Old Testament LESSON 27
Teaching Sunday School or Seminary, Come Follow Me just got easier with our activities for JULY (week #1)
Theme: “If the Lord Be God, Follow Him”
2 Kings 17-19
YOU WILL FIND:
• SCRIPTURE SCHOLARS to get them reading.
• Then scroll down to find Lesson-Match Interactive Activities to match the CFM curriculum
SCRIPTURE SCHOLARS is not only for SUNDAY SCHOOL youth but also for Primary, and for Individuals and Families.
Lesson 27 Scripture Scholars
Week’s Scripture Scholars BOOKMARKS & scripture POP-UP Includes:
• BOOKMARKS with Come, Follow Me scriptures to read and discuss topics for Primary and Individuals and Families. Also, for Sunday School (teens).
• POP-UP to glue in scripture binding next to scripture you underline.
EXTRA ITEMS (not included) … THERE’S MORE:
• STAMP. Award readers with a STAMP for the week’s scripture reading. See below to find matching STAMPS.
• STAMP KEEPER. These can be placed on the STAMP KEEPER (see below) where you can collect 50 stamps for the year
Click on the weekly lesson posters (below) to find interactive activities:
. . . 3 LESSONS & 15 ACTIVITIES . . .
Step 1 CHOOSE LESSON
Step 2 CHOOSE ACTIVITY
Step 3 CLICK ON POSTER
Step 4 DOWNLOAD ACTIVITY
. . . Faith Helps Me Sacrifice . . .
An invitation to sacrifice is an opportunity to exercise our faith.
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The example of the widow of Zarephath may inspire members of your class during times when their faith is tested. You might start by asking them to list choices that require faith in Jesus Christ. Then they could read the account in 1 Kings 17:8–16 and talk about what this story teaches them about exercising faith. Encourage class members to share their feelings about the widow and how her example inspires them to exercise their faith. How is her faith similar to the faith Elisha demonstrated in 1 Kings 19:19–21? Perhaps class members would be willing to share sacrifices they have made for the Lord and how He has blessed them.
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The story of the widow of Zarephath can also teach us about the blessings that come from sacrifice. You could ask class members to ponder how they would respond to statements like these: “I can’t afford to pay tithing” or “I’m too busy to accept a ministering assignment.” What does 1 Kings 17:8–16 teach us that might apply to these statements? How does our knowledge of the Savior help us when we are asked to make sacrifices? Elder Lynn G. Robbins’s words in “Additional Resources” could also help.
The widow of Zarephath.
Elder Lynn G. Robbins said: “Elijah understood the doctrine that blessings come after the trial of our faith [see Ether 12:6; Doctrine and Covenants 132:5]. He wasn’t being selfish. As the Lord’s servant, Elijah was there to give, not to take [see 1 Kings 17:13–16]. … One reason the Lord illustrates doctrines with the most extreme circumstances is to eliminate excuses. If the Lord expects even the poorest widow to pay her mite, where does that leave all others who find that it is not convenient or easy to sacrifice?” (“Tithing—a Commandment Even for the Destitute,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2005, 35). See #1 VIDEO below.
. . . DECISIONS ON FOLLOWING JESUS . . .
“If the Lord be God, follow him.”
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A discussion about 1 Kings 18:17–39 could help class members become more committed to following Jesus Christ and trusting Him. After reviewing the story with the class, you could write on the board the question Elijah asked the people of Israel: “How long halt ye between two opinions?” (verse 21). Let class members share what they feel this question means. What are some reasons the people might have been “halting” (which can mean hesitating, wavering, or limping) between following the Lord and following Baal? Why are we sometimes indecisive about following Jesus Christ? Class members could share experiences that have helped them choose to follow the Savior.
. . . LISTENING TO THE SPIRIT . . .
The Lord often speaks in quiet, simple ways.
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Many people struggle to recognize when the Lord is communicating with them.To help class members better recognize the Lord’s voice, you could invite them to read 1 Kings 19:1–12 and share what Elijah learned. Perhaps class members could share experiences that have taught them about different ways the Lord speaks to them.
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You might want to share the video “How Can I Feel the Holy Ghost More Often?” See VIDEO #4 (below)
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(from“Face to Face with President Eyring and Elder Holland” [worldwide youth broadcast, Mar. 4, 2017], ChurchofJesusChrist.org) for the See VIDEO see #3 (below).
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To help prompt discussion about the phrase “still small voice,” you could display objects (or pictures of objects) that might help class members ponder the phrase. Class members could suggest other examples. Why are the words “still” and “small” good ways to describe the voice of the Spirit? For other descriptions, class members could read scriptures like Helaman 5:30; 3 Nephi 11:3–7; Doctrine and Covenants 6:22–23; 8:2–3; 9:8–9; 11:12–14; 36:2. They may be able to share other scriptures about recognizing the Spirit. What do these scriptures suggest about what we must do to hear the Lord’s voice?
#1 “Feeling the Holy Ghost: Power of the Holy Spirit” (HERE)
#2 “Voice of the Spirit” (HERE) see notes below *Part of the video …
#3 “Face to Face” with President Eyring and Elder Holland (HERE)
*Part of the video (shown left).
DOWNLOAD the RADIO activities below* (that help illustrate this)
From the video “Voice of the Spirit” video #2 (HERE or above)
I have suggested a simple solution for selecting the channel to which you will attune yourself. Listen to and follow the voice of the Spirit. This is an ancient solution, even eternal, and may not be popular in a society whose always looking for something new. This solution requires patience in a world that demands instant gratification. This solution is quiet, peaceful, and subtle. This solution requires that you walk by faith in a world governed by sight. Learn to ponder the things of the Spirit and respond to its promptings. Filter out the static generated by Satan. As you become attune to the Spirit, “Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee saying this is the way, walk ye in it.” Harkening to the voice of the living God will give you peace in this world and eternal life in the world to come. These are the greatest of all the gifts of God. “Voice of the Spirit” video (see #2 video above). www.mormon.org/commandments – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints