Book of Mormon Stories

noreply@blogger.com (sjhollist) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 01:13:00 +0000

Hi, my name is S.J. Hollist. For the year 2008 I was called to be a Primary Teacher in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’, Richardson Stake, Sachse Ward. I fulfilled this calling willingly and voluntarily with no compensation other then spiritual gifts from a loving Heavenly Father.

The lessons for the year were from the Book of Mormon which inspired me to create this blog. This blog contains my lesson notes and links to scriptures and the lesson manual. If you have ever wondered what the Book of Mormon is about, or are just looking for a quick lesson on a certain topic, I believe you'll find this blog very helpful.

If are only looking for a basic idea as to what the Book of Mormon is all about, I suggest starting with Lesson 33, and then if you have addtional time check out Lesson 1; you can go as far as you like from there.

It is my testimony to you, that the Book of Mormon will not only help you to better understand The Holy Bible and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but that it will help you find peace in your life if you live by the principles taught within it. The Book of Mormon is not a replacement for The Holy Bible, but is an additional testament of Jesus Christ, and a companion to The Holy Bible; given to us by a loving Heavenly Father.

Since the lessons are done on a weekly basis, with some weeks having special events, I've also included some notes on the events from weeks I was not teaching. I hope this will give those who are unfamiliar with the LDS Church a basic idea of how we worship.

The lessons are listed bellow in order of when they were thought:

Lesson 1 - A Gift from a Loving Heavenly Father

Lesson 2 - Nephi Follows His Father, the Prophet

Lesson 3 - Obtaining the Brass Plates

Lesson 4 - The Tree of Life

January Sharing Time

Lesson 5 - Lehi and Family Led through Wilderness

Lesson 6 - Nephi Commanded to Build a Ship

Lesson 7 - Nephi and Family Cross the Sea

Lesson 8 - Jacob Confronted by Sherem

Lesson 9 - Enos Prays

Stake Conference

Lesson 10 - King Benjamin's Teachings

Lesson 11 - Abinadi tells King Noah to repent

Easter Lesson - The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

178th Annual General Conference

Lesson 12 - Alma Baptizes

Lesson 13 - King Limhi's, and Alma's people

Lesson 14 - Alma the Younger Repents

Lesson 15 - Mission to Ammonihah

Lesson 16 - Alma and Amulek in Prison

Lesson 17 - The Great Servant Ammon

May Sharing Time

Lesson 18 - King Lamoni's Father is Converted

Lesson 19 - Anti-Nephi-Lehies' Conversion

Lesson 20 - Korihor the Anti-Christ

Lesson 21 - Zoramites and Rameumptom

Lesson 22 - Alma Teaches Faith

Lesson 23 - Alma's Counsel

Lesson 24 - Alma's Counsel to Corianton

Lesson 25 - The Armor of God

Lesson 26 - The Title of Liberty

Lesson 27 - Helaman's 2000 Warriors

Lesson 28 - Helaman's Sons

The Sabbath Day - Sacrament Meeting Talk

Lesson 29 - Nephi Prophesies

Lesson 30 - Nephi's Priesthood Power

Lesson 31 - Samuel preaches of Christ’s coming

Lesson 32 - Signs in America of Jesus' Birth

Lesson 33 - Resurrected Jesus in America

Lesson 34 - Christ Teaches the Nephites

Lesson 35 - Jesus Blesses Children and Heals Sick

Lesson 36 - Jesus Gives the Sacrament

September Sharing Time

178th Semi-Annual General Conference

Stake Conference - I missed this because I was too busy with this.

Lesson 37 - Jesus Teaches how to Pray

The next two weeks were set aside to prepare for a Primary Presentation given by the children during Sacrament Meeting.

Lesson 38 -200 Years of Peace Among the Nephites

Lesson 39 - Mormon's Witness of Nephites Destruction

Lesson 40 -

... More to come ...

Lesson 39 - Nephites Destruction

noreply@blogger.com (sjhollist) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:18:00 +0000

“Lesson 39: Mormon Witnesses the Destruction of the Nephites,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, (1997),138

This lesson is meant to help us remain true to the teachings of Jesus Christ in spite of the evil influences all around us. It also teaches us about the prophet Mormon, who was born around 321 A.D. When just 10 years old he was instructed by the prophet Ammaron, then visited by Jesus Christ at fifteen. He became the leader of the Nephite armies at age sixteen, but the Nephites were wicked requiring him to be extra strong in keeping the commandments.

Read Mormon 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Mormon was chosen to receive the records of the Nephites when he turns "twenty and four years old" because he was "a sober child, and . . . quick to observe" (Mormon 1:2–4).

At this time, "wickedness did prevail upon the face of the whole land, insomuch that the Lord did take away his beloved disciples, and the work of miracles and of healing did cease" (Mormon 1:13). The Nephites gave up spiritual blessings, "and the Holy Ghost did not come upon any, because of their wickedness and unbelief" (Mormon 1:13–14). It is important to live so we can have the Holy Ghost with us.

Mormon was not allowed to teach the gospel to the Nephites because "they had wilfully rebelled against their God" (Mormon 1:16–17).

The Nephites to began to repent "even as had been prophesied by Samuel . . . no man could keep that which was his . . . and the murderers . . . and the witchcraft which was in the land" (Mormon 2:10–11 - refer to Samuel’s prophecies in Lesson 31). Mormon’s happiness over the repentance of the people soon turn to sorrow "for their sorrowing was not unto repentance . . . but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned" (Mormon 2:12–15).

During the wars, Mormon "did make a full account of all the wickedness" on the plates of Nephi, but also made an abridgment of those records (Mormon 2:16–18). The Book of Mormon is named after Mormon because he was the prophet who abridged or summarized the large plates of Nephi. The abridgment made by Mormon; the things added by his son, Moroni; and the small plates of Nephi, comprise the gold plates mentioned in Lesson 1 that Joseph Smith got from Moroni at the Hill Cumorah.

The Nephites weren't as successful in battle as they could have been because "the strength of the Lord was not with [them]" (Mormon 2:26–27).

When Mormon taught the Nephites about repentance "it was in vain; and they did not realize that it was the Lord that had spared them, and granted unto them a chance for repentance" (Mormon 3:2–3). Why do think many people not listen to Heavenly Father and his prophets?

Because of the people’s wickedness, Mormon finally refused "to be a commander and a leader of this people" (Mormon 3:11). Mormon showed how much he cared about them because his "soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for them" (Mormon 3:12). We too should pray for people who are not keeping Heavenly Father’s commandments.

Abinadi, and Samuel the Lamanite had prophesied of the destruction of the Nephites (Mormon 1:19; Mormon 2:10). Thinking of your favorate of the Ten Commandments, what would have been different in Zarahemla or in your city if everyone lived just that one commandment?

All of Mormon's people had been killed in these wars "save it were twenty and four of us, (among whom was my son Moroni) . . . and also a few who had escaped into the south countries, and a few who had deserted over unto the Lamanites" (Mormon 6:10–15). Mormon "cried" over the destruction of his people saying "O that ye had repented before this great destruction had come upon you" (Mormon 6:16–22).

Thanks to Mormon, we have the Book of Mormon and his great example; which can help us remain true to Jesus Christ in spite of the evil influences around us.

Lesson 38 - 200 Years of Peace

noreply@blogger.com (sjhollist) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:15:00 +0000

“Lesson 38: Peace among the Nephites,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, (1997),135

Seek for the peace and happiness that come from living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Imagine what it would be like to have the Savior live with you for a week. Read 4 Nephi 1:15–16. These verses describe how the people in America treated each other after Jesus Christ’s visit. Think about what it would be like living under these conditions.

How would our lives be different if everyone obeyed the commandments? (We would have no need for locks, keys, police officers, and so on.) One of the most important keys to happiness is how we treat other people. By living the teachings of Jesus Christ, we will treat our families and friends with more kindness and less selfishness, and we will find greater peace and happiness.

Read 3 Nephi 28:1–16, 23–40 and 4 Nephi.

Jesus Christ’s disciples desire of him that they "may speedily come unto [him] in [his] kingdom" (3 Nephi 28:2, 4–7). Three other disciples were allowed to remain on earth until its end because they "desired [to] bring the souls of men unto [Christ]" (3 Nephi 28:6, 9). Their bodies where changed to make it possible for them to do this (3 Nephi 28:38–39).

The three disciples were protected as they taught the people. Prisons could not hold them, furnaces did them no harm, and they did play with wild beasts (3 Nephi 28:18–22). Mormon, who abridged this record 350 years after Jesus Christ came, said about the three disciples "I have seen them, and they have ministered unto me" (3 Nephi 28:24–26).

After the Savior left them his disciples "did go forth upon the face of the land, and did minister unto all the people, uniting as many to the church as would believe in their preaching; baptizing them" (3 Nephi 28:18). ". . . in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted . . . and there were no contentions and disputations among them" (4 Nephi 1:1–2). The people were no longer divided into Nephites and Lamanites but were united.

How might you and your family be blessed if you were to have no contention? How can you be a peacemaker and help avoid contention?

"There was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people" (4 Nephi 1:15). To have the “love of God” in our hearts means that we love each other unconditionally. When have you felt the love of God in your life? How can we share this love with others?

The people had “all things common among them”? (4 Nephi 1:3.) What would you like about living in this way? Why do you think it might be hard?

Jesus Christ’s disciples "did heal the sick, and raise the dead, and cause the lame to walk, and the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear; and all manner of miracles" (4 Nephi 1:5).

This happy society was changed in the "two hundred and first year there began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride" (4 Nephi 1:23–29). The people began to treat the disciples poorly. (4 Nephi 1:30–34.) What is pride? How can we overcome pride in our lives?

They did “wilfully rebel against the gospel of Christ” (4 Nephi 1:38). Three hundred years after Christ’s visit, the people "had become exceedingly wicked" because of their pride (4 Nephi 1:45–46).

We can experience peace and happiness if we humbly live as the Savior has taught us to.

Primary Presentation Outline

noreply@blogger.com (sjhollist) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 18:39:00 +0000

Valiant 9 class - Children of God:

Child 1: This year in primary we have been learning how each of us is a child of God. I am a child of God, and I know he has a plan for me. I lived with Heavenly Father as a spirit child. He presented His plan - the plan of salvation. I chose to follow His plan.

Child 2: Part of Heavenly Father's plan is for us to come to Earth. I came to a family and received a body. I will return and live with Heavenly Father again because of Jesus Christ's Atonement.

- Song: I am a Child of God

Child 3: The scriptures teach me about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and how to return to them. The Bible and the Book of Mormon testify of Jesus Christ. 2 Nephi 4:15, Nephi states "For my soul delightedly in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children."

Child 4: Bible story, Book of Mormon story

- Song: Tell Me the Stories of Jesus

Sunbeams Class - Jesus is the Savior:

Child 1: Jesus Christ is my Savior and the Savior of all mankind

Child 2: 1 John 4:14 says "And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world."

Child 3: Because of Jesus Christ's love for me I will someday return to live with him again.

Child 4: I can live by Jesus Christ's example and serve others.

Child 5: I know that Jesus Christ lives.

Child 6: I know that Jesus Christ loves me.

Child 7: I know that Jesus Christ loves us all.

Child 8: I know that Jesus Christ will come again.

- Song: If the Savior Stood Beside Me

CTR 5 Class - Prophets:

Child 1: Amos 3:7 says, "Surely the Lord will do nothing, but he revealth his secret unto his servants the prophets."

Child 2: I am thankful we are led by a living prophet today, Thomas S. Monson. I will follow his direction.

Child 3: We can follow the prophet and he will tell us what the Savior wants us to do.

Child 4: The prophet teaches us that we should love and forgive others.

Child 5: The prophet also teaches us that it is important to read and pray about the Book of Mormon.

Child 6: The prophet teaches me what I should do to live with God again.

Child 7: I am thankful for a prophet that guides us today.

- Song: We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

CTR 6/7 Class - Family:

Child 1: Heavenly Father planned for me to come to a family. I can strengthen my family now.

Child 2: Each member of my family is important. I love to help my family.

Child 3: As a family we can be strengthen by studying the scriptures together, having family prayer, and family home evening.

Child 4: I'm grateful for the priesthood and I'm blessed to have it in my home.

Child 5: I am grateful for a loving family.

Child 6: In the Family Proclamation paragraph 1, it says, "The family is central to the creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children".

- Song: Home

CTR 8 Class - Temple:

Child 1: The temple is a blessing for me and my family.

Child 2: I know that it is important to prepare now to be worthy to go to the temple and do my part to have an eternal family. As a primary we had the chance to go to the Dallas Temple. It was a great experience to walk around the beautiful temple and learn more about it.

Child 3: Paying tithing helps to build temples around the world. I also know that my ancestors can receive temple blessings, when we do our family history work.

Child 4: I will prepare now to enter the temple by being reverent, dress modestly, and speak kindly.

- Song: I Love to See the Temple

CTR 8 Class Continued - Missionary Work:

Child 5: I know that I can be a missionary now by sharing the gospel with my friends. I will prepare to be a missionary by praying and reading my scriptures daily. I will be a great missionary if I am faithful and obedient.

Child 6: Living the gospel standard helps me to be a missionary now. The Apostle Paul was a great missionary, I hope I can be like him and tell others about our church.

[Optional Song: I Want to Be a Missionary Now]

CTR 8 Class Continued - Baptism:

Child 7: I will show my faith in Jesus Christ by being baptized and confirmed a member of the church. When we are baptized, we covenant to keep all of the Lord's commandments.

Child 8: After we are baptized we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost will help me to know what is right and wrong.

Child 9: When I take the sacrament, I renew my baptismal covenants.

- Song: When Jesus Christ was Baptized

Valiant 10 Class - Prayer:

Child 1: In Mark 11:24, it says, "Therefore I say unto you, what things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." I know that when I pray to Heavenly Father he hears and answers my prayers.

Child 2: I have learned through the scriptures and my teachers that Heavenly Father wants us to pray to him anytime, anywhere. If I am having a bad day or need help with something I know that I can pray to Heavenly Father.

Child 3: Heavenly Father may not answer our prayers the way we expect, bu He does bless us with the things we need. Sometimes Heavenly Father answers our prayers through the Holy Ghost, the scriptures, and others.

Valiant 10 Class Continued - Service:

Child 4: Because I am His child, I will serve God with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. I will serve God by doing things on the Sabbath that will help me feel close to Heavenly Father and Jesus.

Child 5: I can serve Heavenly Father by serving others. If I see a friend that is lonely I can go play with him. Jesus taught us to serve others by hi example and hi words. He took care of the poor people, the sinners, and the people who were very sick. Because others serve me, I too want to serve.

- Song: Called to Serve

Valiant 10 Class Continued - Gifts of God:

Child 6: I am thankful to know that we are all children of God. We all have different talents or gifts that come from Heavenly Father. I am grateful for the talents and gifts Heavenly Father has given to me.

Child 7: I am thankful that I have come to earth to receive a body. I know that my body is a temple and that I should keep it clean and pure.

Valiant 11/12 Class - Giving Thanks:

Child 1: I know that Heavenly Father loves me and all of the children around the world, and I can show respect and kindness to all of God's children.

Child 2: I love my Savior, Jesus Christ, and His restored gospel. 2 Nephi 25:26 says, "And we talked of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to the prophecies." I am thankful that Jesus Christ restored His gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Child 3: Because I know that I am a child of God and that Jesus Christ is my Savior, I will try to be like him and follow his commandments.

Lesson 37 - Jesus Teaches how to Pray

noreply@blogger.com (sjhollist) — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:37:00 +0000

“Lesson 37: Jesus Christ Teaches the Nephites to Pray,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, (1997),132

Pray can help us to not enter into temptation.

Read 3 Nephi 18:15–25, 19, and 20:1. Also read Alma 13:28–29, Matthew 26:41, and Doctrine and Covenants 31:12, 61:39.

