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38: “After Much Tribulation … Cometh the Blessing” (Doctrine and Covenants 102–105)

Have you ever built something with your bare hands? Maybe you’re savvy with tools, or maybe assembling IKEA furniture is the closest you’ve gotten to building something. Either way, we all know building includes a lot of different pieces and finagling to get it to all come together. This weeks study group we dig into Doctrine and Covenants 102–105 that is all about building up Zion, and what sort of finagling is involved in helping us become one, together.

36: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer” (September 7–13)

Okay friends, THIS. IS. IT! Today marks the beginning of our study of 3 Nephi, which, according to Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, is “the focal point, the supreme moment, in the entire history of the Book of Mormon." And our study this week of 3 Nephi 1–7 is exactly what we need as we prepare for the Second Coming of Christ. So grab your scriptures and let's dig into some of the most powerful moments in all of scripture.

Find full episodes of the Sunday on Monday study group here. Start your free trial of Deseret Bookshelf PLUS+ here.

42: “Before I Formed Thee in the Belly I Knew Thee” (Jeremiah 1–20)

Have you ever had that sinking feeling when you find out someone snooped in your diary? Or maybe you've done the snooping yourself? In someone's journal you can learn all about that person's most personal experiences—their pains, joys, hopes, and dreams. Well, the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations are no exception. In these writings, we learn about the deepest and most personal thoughts of a great prophet. But in Jeremiah 1–20, we also learn that despite Jeremiah's sorrows, God had a plan for him—and it serves as a powerful reminder that He has a plan for us too.

47: “Seek the Lord, and Ye Shall Live" (Amos, Obadiah)

The prophet Amos’s name has a Hebrew translation that we find fascinating; Amos means being burdened or troubled. At first that seems like an odd name for a prophet, but when you consider the weighty responsibilities God’s chosen servants carry, the name makes sense. In this week’s study of Amos and Obadiah, we’ll learn about the vital role of prophets and why they are asked to carry such a heavy burden. We will also find the comforting reassurance that the Lord “will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”

8: “Blessed Are Ye” (Matthew 5, Luke 6)

Here's a little lesson for your Come, Follow Me this week: in Latin, the word beatus means fortunate, blessed, or happy. This means that the Beatitudes in Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount are the happy verses, because in Matthew 5 and Luke 6 you can substitute “blessed” with the word “happy” whenever you read it. Basically, these chapters have the recipe for a happy life—all you need is lots of light, a dash of salt, and a willing heart to follow the recipe as best as you can for a reward that won't disappoint.

9: “He Taught Them as One Having Authority” (Matthew 6-7)

Did you know when Janice Kapp Perry wrote “A Child’s Prayer” she was waiting for an answer to prayer herself? She wanted to know if Heavenly Father was there and if He was listening. And do you remember the answer that question? In the second verse Perry writes, “He hears your prayer / He loves the children.” Those simple yet beautiful words remind us of Matthew, chapters 6–7, when Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount. In His message, He shares instruction on prayer and gives the same reassurance that we receive in that Primary song—that He knows and loves each one of us.

48: “He Delighteth in Mercy” (Jonah, Micah)

Sometimes we find the Old Testament relatable not because of the stories where people have everything figured out, but because of the stories where they don't. Like us, these individuals are imperfect—and occasionally, they might even have a bit of a rebellious streak. This week’s story is about one such prophet. Jonah sacrificed everything to go and do, but when he got his call to serve, he ran in the opposite direction. Eventually, though, he repented and served with his whole heart. Our study today is in the books of Jonah and Micah, where we learn the stories of normal people who answered the call to be prophets.

23: “In Remembrance” (Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13)

Think of someone who is very important to you. How did you meet and what happened to make them so essential in your life? And finally, how do you let this person know they are important to you? This week as we study Matthew 26, Mark 14, and John 13 we will discuss the important people in our lives—and who is important to Jesus. As we do we’ll learn from the Master the best ways to make sure those we love know they really matter.

12: “I Will Give You Rest” (Matthew 11-12, Luke 11)

What goes into making a winning team? First things first: you need to pick a team and sign up. And in today’s discussion of Matthew 11–12 and Luke 11, we talk all about the best team to sign up for. Because when you join Christ’s team, know the rule book, and put on His jersey—er, yoke—then you always come out on top. So let's study the game plan of what Jesus’s winning team looks like and accept the invitation He gives to come claim our spots.

22: “The Son of Man Shall Come” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1; Matthew 24–25; Mark 12–13; Luke 21)

When thinking about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ it’s easy to think of the Primary song “When He Comes Again.” There are a lot of thought provoking questions from the children’s song like, will Earth be white with drifted snow, or will the world know spring? Will one star shine far brighter than the rest; will daylight stay the whole night through? And we can add, will I be alive when that day comes? These musings and visualizations on the future are what this week’s lesson is all about in Joseph Smith Matthew 1, Matthew 24-25, Mark 12-13, and Luke 21. The stories found in these gospels will have us all wondering about when He comes again.