Come, Follow Me is a resource offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is designed to be used in the home to support personal and family scripture study to build faith in Heavenly Father and His plan of salvation and in the Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Come, Follow Me is self-contained and adequate, when used properly. Products and materials designed to supplement this resource, though they may be helpful in some instances, are not necessary for a successful home study program.
Doctrine and Covenants 84: "The Power of Godliness"
From Come, Follow Me :
Ever since the priesthood was restored in 1829, Latter-day Saints had been blessed by that sacred power. They were baptized, confirmed, and called to serve by priesthood authority, much like we are today. But having access to priesthood power is not the same thing as completely understanding it, and God had more He wanted His Saints to understand—particularly with the coming restoration of temple ordinances. The 1832 revelation on the priesthood, now Doctrine and Covenants 84, expanded the Saints' vision of what the priesthood really is. And it can do the same for us today. After all, there is a lot to learn about the divine power that holds "the key of the knowledge of God," that makes manifest "the power of godliness," and that prepares us to "see the face of God, even the Father, and live" (verses 19–22).
"All of the Church's family history endeavors are directed to the need to form a 'welding link … between the fathers and the children' (D&C 128:18). This welding link is formed by the power of the priesthood, through sacred temple ordinances we receive in behalf of our ancestors….Many of Heavenly Father's children have died without having the opportunity to receive the fulness of the gospel. In His mercy and infinite love, the Lord has prepared a way for them to gain a testimony of the gospel and receive the saving ordinances of the priesthood…. In holy temples, we have the privilege of receiving ordinances in their behalf. These ordinances include baptism, confirmation, Melchizedek Priesthood ordination (for men), the endowment, the marriage sealing, and the sealing of children to parents...you perform a saving work for others that they cannot do for themselves." (Family History Work and Genealogy, True to the Faith)
The Prophet Joseph Smith said, "The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead." Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Joseph Smith (2007) 475
If you haven't used Ordinances Ready yet, you can try this FamilySearch tool that simplifies finding names for the temple, allowing you more time to serve your family and enjoy the blessings of the temple. Read how to verify names and relationships here. Watch this video to see how to use the app:
Saving Ordinances
Saving ordinances are performed in the temple for those who have died without having the opportunity to receive these ordinances. The dead are taught the gospel in the spirit world and have the choice to accept these ordinances performed on their behalf.
As a family, list all the ordinances you can name. Which of these ordinances are considered saving ordinances? (baptism and confirmation, Melchizedek Priesthood for men, endowment, and sealing) Write the saving ordinances down on a sheet of paper.
Discuss which ordinances are performed in the temple. Include in your discussion the ordinances listed on the family name ordinance card and the Ordinances Ready app. (Baptism, confirmation, initiatory, endowment, sealing) Compare these ordinances with those written on your sheet of paper. Discuss why all saving ordinances are performed in the temple? Learn more about Temple Baptism and Confirmation for the Dead, Temple Endowment, and Temple Sealing (Temple Marriage).
(For a more visual activity, get a picture of a temple. Write down the ordinances on separate strips of paper. Place these below the temple picture to symbolize steps leading to the temple and eventual exaltation by accepting these ordinances.)
You could prepare a meal or a treat together and label each ingredient with a word or phrase from verse 44. Why is it important that we include every ingredient? Why is it important to live by every word of God?
What are some necessary "ingredients" for a happy family?
In her blog article The Power of Family Recipes, Angelle Anderson states: "Cooking recipes from our heritage can bring a sense of togetherness that spans generations by strengthening ties with the living and the dead. Family recipes are a way of keeping our loved ones alive while we dice, stir, simmer and bake! Food appeals to all five of our senses. For some of us, just the smell of a favorite family dish cooking on the stove can transport us back to the kitchen of our youth, and we can almost taste the anticipation again of gathering for a family meal without a single empty chair. Preserving and using family recipes can open the door to sweet emotions from the past that are accessible anytime. Baking with family recipes can make any occasion into a magical family history moment!"
Food Traditions from Scratch
Would you like to add to your family food traditions or do you maybe feel you are starting your food traditions from scratch? How to Start Family Food Traditions from Scratch gives three ways you can "weave your own unique heritage into your family meals, both on special occasions and every day of the week ... If you don't have established food traditions, take the initiative to start your own."
Celebrate the Food You Grew Up Eating
Research New Family Dishes
Pioneer Your Own Food Traditions
Discover Your Family Recipe Story
"Every family has a recipe or two that they cherish ... Family recipes are certain foods that remind us of warm feelings and happy memories with the ones we love. These can be foods our family always makes for celebrations and events and, more often, foods we enjoy eating together all the time. Some family recipes have been passed down for so many generations that we aren't even sure where they originated...Family recipes tell a story. They're often connected to people, places, and special memories. They have a who, a where, and a why. You're making family history when you prepare and eat these foods with your family." (Discover Your Family's Heritage Recipe Story)
Take time to discover and reminisce about some of your family recipe stories by answering Questions to Help You Tell Your Recipe Story. Then, as the blog also suggests, "Take some time to write down who has shared family recipes with you. Where did the recipes come from? Why are they meaningful to you? Even better, share your family recipes online by uploading them to the FamilySearch Memories App. Here they will be preserved and accessible to your family members and friends near and far."
Fulfillment of Promises in Your Life
Note: President Nelson encouraged us to do the following for six months, but it may be a wonderful opportunity to carry this invitation through your study of the Doctrine and Covenants this year:
"As you study your scriptures during the next six months, I encourage you to make a list of all that the Lord has promised He will do for covenant Israel. I think you will be astounded! Ponder these promises. Talk about them with your family and friends. Then live and watch for these promises to be fulfilled in your own life." (President Russell M. Nelson, Let God Prevail, October 2020 General Conference)
Suggestion for journaling this week: Find the promises in Doctrine and Covenants 84. Write or audio-record about their influence in your life, and share with your family.
