On
the fourth Sunday of each month, quorums, groups, and Relief Societies
discuss a topic selected by the First Presidency and Quorum of the
Twelve Apostles. These topics will be updated with every general
conference. The topic until the next general conference will be the
Sabbath day. Leaders or teachers may choose from the doctrines and
learning activities suggested below, combine several of them, or create
their own according to the needs of members.
The Sabbath is a day to remember what God has done for us.
Throughout history, God has associated certain mighty works with the Sabbath. These mighty works include the Creation (see Genesis 2:1–3), the exodus of the children of Israel from Egypt (see Deuteronomy 5:15), and the Savior’s Resurrection (see John 20:1–19; Acts 20:7).
Invite members to review these passages and discuss how remembering
each of these events can help us honor the Sabbath day. What are some of
the mighty works that God has done for us? How can we remember these
things on the Sabbath day? As applicable, invite members to discuss
questions like these in their families.
Jesus Christ is the Lord of the Sabbath.
The Sabbath is also called the Lord’s day (see Revelation 1:10). Why do you think that Jesus Christ is called the Lord of the Sabbath? (see Matthew 12:8).
Review together a few verses that can help inspire members to think of
ways to center their Sabbath day experiences on Jesus Christ (for
example, Helaman 5:12; Ether 12:41; Moroni 10:32; and D&C 6:36–37).
What other verses can members share that could help them make the
Sabbath more Christ-centered? What goals can we set to help us focus on
the Savior throughout the Sabbath day?
Jesus Christ is our example of honoring the Sabbath.
During
His mortal ministry, the Savior took opportunities to teach about the
Sabbath day. Ask members to read the following accounts and make a list
of things that Jesus did on the Sabbath and the principles that He
taught: Luke 6:1–11; 13:11–17; John 5:1–20; 9:1–16. What other principles about the Sabbath do we learn from the following verses? Exodus 20:8–11; 31:12–18; Isaiah 58:13–14; and D&C 59:9–19. Invite members to share what they can do to follow the Savior’s example.
See also Russell M. Nelson, “The Sabbath Is a Delight,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 129–32.
The Sabbath is a day to worship.
Write the word worship on the board and ask class members to write other words that are related next to it. Then make three columns with the words before, during, and after
at the top of each column. What can we do before, during, and after
church to worship the Lord on His holy day? Class members could read
together Mosiah 18:17–29 and Moroni 6
for ideas. Invite members to ponder how their attitudes and actions on
the Sabbath day are helping them worship the Lord on that day (see Exodus 31:16–17). What can we do to help improve the worship experience our families and ward members are having during Church meetings?
Partaking of the sacrament allows us to have the Spirit with us always.
Write
the following question on the board: How is the sacrament affecting
your life? To answer this question, invite members to work in pairs to
select and discuss one phrase from the sacrament prayers in Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79 and the counsel in Doctrine and Covenants 59:9.
Give each pair time to find scriptures that help them better understand
their phrase and discuss how they would answer the question on the
board. You might also invite class members to choose favorite sacrament
hymns and sing them together.
See also Cheryl A. Esplin, “The Sacrament—a Renewal for the Soul,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 12–14.
The Sabbath is a day to serve others.
What
can we learn about serving others on the Sabbath from the ways the
Savior served and blessed those around Him? Encourage members to review
and discuss Matthew 9:10–13; Luke 19:1–9; John 11:32–46; 13:1–5, 12–17; and 3 Nephi 17:5–10.
Ask members to think about these scriptures as they consider how they
can serve on the Sabbath. For example, they could serve family members,
reach out to individuals and families they minister to as home and
visiting teachers, work on family history, visit the sick, or share the
gospel. Perhaps members could have a family council to plan ways they
can serve others on the Sabbath.
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