Jesus wants us to pray always "lest ye enter into temptation" (3 Nephi 18:15, 18).

"Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in" Jesus's name (3 Nephi 18:19; 3 Nephi 19:6–8).

If you pray in faith for what is best for us, "it shall be given unto you" (3 Nephi 18:20). Heavenly Father always knows what is best for us. Sometimes this is different from what we want.

"Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed" (3 Nephi 18:21).

Jesus Christ said we should pray for those who are not members of the Church, and "suffer them that they may come unto you and forbid them not" (3 Nephi 18:22–23).

To “hold up your light that it may shine unto the world” (3 Nephi 18:24) means to be a good example to others.

The twelve disciples of Jesus Christ taught the Nephites who were gathered to "pray unto the Father in the name of Jesus" (3 Nephi 19:6). Kneeling shows respect for Heavenly Father. We should show reverence while praying.

As the disciples prayed, they desire "that the Holy Ghost should be given unto them" (3 Nephi 19:9). This gift was given to them through baptism (3 Nephi 19:13–14).

Jesus, when he prayed to Heavenly Father, said "Father, I thank thee that thou hast given the Holy Ghost unto these . . . it is because of their belief in me that I have chosen them . . . I pray for them, and also for them who shall believe on their words, that they may be purified in me . . ." (3 Nephi 19:20, 28). Expressing thanks is such an important part of our prayers, because it shows our gratitude for the things God has done for us. What are some things you are thankful for?

We can pray unceasingly and "not cease to pray in [our] hearts" (3 Nephi 20:1). We should always have a prayer in our hearts "lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him" (3 Nephi 18:15, 18).

“There is a great tendency for us in our prayers and in our pleadings with the Lord to ask for additional blessings. But sometimes I feel we need to devote more of our prayers to expressions of gratitude and thanksgiving for blessings already received” - Ezra Taft Benson, thirteenth President of the Church (God, Family, Country, p. 199).

The basic parts of a prayer:

a. Address our Heavenly Father.
b. Thank him for …
c. Ask him for …
d. Close "in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

September Sharing Time

noreply@blogger.com (sjhollist) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:15:00 +0000

Every few months, each Primary class is asked to give the lesson during Sharing Time. Usually the Primary Presidency gives this lesson, but on the last Sunday of each month it is presented by one of the Primary classes. My class got the opportunity to do it a second time for the year in May.

The Theme for September was, "I can pray to Heavenly Father, and He will hear and answer my prayers."

This sharing time was based on optional activities for Lesson 9.
“Lesson 9: Enos Prays,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, 28

Riddle:

I am not a person, place, or object.
I can be so quiet that no one else can hear, or loud enough that everyone in the room can hear.
I can be used when you are alone or in a group.
I am used any time, any place, under any circumstance.
I am used for gratitude, guidance, comfort, forgiveness, protection, help, good health, or for any other blessing you need for yourself or for someone else.
You use me to talk with Heavenly Father.
What am I?

Answer: Prayer

Using the chalk Board get write down the answers to the following questions:

When can we pray? (Anytime - but get specific examples of times and situations)
Where can we pray? (Anywhere - but get specific places and enviornments)
What can we pray about? (Anything - bug get specific topics)

Discuss the patern for Prayer:

· a. Begin by addressing our Father in Heaven.
· b. Tell him what you are thankful for.
· c. Ask him for what you desire.
· d. Close by saying, “In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”

Lesson 36 - Jesus Gives the Sacrament

noreply@blogger.com (sjhollist) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:39:00 +0000

“Lesson 36: Jesus Christ Gives the Sacrament to the Nephites,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, (1997),129

Always remember Jesus Christ so you can have his Spirit to be with you. When we remember Jesus and keep his commandments, we have the Holy Ghost to be with us.

Read 3 Nephi 18:1–14

Jesus Christ ask his disciples to bring "bread and wine" (3 Nephi 18:1). Jesus broke and blessed it the bread "and he gave unto the Disciples and commanded that they should eat" (3 Nephi 18:3–4). He then blessed the wine and "give unto the multitude that they might drink of it" (3 Nephi 18:8–9).

Before a young man can prepare or bless or pass the sacrament to other members of the Church he must first "be ordained" and given "power [to] bless it" (3 Nephi 18:5).

The sacrament bread helps us remember the body of Christ (3 Nephi 18:7). The sacrament water help us remember the blood of Christ "which [he] shed for you" (3 Nephi 18:11).

When we partake of the sacrament we make a covenant "that ye do always remember [Christ]" (3 Nephi 18:7).

Jesus Christ promises us "ye shall have [his] Spirit to be with you" if we always remember him (3 Nephi 18:7). To have his Spirit with us means we are guided and helped by the Holy Ghost. What can you do during the week to always remember the Savior so that you may have his Spirit with you?

When members of the Church partake of the sacrament, they are witnessing to Heavenly Father that "ye are willing to do that which [Christ has] commanded you" (3 Nephi 18:10).

When we partake of the sacrament, we remember and renew our baptismal covenants (3 Nephi 18:11). Thinking often about the covenants we make at baptism helps us live better because helps us keep those desires in our hearts (Mosiah 18:10). Listen carefully to the sacrament prayers and think about ways to keep their baptismal covenants during the coming week.

We are blessed when we partake worthily of the sacrament "for ye are built upon my rock . . . Therefore blessed are ye if ye shall keep my commandments, which the Father hath commanded me that I should give unto you" (3 Nephi 18:12–14).

