Come Follow Me - Selected Readings: Recent Episodes
Mike Hammari
A compilation of suggested readings for the "Come Follow Me" curriculum. No commentary. Just the related audio files of selected readings as outlined by the individual study guide. Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“That You May Come Off Conqueror”
As the translation of the Book of Mormon progressed, a question naturally arose: What should Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery do about those pages of the translation that had been lost? The logical thing might be to go back and retranslate that portion, but the Lord could see something that they could not—wicked men were plotting to alter the words on those pages to cast doubt on Joseph’s inspired work. God had a plan to thwart Satan’s efforts and compensate for what was lost. This plan was put into motion thousands of years earlier when the prophet Nephi felt inspired to create a second record that covered the same time period. Later, Mormon was inspired to include this record in the Book of Mormon “for a wise purpose” known to the Lord
In spring 1829 Oliver Cowdery traveled to Harmony and volunteered to be Joseph Smith’s scribe as he translated the Book of Mormon. Oliver now had a close view of the revelatory process of translation. The experience thrilled him, and he wondered if he could also be blessed with a gift to translate. The Lord allowed him to attempt to translate, but receiving revelation was new for Oliver, and his attempt did not go well. He still had a lot to learn, and Doctrine and Covenants 6, 8, and 9 show that the Lord was willing to teach him.
“He Shall Come into the World to Redeem His People”
The Christmas season is a time to reflect on and express gratitude for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As you read and ponder this week about His birth and life, consider how your study of the Book of Mormon this year has strengthened your testimony that He is the Savior of the world. Record impressions that come to you.
“Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him”
The Book of Mormon opens with Nephi’s promise to show us that “the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith” (1 Nephi 1:20). The book closes with a similar message from Moroni as he prepared to “seal up” the records: he invited us to “remember how merciful the Lord hath been” (Moroni 10:2–3). Even if we think only of the many mercies recorded in the Book of Mormon, this gives us a lot to think about. What examples come to your mind? You might ponder the merciful way God led Lehi’s family through the wilderness and across the great waters, the tender mercies He showed to Enos when his soul hungered for forgiveness, or the mercy He showed to Alma, a bitter enemy of the Church who became one of its fearless defenders. Or your thoughts might turn to the mercy the resurrected Savior showed to the people when He healed their sick and blessed their little children. Perhaps most important, all of this can remind you of “how merciful the Lord hath been” to you, for one of the main purposes of the Book of Mormon is to invite each of us to receive God’s mercy—an invitation expressed simply in Moroni’s farewell words, “Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him” (Moroni 10:32).
“May Christ Lift Thee Up”
Before Moroni concluded the record we know today as the Book of Mormon with his own final words, he shared three messages from his father, Mormon: an address to “the peaceable followers of Christ” (Moroni 7:3) and two letters that Mormon had written to Moroni. Perhaps Moroni included these messages in the Book of Mormon because he foresaw similarities between the perils of his day and ours. When these words were written, the Nephite people as a whole were tumbling headlong into apostasy. Many of them had “lost their love, one towards another” and delighted in “everything save that which is good” (Moroni 9:5, 19). And yet Mormon still found cause for hope—teaching us that hope does not mean ignoring or being naive about the world’s problems; it means having faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, whose power is greater and more everlasting than those problems. It means “lay[ing] hold upon every good thing” (Moroni 7:19). It means letting the Atonement of Jesus Christ “and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind” (Moroni 9:25). And until the glorious day of Christ’s Second Coming, it means never ceasing the “labor [we have] to perform … [to] conquer the enemy of all righteousness” (Moroni 9:6).
Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without authorization from www.churchofjesuschrist.org.
“To Keep Them in the Right Way”
After finishing his father’s record of the Nephites and abridging the record of the Jaredites, Moroni thought at first that his record-keeping work was done (see Moroni 1:1). What more was there to say about two nations that were utterly destroyed? But Moroni had seen our times (see Mormon 8:35), and he was inspired to “write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth … in some future day” (Moroni 1:4). He knew that widespread apostasy was coming, bringing with it confusion about priesthood ordinances and religion in general. This may be why he gave clarifying details about the sacrament, baptism, conferring the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the blessings of gathering with fellow believers to “keep [each other] in the right way, … relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of [our] faith” (Moroni 6:4). Precious insights like these give us reason to be thankful that the Lord preserved Moroni’s life so he could “write a few more things” (Moroni 1:4).
Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without authorization from www.churchofjesuschrist.org.
“By Faith, All Things Are Fulfilled”
Ether’s prophecies to the Jaredites were “great and marvelous” (Ether 12:5). He “told them of all things, from the beginning of man” (Ether 13:2). He foresaw “the days of Christ” and the latter-day New Jerusalem (Ether 13:4). And he spoke of “hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God” (Ether 12:4). But the Jaredites rejected his words, for the same reason people often reject the prophecies of God’s servants today—“because they [see] them not” (Ether 12:5). It takes faith to believe in promises or warnings about things we can’t see, just as it took faith for Ether to prophesy of “great and marvelous things” to an unbelieving people. It took faith for Moroni to trust that the Lord could take his “weakness in writing” and turn it into strength (see Ether 12:23–27). It’s this kind of faith that makes us “sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God” (Ether 12:4). And it’s this kind of faith by which “all things are fulfilled” (Ether 12:3).
Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without authorization from www.churchofjesuschrist.org.
“That Evil May Be Done Away”
Hundreds of years after the Jaredites were destroyed, the Nephites discovered the ruins of their ancient civilization. Among these ruins was a mysterious record—plates of “pure gold” that were “filled with engravings” (Mosiah 8:9). The Nephite king, Limhi, could sense that this record was important: “Doubtless a great mystery is contained within these plates,” he said (Mosiah 8:19). Today you have an abridgment of this record, translated into your language, and it’s called the book of Ether. It comes from the same record that the Nephites “were desirous beyond measure” to read, and when they did, “they were filled with sorrow; nevertheless it gave them much knowledge, in the which they did rejoice” (Mosiah 28:12, 18). As you read about the rise and the tragic fall of the Jaredites, you’ll find many sorrowful moments. But don’t overlook the joy of learning lessons from this history. After all, as Moroni wrote, “it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you” (Ether 8:23), for if we can learn from the failures and the successes of the Jaredites, “evil may be done away, and … the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men” (Ether 8:26).
Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without authorization from www.churchofjesuschrist.org.
August 10–16
Alma 53–63 “Preserved by His Marvelous Power”
The accounts in Alma 53–63 can help you see the consequences of living gospel truths or rejecting them. As you read Alma 53–63, record promptings and ponder ways you can live the truths you learn.
“Plant This Word in Your Hearts”
For the Zoramites, prayer was a self-centered, routine practice that happened only once a week. It consisted of standing where all could see and repeating vain, self-satisfied words. Perhaps worse, the Zoramites lacked faith in Jesus Christ—even denied His existence—and persecuted the poor (see Alma 31:9–25). By contrast, Alma and Amulek boldly taught that prayer has more to do with what happens in our hearts than on a public platform. And if it doesn’t lead to compassion toward those in need, it is “vain, and availeth … nothing” (Alma 34:28). Most important, it is an expression of faith in Jesus Christ, who offers redemption through His “infinite and eternal sacrifice” (Alma 34:10). Such faith, Alma explained, is born of humility and a “desire to believe” (Alma 32:27). It grows gradually, like a tree, and requires constant nourishment. As you read Alma 32–35, you might consider your own faith and prayers; do you ever feel any Zoramite-like attitudes creeping in? How will you nourish your faith in Jesus Christ so it will become “a tree springing up unto everlasting life”? (Alma 32:41).
