Study Guide for "Come into the Fold of God"

In his talk "Come into the Fold of God", Elder Randy D. Funk uses the metaphor of a shepherd and his fold to illustrate the blessings and peace that come from following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. He shares personal experiences and scriptural references to emphasize the importance of staying within the "fold" of the gospel, and the eternal blessings that come from doing so.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does the metaphor of a "fold" or "sheepfold" represent in the context of the gospel?
What are the blessings that come from staying within the "fold" of God?
How does Elder Funk relate the concept of the "fold" to personal agency and choice?
What role does faith play in coming into and staying within the "fold" of God?
How does Elder Funk connect the teachings of modern prophets to the concept of the "fold"?

Topics

Understanding the Fold of God

Elder Funk uses the metaphor of a fold, or sheepfold, to represent the gospel of Jesus Christ. The fold is a place of safety and protection, where the shepherd (Christ) cares for each of his sheep (us). The choice to enter and stay in the fold is an exercise of our agency and leads to spiritual safety.

A fold, or sheepfold, is a large enclosure, often constructed with stone walls, where the sheep are protected at night. It has only one opening.

The safety and well-being of the sheep depend on their willingness to come into the fold and to stay in the fold.

The gift of agency is not simply the right to choose; it is the opportunity to choose the right. And the walls of the fold are not a constraint but a source of spiritual safety.

What does the "fold" represent in the context of the gospel?
What does it mean to come into and stay in the "fold" of God?
How does the concept of the "fold" relate to our agency and choice?
How can you make the choice to come into the "fold" of God more fully in your life?
In what ways have you felt the spiritual safety of being in the "fold"?
How can you help others to come into the "fold"?

Blessings of Being in the Fold of God

Elder Funk outlines four specific, personal blessings that come from following the doctrine of Christ and being in the fold: redemption through Christ's Atonement, being numbered with those of the first resurrection, eternal life, and the abundant outpouring of the Spirit.

When we follow the doctrine of Christ and come into the fold through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism and confirmation, and continuing faithfulness, Alma promised four specific, personal blessings.

No amount of personal improvement on our part can make us clean from the sins we have committed or whole from the wounds we have suffered without the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He is our Redeemer.

Eternal life means to live with God and as He lives. It is “the greatest of all the gifts of God” and will bring a fulness of joy. It is the ultimate purpose and objective of our lives.

What are the four specific blessings of being in the fold of God, as outlined by Alma?
How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ relate to these blessings?
What does eternal life mean in the context of the gospel?
How have you experienced these blessings in your life?
In what ways can you deepen your understanding and appreciation of these blessings?
How can you share these blessings with others?

Acting in Faith to Enter the Fold

Elder Funk emphasizes the importance of acting in faith to receive the blessings of the fold. Using scriptural examples, he illustrates how trust in Christ and action in faith lead to healing and blessings.

During His earthly ministry, His blessings of healing came to those who trusted Him and acted in faith.

Similarly, to receive the marvelous blessings promised to those who come into the fold of God requires us to do just that—we need to choose to come.

Our dear prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, has taught, “Everything good in life—every potential blessing of eternal significance—begins with faith.”

What role does faith play in coming into the fold of God?
How does trust in Christ lead to blessings and healing?
What does President Nelson's quote about faith mean in the context of the "fold"?
How can you act in faith to come more fully into the fold of God?
Can you recall a time when your faith led to blessings or healing?
How can you strengthen your faith in Christ?

Continuing the Journey into the Fold

Elder Funk encourages us to continue our journey into the fold of God, and to help others do the same. He emphasizes that the blessings of the gospel are eternal and immeasurable.

My dear friends, please continue the journey—and help others—to come fully into the fold of God. The blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ are immeasurable because they are eternal.

I bear witness of the love of our Heavenly Father and our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and of the peace that comes only from Them—the inner peace and the blessings found in the fold of God.

What does it mean to continue the journey into the fold of God?
How can we help others to come into the fold?
What are the eternal blessings of the gospel?
What steps can you take to continue your journey into the fold of God?
Who in your life could you help to come into the fold?
How have you experienced the eternal blessings of the gospel in your life?