Lesson 35 - Jesus Blesses Children and Heals Sick

noreply@blogger.com (sjhollist) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:14:00 +0000

“Lesson 35: Jesus Christ Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, (1997),126

Jesus Christ loves each of us and encourages us to experience joy by having faith in him. The Savior’s love for us is so great that words can not express it.

Just as it would be difficult to explain the taste of salt to someone who had never tasted it before, it is sometimes hard to describe things you have experienced in words others can understand. The Nephites had such great joy when Jesus Christ appeared to them that they said, “No tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man, neither can the hearts of men conceive so great and marvelous things as we both saw and heard” (3 Nephi 17:17). If you will picture in your mind the events described in this lesson, you may be able to feel and understand through the spirit some truths that words cannot describe.

Read 3 Nephi 17.

Jesus Christ had been teaching the people and told them, to help them understand the things he had taught them, they should "ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand" (3 Nephi 17:3). To ponder, or think deeply about something, and pray about what we are taught by Jesus Christ will help us better understand them.

After visiting the Nephites, Savior said he was going "unto the Father, and also to show myself unto the lost tribes of Israel, for they are not lost unto the Father" (3 Nephi 17:4). This concern for all of Heavenly Father’s children shows that Jesus loves all of us.

As the Savior was leaving he "beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them" (3 Nephi 17:5). To show that he loved them Jesus ask them to "Bring [the sick] hither and I will heal them" (3 Nephi 17:6–8).

Jesus Christ said the people could be healed because their "faith is sufficient" (3 Nephi 17:8). Sometimes miracles do not occur because "if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them" (Ether 12:12, 18).

The Nephites show their thanks as "they did all . . . bow down at his feet, and did worship him" (3 Nephi 17:10). We should always thank Heavenly Father and Jesus, and show our thanks for the blessings we receive.

Jesus Christ then command "that their little children should be brought" (3 Nephi 17:11). He then told the people to knell and "he himself also knelt upon the earth; and behold he prayed unto the Father" (3 Nephi 17:13–15). ". . . so great and marvelous things as we saw and heard Jesus speak unto the Father; And no tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man . . ." (3 Nephi 17:16–17).

Jesus weep because his "joy [was] full" (3 Nephi 17:20–21). Jesus then showed his love for the children by blessing them (3 Nephi 17:21). How would you feel if Jesus Christ held you in his arms, blessed you, and prayed to Heavenly Father for you?

When the Savior told the parents "Behold your little ones . . . they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them." (3 Nephi 17:23–24).

Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father love all of us and if we have faith in Jesus Christ and obey the commandments, we will know the joy of living with them again.

Lesson 34 - Christ Teaches the Nephites

noreply@blogger.com (sjhollist) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 16:05:00 +0000

“Lesson 34: Jesus Christ Teaches the Nephites the Beatitudes,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, (1997),121

Jesus Christ taught the Nephites to become more like our Heavenly Father. As we choose to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ throughout our lives, we will gradually learn to become like our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. If we do the things the Savior has commanded us to do, he will bless us. It is an eternal law that obedience brings blessings.

Read 3 Nephi 12 and 3 Nephi 13, D&C 130:20–21 and the thirteenth article of faith.

When Jesus Christ visited the Americas, after he was resurrected, he chose twelve disciples and told the Nephites to listen to and obey them, and promised they would be blessed for doing so (3 Nephi 12:1). He taught the Nephites the same "Beatitudes" he taught in the Sermon on the Mount in Jerusalem (see Matthew 5–7). The word beatitude means happiness or blessing.

3 Nephi 12:3 / Matthew 5:3 - Poor in Spirit who come to Christ
- Receive the Kingdom of Heaven
Being Poor in Spirit means you are teachable, not conceited or boastful.

Being “poor in spirit” is not enough unless we come unto the Savior. This applies to each of the other Beatitudes as well.

3 Nephi 12:4 / Matthew 5:4 - Those who Mourn
- Shall be comforted
How as the Gospel helped you to feel comforted?

3 Nephi 12:5 / Matthew 5:5 - The meek
- Shall inherit the earth
Meekness is to be gentle and kind and to show self-control.

3 Nephi 12:6 / Matthew 5:6 - Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
- Shall be filled with the Holy Ghost
We should want to be good as much as we want food and water.

3 Nephi 12:7 / Matthew 5:7 - The Merciful
- Shall obtain mercy
Being merciful means you are willing to forgive, and to be kind and loving.

"For, if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you; But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (3 Nephi 13:14–15).

3 Nephi 12:8 / Matthew 5:8 - The pure in heart
- Shall see God
Being Pure in heart means you are sincere and genuine, to have clean minds and hearts, to enjoy good things, and to turn away from evil or wickedness in thought and action.

3 Nephi 12:9 / Matthew 5:9 - Peacemakers
- Shall be called the children of God
Peacemakers help create peace.

3 Nephi 12:10–12 / Matthew 5:10-12 - Those Persecuted for Jesus
- Shall receive the kingdom of heaven
Have you ever been persecuted, or made fun of for being a Christian?

The Savior also taught that we should repent and come unto him “as a little child” (3 Nephi 9:22).

Just as salt preserves food, our relationship with Heavenly Father and the Savior is preserved when we obey their teachings and keep our covenants. As salt adds flavor to food, we can add goodness to the world by living righteously (3 Nephi 12:13 / Matthew 5:13).

