June 24-30
Theme: Enter into the Rest of the Lord
Scripture Focus: Alma 13-16
Welcome to the weekly “Come, Follow Me” study guide. This guide is designed to assist you in your personal scripture study and reflection, helping you delve deeper into the teachings of Jesus Christ and apply them in your daily life. You’ll find scriptures to focus on and simple daily prompts to guide your study each week. By consistently following this guide, you can enhance your understanding of the gospel, strengthen your relationship with God, and experience personal growth and spiritual development. As we study “Come, Follow Me” at home, we invite the Spirit into our lives, receive personal revelation, and build a foundation of faith that sustains us through life’s challenges.
Introduction:
Welcome to this week’s study guide for “Come Follow Me,” where we delve into the profound teachings of Alma, chapters 13 to 16. These chapters invite us to explore the concept of entering into the rest of the Lord, a theme rich with spiritual significance and practical application for our lives today. As we embark on this journey, we will unpack what it means to find rest in the Lord, how we can prepare ourselves to enter that rest, and the transformative power it can have on our daily walk of faith.
Alma’s words, delivered with urgency and compassion, address both the priesthood and the people of his time, yet they resonate deeply with us today. In Alma 13, we are introduced to the idea of being called and prepared from the foundation of the world. Alma speaks of high priests who were chosen for their exceeding faith and good works, emphasizing that their calling was not just a position but a state of being that led them to the rest of the Lord. This rest is depicted not as mere physical relaxation but as a profound spiritual peace and assurance that comes from living in harmony with God’s will.
As we move into Alma 14, the narrative shifts to the stark realities of rejection and persecution faced by Alma and Amulek. The horrific scenes of believers being cast into the fire challenge us to reflect on the price of discipleship and the strength required to maintain faith amidst trials. This chapter serves as a poignant reminder that entering the rest of the Lord often involves enduring hardship and trusting in God’s ultimate justice and mercy.
In Alma 15, we witness the miraculous healing of Zeezrom, a former antagonist who experiences a powerful conversion. His journey from guilt and despair to healing and forgiveness exemplifies the restorative power of Christ’s atonement. This transformation is a testament to the possibility of entering into the Lord’s rest regardless of one’s past, highlighting the themes of redemption and hope.
Finally, Alma 16 describes the Nephites’ deliverance from their enemies, underscoring the protection and peace that come from trusting in the Lord. This chapter illustrates that entering into the rest of the Lord is not only an individual spiritual experience but also a collective one, where communities of faith find safety and rest under God’s care.
Throughout this week’s study, we will explore questions that encourage deep reflection and personal application. How can we prepare ourselves to enter into the rest of the Lord? What does this rest look like in our daily lives? How do faith, repentance, and enduring to the end play roles in this process? As we ponder these questions and study these chapters, may we draw closer to the peace that the Lord offers, finding rest in His eternal embrace.
Day 1: Discover
- Read the assigned scriptures for the week.
- Alma 13-16
- Reflect on key phrases or messages.
- Consider historical context and background information.
- Reading the chapter headings can help gain background context.
Day 2: Study
- Dive deeper into the scriptures by studying cross-references.
- Consult study aids such as footnotes, Bible dictionary, or online resources.
- Here are a few podcasts to listen to as you study Come Follow Me this week.
- Keep a study journal and write down any questions that arise as you study this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson.
Day 3: Apply
- Reflect on how these chapters apply to your life.
- Consider a time in your life when you experienced a change of heart.
- Think of several ways to enter into the rest of the Lord this week. Here are a few ideas:
- Daily prayer
- Simple acts of service
- Attending church services
- Worshiping in the temple
- Study the scriptures.
Day 4: Share
- Discuss the scriptures and insights gained with a friend, family member, or study group.
- Exchange thoughts and perspectives.
- Share something you learned from your Come, Follow Me study this week with a friend, family member, or on social media.
Day 5: Ponder
- Find a peaceful environment and dedicate specific time to reflecting on what you have learned. Consider visiting the temple or a place of worship that resonates with you, as it can provide a serene setting conducive to contemplation.
- Pray for guidance and understanding.
- Reflecting on what you have studied this week, consider these questions:
- How can we prepare ourselves to enter into the rest of the Lord?
- What does this rest look like in our daily lives?
- How do faith, repentance, and enduring to the end play roles in this process?
- Consider how the principles taught can deepen your relationship with God.
Conclusion:
As we conclude this week’s study on the theme “Enter into the Rest of the Lord” from Alma, chapters 13 to 16, we hope you have found new insights and inspiration in your spiritual journey. These chapters remind us that the rest of the Lord is not merely a future promise but a present reality we can experience through faith, repentance, and trust in God. By emulating the faith of the high priests, enduring trials with courage, embracing the power of Christ’s atonement, and seeking the collective strength of our faith communities, we can find profound peace and rest in the Lord. May this study guide serve as a catalyst for deeper reflection and a more committed walk with the Savior, allowing His rest to permeate every aspect of our lives.
Additional Resources:
- Here are some links to relevant talks, articles, and videos from Church leaders that can benefit your study this week.
Hannah Hall is a student at Utah State University, studying Human Experience Design and Interaction. She loves music, reading, hiking, gardening, baking, and spending time with her family.
