Table of Contents
Moroni Chapter 1 Moroni writes for the benefit of the Lamanites—The Nephites who will not deny Christ are put to death. About A.D. 401–21.
Moroni Chapter 2 Jesus gave the twelve Nephite disciples power to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 401–21.
Moroni Chapter 3 Elders ordain priests and teachers by the laying on of hands. About A.D. 401–21.
Moroni Chapter 4 How elders and priests administer the sacramental bread is explained. About A.D. 401–21.
Moroni Chapter 5 The mode of administering the sacramental wine is set forth. About A.D. 401–21.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 1-6” After finishing his father’s record of the Nephites and abridging the record of the Jaredites, Moroni thought that his record-keeping work was done (see Moroni 1:1). What more was there to say about two nations that were utterly destroyed? But Moroni had seen our times (see Mormon 8:35), and he was inspired to “write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth … in some future day” (Moroni 1:4).
He knew that widespread apostasy was coming, bringing with it confusion about priesthood ordinances and about religion in general. This may be why he gave clarifying details about the sacrament, baptism, conferring the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the blessings of gathering with fellow believers to “keep [each other] in the right way, … relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of [our] faith” (Moroni 6:4). Precious insights like these give us reason to be thankful that the Lord preserved Moroni’s life so he could “write a few more things” (Moroni 1:4).
Book of Mormon Scripture Stories “Moroni the Prophet”
Moroni was the last Nephite prophet. He fought in a big war between the Nephites and Lamanites. His family and everyone he knew died in the war. The people in the land were wicked. They killed anyone who believed in Jesus Christ. Moroni believed in Jesus. He would not deny that Jesus is the Savior.
Moroni’s father, Mormon, had been writing the history of their people on metal plates. Before Mormon died, he gave the plates to Moroni. Moroni had to hide to protect his own life and the plates.
To help you get a better idea of what life might have been like for Moroni, you might also watch “Moroni Invites All to Come unto Christ” from time code 0:00 to 3:59, available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 53: Moroni and His Teachings” Story Images and Video
The wicked Lamanites killed every Nephite who would not deny Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way” Because of the Great Apostasy, many people today are confused about religion, including how ordinances must be performed—and even whether they are needed at all. Moroni had seen our times (see Mormon 8:35). This may be why he gave clarifying details.
The Holy Ghost is a sacred gift.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 1-6”
- The Holy Ghost or the Spirit is mentioned several times in Moroni 2–6. Maybe you could ask your children to find every verse that mentions Him, (maybe divide into groups and give each group a chapter) read these verses, and ask the children to list on the board the things they learn bout the Holy Ghost. You could also share with each other experiences when you felt the Spirit’s influence (either at church or elsewhere). ( Explain how you knew it was the Holy Ghost and how He helped you. Encourage them to seek His influence.)
Scriptures where the Holy Ghost or the Spirit are mentioned:
Moroni 2:2 The words of Christ, which he spake unto his disciples. Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it.
- Behold Your Little Ones: Nursery Manual Explain that after we are baptized, we are confirmed. Invite the children to say “confirmed.” Tell them this means that men who hold the priesthood put their hands on our head to give us the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Moroni 3:4 And after this manner did they ordain priests and teachers, according to the gifts and callings of God unto men; and they ordained them by the power of the Holy Ghost, which was in them.
Moroni 6:4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Moroni 4:3 That they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them.
Moroni 5:2 that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them.
Moroni 6:9 And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done.
I take the sacrament to show that I will always remember Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 1-6”
- Reading the sacrament prayers with your children could lead to a discussion about how to have more meaningful experiences with the sacrament. It might help for them to imagine that a friend is coming to sacrament meeting for the first time. How would we explain to our friend what the sacrament is and why it is sacred? Encourage your children to use something from Moroni 4 or 5 in their explanations. Younger children could use this week’s activity page or Gospel Art Book, no. 108.
Blessing on the Bread
Blessing on the Water
Write phrases from Moroni 4:3 and 5:2 on separate strips of paper, and ask the children to put the phrases in the correct order. According to these verses, why is the sacrament important?
Friend December 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”
- Show a picture of people partaking of the sacrament (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families or Gospel Art Book, no. 108). Ask the children to tell you what happens during the sacrament. What should we be doing during the sacrament?
- Sing a song that helps the children think about Jesus, such as “Reverently, Quietly” (Children’s Songbook, 26). Ask the children to practice sitting reverently like they would during the sacrament.