A light under a bucket or can wouldn't give much light, like wise we shouldn't hide our good examples, as we follow Christ, or knowledge of the Gospel from the rest of the world (3 Nephi 12:14–16). In what ways can you let your light (or example) shine?

"when ye fast be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance, for they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face" (3 Nephi 13:16–18).

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth … but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (3 Nephi 13:19–20). What treasures can we take with us from this life into the next life? What treasures that seem important to us now can we not take with us?

"except ye shall keep my commandments, which I have commanded you at this time, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven" (3 Nephi 12:20).

Lesson 33 - Resurrected Jesus in America

noreply@blogger.com (sjhollist) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:12:00 +0000

“Lesson 33: The Savior Appears to the Nephites,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, (1997),118

In this lesson we will learn that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God, that he is our Savior, and that he lives today.

Read 3 Nephi 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. Also review the prophecies of Samuel the Lamanite from Lesson 31.

Samuel's prophecies "came to pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first month, on the fourth day of the month, there arose a great storm, such an one as never had been known in all the land. And there was also a great and terrible tempest . . . the damage thereof was exceedingly great, and there were many in them who were slain . . . the face of the whole earth became deformed, because of the tempests, and the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the quaking of the earth . . . when [these things] were done . . . there could be no light, because of the darkness, . . ." (3 Nephi 8:5–25).

The Savior's voice could be heard through the darkness saying, "Wo, wo, wo unto this people; wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent; for . . . it is because of their iniquity and abominations that [the slain] are fallen! . . . great destructions have I caused to come upon this land, and upon this people, because of their wickedness . . . all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they . . . if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life" (3 Nephi 9:2, 12-14).

"I am Jesus Christ the Son of God . . . the scriptures concerning my coming are fulfilled . . . by me redemption cometh, and in me is the law of Moses fulfilled" (3 Nephi 9:15–17). With so much confusion in the world today, especially about the Nature of God, it is very important for us to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and what his purpose was on this earth.

Jesus continued saying, "Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin . . . Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved" (3 Nephi 9:21-22). With a new understanding the Atonement "the people who were spared alive . . . their mourning was turned into joy, and their lamentations into the praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ, their Redeemer" (3 Nephi 10:10).

Twice the people at the temple in the land Bountiful hear the voice from heaven and did not understand it (3 Nephi 11:3–4). So they could understand the voice they stopped conversing and "did open their ears to hear it" (3 Nephi 11:5–6). Likewise if we want to listen and be ready to receive what Heavenly Father wants us to hear we need to listen closely to the still small voice of the Holy Ghost.

What they heard was Heavenly Father telling them "Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him" (3 Nephi 11:6–7). From this introduction we learn that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, they are two separate beings, the Father loves the Son, and we are to hear, or listen to the Son. A similar experience was had by those who witnessed Jesus Christ being baptized (Matthew 3:17), as well as by Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove (Joseph Smith History 1:17).

The people then saw "they saw a Man decending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them" (3 Nephi 11:8). The Savior told them who he was and the people fell down to the earth (3 Nephi 11:10–12). How would you have felt if you had been there?

Christ then had the people feel the wounds in his body so they would know he had "been slain for the sins of the world" (3 Nephi 11:14–15). Jesus Christ also give Nephi the power to perform baptisms (3 Nephi 11:19–21).

The greatest news in the world today is that Jesus Christ lives. Many people think of him as having lived long ago and having died on the cross. The knowledge members of his church have makes us feel especially close to the Savior. We know that he suffered for our sins and gave his life for us and that he lives and directs his church today.

Lesson 32 - Signs in America of Jesus' Birth

noreply@blogger.com (sjhollist) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:40:00 +0000

“Lesson 32: Signs in America of Jesus Christ’s Birth,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, (1997),114

When we have faith, signs can strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ; however, not all people who see signs develop a testimony. Consider the following examples:

Laman and Lemuel (1 Nephi 3:28–31; 17:45)
Sherem (Jacob 7:13–20)
Korihor (Alma 30:43–56)

Nephi in this lesson was the son of Nephi who was the son of Helaman. He had faith that the signs Samual had prophesied of would come true.

Read 3 Nephi 1, 2, and the tenth article of faith. Also review the signs given of Christ's birth from Lesson 31.

Some of the people were saying that Samuel the Lamanite’s prophecies "are not fulfilled." ". . . that the time was past for the words to be fulfilled . . ." (3 Nephi 1:5–6). This caused the believers "to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass" (3 Nephi 1:7).

The unbelievers threatened those who believed that they "should be put to death except the sign should come to pass" (3 Nephi 1:9). Why do you think some people get angry with those who believe in God?

When Nephi saw the wickedness of the people "he cried mightily unto the Lord" (3 Nephi 1:12). Nephi’s prayer was answered: ". . . on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets." (3 Nephi 1:13–14).

That night, when the prophecy was fulfilled, the unbelievers were so afraid "because of their iniquity and their unbelief" (3 Nephi 1:18). How would you have felt if you had been there?

The Nephites also saw the star that was also seen in Bethlehem (3 Nephi 1:21).

Satan tried "to harden their hearts, to the intent that they might not believe in those signs and wonders which they had seen" (3 Nephi 1:22). Still many showed their belief in the Lord by being "baptizing unto repentance, in the which there was a great remission of sins. And thus the people began again to have peace in the land" (3 Nephi 1:22–23).