They “Never Did Fall Away”
As you study Alma 23–29, what messages do you find for yourself and your family? What can you share in your Church classes? Do you sometimes wonder whether people can really change? Maybe you worry about whether you can overcome poor choices you’ve made or bad habits you’ve developed, or you may have similar worries about loved ones. If so, the story of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies can help you. These people were the sworn enemies of the Nephites. When Ammon and his brethren decided to preach the gospel to them, the Nephites “laughed [them] to scorn.” Killing the Lamanites seemed like a more plausible solution than converting them. (See Alma 26:23–25.)
But the Lamanites did change—through the converting power of the Lord. Where once they were known as “a hardened and a ferocious people” (Alma 17:14), they became “distinguished for their zeal towards God” (Alma 27:27). In fact, they “never did fall away” (Alma 23:6).
Maybe you have false traditions to abandon or “weapons of … rebellion” to lay down (Alma 23:7). Or maybe you just need to be a little more zealous in your testimony and a little less prone to falling away. No matter what changes you need, Alma 23–29 can give you hope that, through the atoning power of Jesus Christ, long-lasting change is possible.
“I Will Make an Instrument of Thee”
Think of all of the reasons people might give for not sharing the gospel: “I don’t know enough” or “I’m not sure they would be interested” or maybe “What if I offend them?” Maybe you’ve found yourself thinking similar things at times. The Nephites had an additional reason for not sharing the gospel with the Lamanites: they were “a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people; a people who delighted in murdering the Nephites” (Alma 17:14; see also Alma 26:23–25). But the sons of Mosiah had an even stronger reason why they felt they must share the gospel with the Lamanites: “They were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish” (Mosiah 28:3). This love that inspired Ammon and his brothers can also inspire you to share the gospel with your family, friends, and acquaintances—even those who may not seem likely to accept it.
Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without authorization from www.churchofjesuschrist.org.
Enter into the Rest of the Lord
In many ways, life in Ammonihah had been good for both Amulek and Zeezrom. Amulek was “a man of no small reputation,” with “many kindreds and friends” and “much riches” (Alma 10:4). Zeezrom was “one of the most expert” among the lawyers and enjoyed “much business” (Alma 10:31). Then Alma arrived in Ammonihah with a divine invitation to repent and “enter into the rest of the Lord” (Alma 13:16). For Amulek, Zeezrom, and others, accepting this invitation required sacrifice and even led to almost unbearable adversity.
But of course the story doesn’t end there. In Alma 13–16, we learn what ultimately happens to those who believe “in the power of Christ unto salvation” (Alma 15:6). Sometimes there’s deliverance, sometimes healing—and sometimes things don’t get any easier in this life. But always, “the Lord receiveth [His people] up unto himself, in glory” (Alma 14:11). Always, the Lord grants “power, according to [our] faith which [is] in Christ” (Alma 14:28). And always, that “faith on the Lord” gives us “hope that [we] shall receive eternal life” (Alma 13:29). As you read these chapters, you can take comfort in these promises, and you may come to understand better what Alma meant when he spoke of “the rest of the Lord.”
Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without authorization from www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Created for personal use and shared because "why not".
More about Mike: MikeAcrossAmerica.com
Jesus Christ Will Come to Redeem His People
God’s work will not fail. But our efforts to help with His work sometimes seem to fail—at least, we may not immediately see the outcomes we hope for. At times we might feel a little like Alma when he preached the gospel in Ammonihah—rejected, spit on, and cast out. Yet when an angel instructed him to go back and try again, Alma courageously “returned speedily” (Alma 8:18), and God prepared the way before him. Not only did He provide Alma food to eat and a place to stay, but He also prepared Amulek, who became a fellow laborer, a fierce defender of the gospel, and a faithful friend. When we face setbacks and disappointments as we serve in the Lord’s kingdom, we can remember how God supported and led Alma, and we can trust that God will support and lead us too, even in difficult circumstances.
“Have Ye Experienced This Mighty Change in Your Hearts?
