Youth – 5 CFM Ideas for Aug 26 – Sept 01, 2024

by | Aug 23, 2024

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5 TEACHING IDEAS FOR COME FOLLOW ME LESSONS

See the complete list of CFM Lessons

Helaman 1-6

Helaman, son of Helaman has powerful truths for us to ponder, especially about Jesus Christ.

Lesson Notes

You can find the full Come, Follow Me lesson here. Unless you opt to spend a lot of time on a particular quote, try to pick around 2 questions per quote. Choose the questions that resonate the most with you and make a meaningful discussion for your group of personalities.

All blue quotes from the Book of Mormon (unless otherwise noted).

Lesson Prep

  • If you want the discussion to be more meaningful, hand out reading assignments ahead of time and ask the reader to answer one question about them (pick one of the questions below and give it to them, along with the assigned quote). The sooner you do this, the better, but if possible, at least show it to them before the Sacrament meeting. You can also text or email it.
  • Ask various people to read and participate – especially those who aren’t asked as much.

Lesson Delivery

You can arrange the quotes in any order that makes sense to you. I suggest starting with the most important ones and working your way down. Don’t worry about covering all the quotes.

  • Make sure you assign others to read the quotes. You’re talking enough already. Letting others read allows more people to participate.
  • Encourage discussion by accepting all reasonable answers. Validate people for participating and be thankful they spoke up. Engage with the answer in a conversational way whenever it feels natural. Never say, “That’s not the right answer,” or “We haven’t got to that part of the lesson yet.”
  • Remember, spiritual discussion is golden. We want people to talk about the gospel together.
  • If a lesson takes a different turn, roll with it. The Spirit intends for you to be successful.
  • If the discussion gets too non-spiritual, pull it back by going to the following quote or question.
  • Avoid videos – they shut down discussion. Save them for personal study.

Quote #1 (jesus)

Possible engagement tool: Have the class members consider “How valuable is our testimony of Jesus Christ?” as you read the following verses.

Possible discussion questions: How do you feel about Jesus Christ, and why is he important to you? What is one of your favorite stories about Jesus?

Quote #2 (study)

“The Standard Works are capable of transferring godly power to you – the reader. Many verses are effectively written to channel the Spirit straight to your soul.

“They are Divine Code.

“The biggest discovery in the scriptures is yourself. I’m convinced the Word of God is intentionally arranged to spiral each one of us upwards — on a progressive journey to a phenomenal, empowered version of ourselves.” ~Shawnie Cannon

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Study all the Standard Works. Each is unique.

Possible intro: Have your class think about one of their favorite experiences reading the scriptures as you read the following verse together.

Possible activity: Ask 2-3 class members ahead of time (give them a week if possible) to pick out a favorite verse from the scriptures and share with the class both the scripture and what it means to them.

Possible discussion questions: Does anyone [else] have a favorite verse or experience with the scriptures they would like to share? Why are the scriptures important to you? How do you feel when you read the scriptures regularly? Why did God give us scriptures?

Quote #3 (member)

Is it possible to be an active church member and still be untrue to Christ or not live the gospel during the week?

Possible intro: The Book of Mormon repeatedly documents corruption among ancient church members that led to great affliction. Invite your class to listen to what they did.

Note: These verses can be divided between 2-3 readers.

Possible discussion question: What are some of the behaviors Helaman warns about? Why did Mormon include these stories in his abridgment? Are these verses written for our time as well? How can we keep our testimony bright and strong?

Quote #4 (from)

Possible engagement tool: Write the words “in” and “from” on the board. Or have them printed in large font ahead of time. Tell your class to listen for a vital clarification Helaman makes between the words “in” and “from” at the end of the following verses.

“in their sins” means they don’t stop sinning and don’t repent.

“from their sins” means they stop sinning and are strengthened to repent and live better.

Joseph Smith put it simply:  “Jesus designs to save the people out of their sins. Said Jesus, “Ye shall do the work, which ye see me do.” (TPJS 239)

Doing what we see Jesus do helps us leave our sins behind and replace them with better living and habits.

Possible discussion questions: What is the important distinction Helaman makes between “in” and “from”? (Read the last sentence again if necessary.) Most Christians believe Jesus will save them in their sins; what are we taught? How important is “the atoning blood of Jesus Christ”? Do we believe we can be exalted without repentance? (No.)

Quote #5 (rock)

Know who the “Rock” is and what role He offers to play in our daily lives. He invites us to enjoy a personal closeness if we accept Him and seek Him. Helaman 5:12 is one of my most revered verses in the Book of Mormon. This gem helps us focus on what matters.

Possible activity: Focus on three keywords and what they mean. Write these on the board or print them ahead of time in a large, readable font.

foundation: groundwork, infrastructure, or support.
shaft: a bolt of lightning, can also mean arrow or spear
rock (as a foundation): anchor, mainstay, defense, protection, strength

Possible discussion questions: In what ways can we build our daily life on the Savior? How do you bring Jesus Christ into your life? Why is “Rock” repeatedly used as a symbol for Christ? Can trials and hard times be like “shafts in the whirlwind”? Is it possible to be at peace even when life is very hard? Who brings peace? (Christ)

Summary

Summarize class discussion highlights and/or share your testimony and feelings about the lesson. Thank your class for their excellent contributions and insights.

Final Comment

As you study and teach, you can help others find more truths in the scriptures. Thank you for bringing powerful Book of Mormon teachings into other people’s lives.

If you would like some tips on how to feel more confident while teaching, try “9 Tips for More Class Participation.Please arrange the quotes in any order that makes sense to you.

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1 Comment

  1. Janine

    Your efforts and insights are so appreciated. Thank you for all you do!

    Reply

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