Many of the people’s faith and righteousness decreased "because of the wickedness of the rising generation." (3 Nephi 1:29–30).

". . . the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven" (3 Nephi 2:1–2). We can learn from this that testimonies that are based on signs are not very strong. We can strengthen our testimonies by doing the things the Lord asks us, and have a witness of the truth from the Holly Ghost.

Because of the increasing wickedness, "the Gadianton robbers did gain many advantages over them . . . thus were the people in a state of many afflictions; and the sword of destruction did hang over them" (3 Nephi 2:17–19).

Just as these prophesies were fulfilled, so will those of Jesus Christ’s second coming be fulfilled. (3 Nephi 1:20).

Just as there was wickedness on the earth when Jesus was born and crucified, so will there be when he comes again. What kind of a person do you want to be when he comes? What can you do now to prepare for the Second Coming?

Lesson 31 - Samuel preaches of Christs coming

noreply@blogger.com (sjhollist) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:07:00 +0000

“Lesson 31: Samuel the Lamanite,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, (1997),111

Prophets foretold the life and mission of Jesus Christ:

Nephi arrived in the Promised Land almost six hundred years before Christ was born. He told his people about a vision he had which taught me of Christ’s birth and death: "I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms. And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God." Then he "saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world" (1 Nephi 11:20–21, 33).

Abinadi lived about one hundred and fifty years before Jesus Christ. The people did not like him and did not believe the things he told them. He prophesied that Jesus Christ would "come down among the children of men, and … redeem his people" by being "crucified, and slain" and taking "upon himself their iniquity" (Mosiah 15:1, 7, 9). He was burned at the stake for my testimony.

After a special vision, Alma had about one hundred years before Jesus Christ was born, he knew that he could be saved only through our Redeemer, who would come. He traveled everywhere to tell people what he had learned, that the "Son of God … shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind. … And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death [and] succor [or help] his people according to their infirmities" (Alma 7:10–12).

Just as these three prophets prophesied of Jesus Christ, so have all other prophets. Refer to Mosiah 13:33: “Did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began—have they not spoken more or less concerning these things?”

In this lesson they will learn of another important prophet, Samuel the Lamanite, who taught with great courage and power of Christ’s birth, death, and mission.

Read Helaman 13, 14, 15, 16, 3 Nephi 23:9–13, and the sixth, seventh, and ninth article of faith.

Samuel the Lamanite was sent to teach the Nephites, who had become wicked, that they "might have glad tidings; but behold ye would not receive me." (Helaman 13:6–7). He was to "Cry unto this people, repent and prepare the way of the Lord" (Helaman 14:9, 11–13).

Samuel told the Nephites that if they did not repent God "will visit them in my fierce anger . . . your utter destruction" (Helaman 13:6, 8–10).

Instead of following the prophets, the Nephites followed "foolish and blind guides" (Helaman 13:27–29). What “foolish and blind guides” are leading people today?

The people rejected Samuel’s teachings "because it was hard" for them to hear (Helaman 14:10).

Samuel prophesied that in five years "cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name" (Helaman 14:2–6). He also gave signs of his birth (Helaman 14:2–6) and of his death (Helaman 14:20–28). The Lord reveal these signs to the Nephites "to the intent that ye might believe on his name" (Helaman 14:12–13, 28).

Samuel also thought about the Atonement. (Helaman 14:15–18). When we have an understanding of the Atonement we have a responsibility to repent "lest by knowing these things and not doing them ye shall suffer yourselves to come under condemnation" (Helaman 14:19). We also have responsibility for our actions for "whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself . . . ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good . . . or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you." (Helaman 14:30–31).

The Nephites who believed Samuel were baptized (Helaman 16:1). Those who did not believe him "cried unto their captains, saying: Take this fellow and bind him, for behold he hath a devil" (Helaman 16:6). Samuel fled from them, and returned to preach until his own people.

Lesson 30 - Nephi's Priesthood Power

noreply@blogger.com (sjhollist) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 18:09:00 +0000

“Lesson 30: Nephi Receives Great Power,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, 107

In this lesson we will learn about the power of the priesthood of God.

It is the power of God.
Through this power the Lord blesses his children and his church.
Those who hold this power represent the Lord Jesus Christ.
Those who hold this power are appointed to do the things the Savior wants done.

Read Helaman 10, and Helaman 11:1–18. Also see Moroni 3, and the fifth and sixth articles of faith.

As Nephi went his way toward his own house, he was "pondering upon the things which the Lord had shown unto him" (Helaman 10:2–3). What should we ponder or think about?

Nephi had become discouraged as he labored to proclaim the gospel to the Nephites, because they were becoming more wicked (Helaman 10:3).

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were pleased that Nephi because he "hast with unwearyingness declared the word" (Helaman 10:4).

Jesus Christ promise to bless Nephi "mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will" (Helaman 10:5). How can we learn to follow Jesus Christ’s will?
Nephi was given "power over this people, [to] smite the earth with famine, and with pestilence, and destruction, according to the wickedness of this people." (Helaman 10:6–10).

Nephi was given the sealing power to "seal on earth [and] in heaven" which is the same sealing power used in the temples today (Helaman 10:7; see also D&C 132:7). In the temple our families can be sealed together forever.

