he would be persecuted and martyred—yet Peter carried on bravely and faithfully. As we study the books of 1 and 2 Peter, we will find inspiration on how we can press forward with optimism and love in the face of trials.
Sometimes just one verse or two of scripture will change you or someone you love. In our study of the book of James this week, you may find verses that help you figure out your mission in life. Or you may find encouragement to be more patient or speak with more kindness. Whatever inspires you, let’s dive in and let these words “enter … into every feeling of [our] heart[s].” And then, as we “receive with meekness the … word,” as James wrote, let's be a doer of the word, not a hearer only.
This week’s lesson of Hebrews 7–13 contains many of what we’ll call “sermons in a sentence.” Lines that have been inspiration for conference talks and Sunday School lessons for generations. And we believe memorizing a few of these powerful one-liners could help carry us through hard times. So let’s dive into life-changing truths like “Christ is the high priest of good things to come” or “cast not away therefore your confidence” and see how they could make a difference in our day to day lives.
Imagine you are in a boat sailing on the ocean. It is a perfect day on the water. The sun is shining; you can feel a slight breeze. All is well. But then you notice dark clouds rolling in. You calculate that there is no way you can make it to the shore for safety. The only thing you can do is batten down the hatches, drop anchor, and hope for the best. Now imagine that anchor. Is it big? Is it sturdy? Can you trust it? In today’s discussion of Hebrews 1–6, we will examine a specific anchor and the good it can do during the most tumultuous of storms of life.
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
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.
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.