- Invite the children to share things their families do during the sacrament to be reverent and think about Jesus Christ. What other ideas do they have? Invite them to pick one of these ideas and set a goal to spend more time thinking of the Savior during the sacrament.
Story and Activity Idea about being reverent and thinking about Jesus:
Friend December 2024 “Remembering Jesus” One Sunday Victoria asked her mom why they go to church. Her mother explained, “We go to church to take the sacrament and learn about Jesus Christ.” During the sacrament, her mom gave her a special book with lots of pictures of Jesus to help her think about Him. As she took the sacrament and looked at the book, a warm feeling filled her heart. She loved Jesus Christ. She wanted to always remember Him.
Friend December 2024 “My Reverence Book” Make this booklet to help you think about Jesus Christ and be reverent during the sacrament.
Friend December 2020 “Family Night Fun”
I can prepare to be baptized.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 1-6”
- Who can be baptized? Help your children find answers to this question in Moroni 6:1–3. What does it mean to have a “broken heart and a contrite spirit”?(One meaning of “a broken heart and a contrite spirit” is to feel sorry for our sins.) (Moroni 6:2).
The Savior has taught us that we should have a “broken heart,” which means to be humble, repentant, and meek (3 Nephi 9:20; Guide to the Scriptures, “Broken Heart,” Gospel Library).
- How does this help us prepare for baptism? Consider telling your children how you prepared to be baptized. (Help the children think of ways they can prepare to be baptized someday.)
Ways to Prepare:
Build Testimony and Faith
Repent
From the scriptures we learn that John the Baptist “did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Mark 1:4). The Apostle Peter taught, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Following Paul’s conversion, Ananias said to him, “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16).
The Lord said, “If thou wilt turn unto me, and … repent of all thy transgressions [sins], and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, … ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Moses 6:52).
Prepare to Make and Keep Baptismal Covenants
We go to church to take the sacrament and support each other.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”
Senior Primary
Write Why do we come to church? on the board, and ask the children to write possible answers. Invite them to find additional answers in Moroni 6:4–6, 9 and add them to their list on the board. (Tell the children why you love going to church and how it has blessed you.) Invite the children to share how they have been blessed for attending church.
Friend September 2022 “Why We Go to Church”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way” & Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 1-6”
Junior Primary
- Ask the children why they like going to church, and help them name some of the things we do at church. Read to them some of these things from Moroni 6:4–6, 9, and invite them to act out or draw pictures of themselves doing some of these things (such as praying, teaching, singing, and taking the sacrament).
Friend July 2024 “I Can Follow Jesus by Going to Church”
Friend March 2021 “Coloring Page”
- Help the children sing a song about attending church, such as “When I Go to Church” (Children’s Songbook, 157). Tell the children why you love going to church and how it has blessed you.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 1-6” & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”
- Show pictures or examples of nourishing foods. Why is it important to nourish our bodies? Read together Moroni 6:4, and ask the children what they think the phrase “nourished by the good word of God” means. How does the word of God nourish us? How can we help spiritually nourish each other at church?
- You could also watch the video “Children Sharing the Gospel” (Gospel Library).
- Invite one of the children to read the following quotation from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, and discuss what it teaches about how we can nourish each other: “Most people don’t come to church looking merely for a few new gospel facts or to see old friends, though all of that is important. They come seeking a spiritual experience. They want peace. They want their faith fortified and their hope renewed. They want, in short, to be nourished by the good word of God, to be strengthened by the powers of heaven” (“A Teacher Come from God,” Ensign, May 1998, 26). How can we help spiritually nourish each other at church?
Let them role-play explaining to a friend of another faith why they are thankful to belong to the Church.
Latter Day Kids “Meet Together Oft- Come Follow Me” Video and Lesson Ideas.
Additional Resources
Ensign December 2020 “Family Study Fun“
Moving with Moroni: Moroni wrote about several ordinances (or sacred acts performed by someone with priesthood authority). Use this activity to review the scriptures below.
- Write the following on four sheets of paper and scatter them around the room:
- Baptism (Moroni 6:1–3)
- Confirmation (Moroni 6:4)
- Sacrament (Moroni 6:6)
- Priesthood ordination (Moroni 3)
- Ask someone to start and stop a Church song while people walk from paper to paper.
- When the music stops, everyone goes to the nearest paper. Whoever touches a paper last should read the scripture and say one reason that ordinance is important. Then start and stop the music for the next round.
- Keep playing until all four ordinances have been discussed.
Discussion: What can we do to treat these ordinances as sacred? How do these ordinances bless our family?
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