The Lord command Nephi to tell the people to repent (Helaman 10:11). Nephi showed obedience when the Lord finished speaking to him, by "not [going] unto his own house, but did return unto the multitudes . . . and began to declare unto them the word of the Lord which had been spoken" (Helaman 10:12). The Lord can speak to us threw the Holly Spirit, and threw his Priesthood leaders. How can we show obedience?

Nephi’s revelation of the murder of the chief judge (from Lesson 29) didn't change the lives of the Nephites because "they did harden their hearts and did not hearken unto the words of the Lord" (Helaman 10:13).

Nephi was protected as he declared the word of God to these people (Helaman 10:15–17). "The power of God was with” Nephi because he had the priesthood. The priesthood can also bless and protect us today.

Nephi’s teachings had no affect on these people because of their wickedness (Helaman 10:18). It took Nephi asking God to replace their war with a terrible famine before the people remembered the words of Nephi, and once again believed in God (Helaman 11:1-18).

In the Church today the priesthood is divided up as follows:

Deacon (ages 12 & 13): I have had the Aaronic Priesthood conferred on me. I pass the sacrament. I may serve as a messenger for priesthood leaders. I collect fast offerings. I help care for Church buildings and grounds.

Teacher (ages 14 & 15): I hold the Aaronic Priesthood. I have all the duties and powers of a deacon, and I prepare the bread and water for the sacrament. I may be assigned to be a home teacher.

Priest (ages 16 & 17): I hold the Aaronic Priesthood. I have all the duties and powers of a deacon and teacher, and I can administer (bless) the sacrament. I have the authority to baptize, help with ordinations of other Aaronic Priesthood holders, and take charge of meetings when there are no Melchizedek Priesthood holders present. I help Church members live the commandments.

Elder (ages 18 and up): I hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. I may serve a full-time mission. I am called to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the Church. I may give the gift of the Holy Ghost, conduct meetings, bless little children, administer to the sick, and bless family members.

Lesson 29 - Nephi Prophesies

noreply@blogger.com (sjhollist) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 19:44:00 +0000

“Lesson 29: Nephi Prophesies,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, 103

Heavenly Father sends prophets to teach us about the Savior, help us repent, and warn us of things to come. If we obey the words of the Prophet, we can know the truth and avoid being deceived. This lesson is about the prophet Nephi, the son of Helaman. Nephi knew a murder had been committed and who the murderer was without being at the scene of the crime. As your learn more about the prophet Nephi, you can strengthen your confidence in the words of the living prophet.

Read Helaman 6:18–23, 7, 8, 9, and the ninth article of faith.

The Gadianton robbers were "murderers and plunderers were a band who had been formed by Kishkumen and Gadianton" (Helaman 6:18). They had taken oaths "that they would protect and preserve one another in whatsoever difficult circumstances they should be placed, that they should not suffer for their murders, and their plunderings, and their stealings . . . that whatsoever wickedness his brother should do he should not be injured by his brother" (Helaman 6:21–22). They had done "murder, and plunder, and steal, and commit whoredoms and all manner of wickedness" (Helaman 6:23).

Because of the wickedness of the people, Nephi "did exclaim in the agony of his soul . . . [he] bowed himself upon the tower which was in his garden, which tower was also near unto the garden gate by which led the highway." (Helaman 7:6–7, 10). When the people saw him "they ran and told the people what they had seen, and the people came together in multitudes that they might know the cause of so great mourning for the wickedness of the people" (Helaman 7:11–12).

Nephi told the people "ye ought to marvel because ye are given away that the devil has got so great hold upon your hearts . . . O repent ye, repent ye! . . . turn ye unto the Lord your God." (Helaman 7:13–18). What must you do to repent? (See Lesson 14)

Nephi said that if they did not repent "this great city, and also all those great cities which are round about, which are in the land of our possession, shall be taken away" (Helaman 7:19, 22). Nephi know these things would happen "because the Lord God has made them known unto [him]" (Helaman 7:29).

How can listening to the living prophet help us in our lives? (D&C 21:4–6.)

The judges respond saying "Why do ye not seize upon this man and bring him forth, that he may be condemned according to the crime which he has done?" (Helaman 8:1). Some of the people defend Nephi saying "he is a good man, and those things which he saith will surely come to pass except we repent" (Helaman 8:7–9). Sometimes it takes courage to stand up for the truth. We too can sustain the living prophet by following his teachings and example.

All the holy prophets have testified of "the Son of God" (Helaman 8:14–16). Our living prophet has also taught us about Jesus Christ.

Nephi told the people that their chief judge "is murdered, and . . . [the murderers] both belong to your secret band, whose author is Gadianton" (Helaman 8:27–28.) Nephi knew what had happened because he was a prophet.

As the men ran to the judgment seat they thought "if this thing which he has said concerning the chief judge be true, that he be dead, then will we believe that the other words which he has spoken are true" (Helaman 9:2). These five men eventually believed all of Nephi’s words (Helaman 9:4–5, 39). What can we do to strengthen our testimonies of the living prophet?

The other judges "did cry out against Nephi, saying: Behold, we know that this Nephi must have agreed with some one to slay the judge, and then he might declare it unto us, that he might convert us unto his faith" (Helaman 9:16). Nephi’s response was to show them another sign that helped them to capture the murderers (Helaman 9:25–35).

"there were some among the people, who said that Nephi was a prophet" (Helaman 9:39–41).

In this dispensation, prophets continue to reveal knowledge from Heavenly Father to help guide, prepare, and protect us.