Alma did not know about today’s lifesaving heart transplant surgeries, which replace a damaged or diseased heart with a healthy one. But he knew about a more miraculous “change of heart” (Alma 5:26)—one whereby the Savior gives us a newness of spiritual life, like being “born again” (see Alma 5:14, 49). Alma could see that this change of heart was exactly what many of the Nephites needed. Some were rich and others poor, some prideful and others humble, some persecutors and others afflicted by persecution (see Alma 4:6–15). But all of them needed to come unto Jesus Christ to be healed—just as we all do. Whether we are seeking to overcome pride or to endure afflictions, Alma’s message is the same: “Come and fear not” (Alma 7:15). Let the Savior change a hardened, sinful, or wounded heart into one that is humble, pure, and new.
Additional Talks
Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease By Elder David A. Bednar
“By Way of Invitation” (Alma 5:62) Betty Jo N. Jepsen
Return and Receive By Elder M. Russell Ballard
“They Were Steadfast and Immovable”
Some might see King Mosiah’s proposal to replace kings with elected judges as merely wise political reform. But to the Nephites, especially those who lived under wicked King Noah, this change had spiritual significance too. They had seen how an unrighteous king had caused “iniquity” and “great destruction” among his people (Mosiah 29:17), and they were “exceedingly anxious” to be free from such influence. This change would allow them to be responsible for their own righteousness and “answer for [their] own sins” (Mosiah 29:38; see also Doctrine and Covenants 101:78).
“Be Perfectly Joined Together”
1 Corinthians 1–7
During the months that Paul spent in Corinth, “many of the Corinthians hearing [him] believed, and were baptized” (Acts 18:8). So it must have been heartbreaking for Paul to hear, just a few years later, that there were “divisions” and “contentions” among the Corinthian Saints and that in his absence they began to heed the “wisdom of this world” (1 Corinthians 1:10–11, 20). In response, Paul wrote the letter we now call 1 Corinthians. It is full of profound doctrine, and yet at the same time, Paul seemed disappointed that the Saints were not ready to receive all the doctrine he wanted to give them. “I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual,” he lamented, “for ye are yet carnal” (1 Corinthians 3:1–3). As we prepare to read Paul’s words, it might be helpful to examine our own readiness to receive truth—including our willingness to heed the Spirit and strive for unity within our families, with our fellow Saints, and with God.
“Overcome Evil with Good”
Romans 7–16
As he opened his epistle to the Romans, Paul greeted Church members in Rome by calling them “beloved of God” who were “called to be saints.” He remarked that their “faith [was] spoken of throughout the whole world” (Romans 1:7–8). Even though Paul spent much of his epistle correcting false ideas and flawed behaviors, it seems he also wanted to assure these new Christian converts that they truly were Saints who were beloved of God. In a humble show of empathy, Paul acknowledged that he had felt like a “wretched man” at times (Romans 7:24), but the gospel of Jesus Christ had given him power to overcome sin (see Joseph Smith Translation, Romans 7:22–27 [in the Bible appendix]). He went on to share tender counsel for all of us who struggle to feel beloved and for whom saintliness may seem out of reach. “Be not overcome of evil,” he said—both evil in the world and evil in ourselves—“but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
“The Power of God unto Salvation”
Romans 1–6
By the time Paul wrote his Epistle to Roman Church members, who were a diverse group of Jews and Gentiles, the Church of Jesus Christ had grown far beyond a small band of believers from Galilee. About 20 years after the Savior’s Resurrection, there were congregations of Christians almost everywhere the Apostles could reasonably travel—including Rome, the capital of a vast empire. But while Paul’s immediate audience was the Roman Saints, his message is universal, and it includes all of us today: “The gospel of Christ … is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Romans 1:16).
“A Minister and a Witness”
Acts 22–28
“When we are on the Lord’s errand,” President Thomas S. Monson promised, “we are entitled to the Lord’s help”. We are not entitled, however, to a smooth road and an endless stream of successes. For evidence of this, we need look no further than Paul the Apostle. His errand from the Savior was “to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel”. Paul’s experiences are an inspiring reminder that when the Lord’s servants accept His call to “go … and teach all nations,” He will fulfill His promise to them: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world”.
Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without permission from www.churchofjesuschrist.org.
“The Lord Had Called Us for to Preach the Gospel”
Acts 16–21
Among the Lord’s final words to His Apostles was the commandment, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). While the Apostles didn’t quite make it to all nations, Acts 16–21 does show that Paul and his companions did make remarkable progress in establishing the Church.
Sorry, I missed the last 2 weeks. Once again my homeless travelling got in the way. As always, I hope you will find this helpful.
Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without permission from www.churchofjesuschrist.org.
“Ye Shall Be Witnesses unto Me”
Acts 1–5
As you study Acts 1–5, the Holy Ghost can inspire you to find truths that are relevant for your life. Take note of verses that impress you, and look for opportunities to share what you are learning.
I almost forgot to post this one. I got it done early while on a plane and didn't think to upload it until this afternoon. If you are finding these helpful please share with others who might appreciate them. I'm currently involved with another project as well that is taking up a lot of time. MikeAcrossAmerica.com so if I feel the pressure of hundreds of people waiting on them I might be a bit more motivated to make sure they get done.
Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without permission from www.churchofjesuschrist.org.
“He Is Risen”
Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20–21
Prayerfully read Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; and John 20–21, reflecting on the joy you have because of the Resurrection of Christ. Ponder how you might share your testimony of this event with others.
If you are finding these helpful please share with others who might appreciate them. I'm currently involved with another project as well that is taking up a lot of time. MikeAcrossAmerica.com so if I feel the pressure of hundreds of people waiting on them I might be a bit more motivated to make sure they get done.
Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without permission from www.churchofjesuschrist.org.
“It Is Finished”
Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; and John 19 include descriptions of the final hours of the Savior’s mortal life. Seek to feel His love for you as you study about His sacrifice and death.
Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without permission from www.churchofjesuschrist.org.
I'm going to try and keep these coming. Sorry for missing a few weeks there. I'm currently involved with another project as well that is taking up a lot of time. MikeAcrossAmerica.com
“Not as I Will, but as Thou Wilt” Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 18
Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without permission from LDS.org.
I'm going to try and keep these coming. Sorry for missing a few weeks there. I'm currently involved with another project as well that is taking up a lot of time. MikeAcrossAmerica.com
“Continue Ye in My Love” - John 13–17
I accidentally did next week's episode first and had to rush through this one. I'm currently involved with another project as well that is taking up a lot of time. MikeAcrossAmerica.com
Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without permission from LDS.org.
“The Son of Man Shall Come” Joseph Smith—Matthew 1; Matthew 25; Mark 12–13; Luke 21. Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without permission from LDS.org.
I'm going to try and keep these coming. Sorry for missing a few weeks there. I'm currently involved with another project as well that is taking up a lot of time. MikeAcrossAmerica.com
“Behold, Thy King Cometh” Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12 Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without permission from LDS.org.
“What Lack I Yet?” Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18 Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without permission from LDS.org.
“Thou Art the Christ” Matthew 16–17; Mark 8–9; Luke 9 Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without permission from LDS.org.
"Be Not Afraid” Matthew 14–15; Mark 6–7; John 5–6 Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without permission from LDS.org.
“Who Hath Ears to Hear, Let Him Hear” Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13 | Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without permission from LDS.org.
“These Twelve Jesus Sent Forth” Matthew 10–12; Mark 2; Luke 7; 11 Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without permission from LDS.org.
“Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole” Matthew 8–9; Mark 2–5. Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without permission from LDS.org.
“He Taught Them as One Having Authority” Chapters Matthew 6–7. Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without permission from LDS.org.
“Blessed Are Ye” Chapters: Matthew 5; Luke 6 Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without permission from LDS.org.
“Ye Must Be Born Again” John 2–4
Not an official podcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All content used without permission from LDS.org.