Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “The Great Apostasy” Jesus Christ established His Church during His mortal ministry. Following His death and Resurrection, the Savior commissioned His Apostles to guide the Church with His priesthood authority and keys. Due to intense persecution and the death of the Apostles, people were left without divine direction from living prophets. Jesus Christ’s teachings and doctrine were altered, resulting in a period called the Great Apostasy. This lesson can help students understand the need for a restoration of Jesus Christ’s true Church in the latter days.
Restoration Proclamation
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” How do you commemorate the 200th anniversary of an event that changed the world? That’s the question the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles pondered as April 2020 approached, marking 200 years since Joseph Smith’s First Vision. “We wondered if a monument should be erected,” President Russell M. Nelson recalled. “But as we considered the unique historic and international impact of that First Vision, we felt impressed to create a monument not of granite or stone but of words … , not to be carved in ‘tables of stone’ but rather to be etched in the ‘fleshy tables’ of our hearts [2 Corinthians 3:3]” (“Hear Him,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 90).
The monument of words they created is titled “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World.” It’s a monument not just to the First Vision but also to everything Jesus Christ has done—and is still doing—since then. The Restoration of His gospel started when one person turned to God and heard Him. It continues that same way: one heart, one sacred experience at a time—including yours.
As you read parts of the Restoration proclamation with your children (or watch the video of President Nelson reading it), help them find sentences that begin with phrases like “we proclaim,” “we declare,” or “we testify.” What truths are our prophets and apostles declaring? Perhaps you and your children could share your own testimonies of some of these same truths.
It might be interesting to your children to explore some of the questions Joseph Smith had that led to the Restoration of the Savior’s gospel. Help them find some examples in Joseph Smith—History 1:10, 29, 68. How are we blessed today because God answered Joseph Smith’s questions?
You might also give your children a chance to talk about questions they have. What do we learn from Joseph Smith about how to find answers? (see Joseph Smith—History 1:8–17; see also verses 3 and 4 of “This Is My Beloved Son,” Children’s Songbook, 76).
Who were the “heavenly messengers [who] came to instruct Joseph”? Your children might enjoy looking for pictures of them in the Gospel Art Book (see nos. 91, 93, 94, 95). How did each of these messengers help “re-establish the Church of Jesus Christ”? The scriptures suggested in this week’s activity page can help your children answer this question.
How might you help your children understand what it means for the Savior’s Church to be restored? Maybe they could build a simple tower with blocks or cups and “restore,” or rebuild, it. Or, if your children have ever had to replace something because it was lost or damaged, you could compare that experience to the Savior restoring His Church. Help them find specific things mentioned in the Restoration proclamation that the Savior restored.
Friend December 2015 “The Restoration Puzzle” Story about how to teach restoration using a puzzle.
To restore something means to put it back together. Read “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World” in Gospel Library to learn more about how the Church was restored. Then play a restoration game! Find or draw a picture and cut it into puzzle pieces. Trade puzzles with a family member and restore each other’s pictures. Why was it important that Joseph Smith restored Jesus Christ’s gospel?
To illustrate what the phrase “the heavens are open” means, maybe you could share a message with your children, first behind a closed door and then through an open door. Let them take turns sharing a message too. What messages does Jesus Christ have for us? What experiences have helped us know that the heavens are open to us?
Moroni Chapter 10 A testimony of the Book of Mormon comes by the power of the Holy Ghost—The gifts of the Spirit are dispensed to the faithful—Spiritual gifts always accompany faith—Moroni’s words speak from the dust—Come unto Christ, be perfected in Him, and sanctify your souls. About A.D. 421.
Gold Plates/ Book of Mormon
Moroni Burying Plates Video – Explain that we’re studying the last chapter of the Book of Mormon today! This chapter has Moroni’s last words that he wrote before he buried the golden plates. (Come Follow Me Kid– more lesson ideas at link)
Use this activity to talk more about Moroni 10:18 (“every good gift cometh of Christ”).
Ahead of time, wrap a Book of Mormon with many layers of wrapping paper or colored cellophane. Tell your family you’ll share clues about what’s inside this gift.
As you share each clue (for example, “This teaches us about Jesus Christ”), invite a family member to take off a layer of paper and guess what’s inside.
If someone guesses correctly, continue unwrapping and take turns sharing truths about the Book of Mormon.
Discussion: Once the book is unwrapped, end by reading Moroni 10:18 together. What can your family do to share the gift of the gospel with others?
I can know for myself that the Book of Mormon is true.
How can you help your children accept Moroni’s invitation to ask God if the Book of Mormon is true? Consider giving them slips of paper with the words Read, Remember, Ponder, and Ask written on them. Your children could find these words in Moroni 10:3–4. What should we read, remember, ponder, and ask to gain or strengthen our testimonies of the Book of Mormon? Your children could also look for similarities between these verses and the song “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109)
Your children could use the picture at the end of this outline to talk about Moroni burying the gold plates (see also “Chapter 54: The Promise of the Book of Mormon,” Book of Mormon Stories, 156). Younger children may enjoy pretending to be Moroni writing on the plates and burying them. Share with each other your testimonies of the Book of Mormon.
Show a picture of Moroni burying the golden plates (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families), and ask the children to describe what they see. Invite them to point to the plates, and explain that on these plates were written the words that we now read in the Book of Mormon. Sing together “The Golden Plates” (Children’s Songbook, 86).
Help the children remember some of the experiences you have had together learning from the Book of Mormon. Share your feelings about the Book of Mormon, including how you have gained or strengthened your testimony that it is true. Invite the children to share their feelings and testimonies.
The Book of Mormon is full of stories that teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and the people who follow Them (see Moroni 10:3–4). Take turns acting out your favorite Book of Mormon stories! See if your family can guess what the story is.
Read Moroni 10:5 together and help your little ones say, “The Holy Ghost helps me know what is true.” Some children mistakenly think the Holy Ghost is a spooky ghost. Explain that the Holy Ghost is a real person, like Heavenly Father and Jesus. He helps us have comforting, warm, happy feelings. Families: You could cuddle up together in a blanket and watch the sing-along video for “The Holy Ghost” at children.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Show the Book of Mormon, and read Moroni 10:4. Emphasize that we can ask God if the Book of Mormon is true, and He will send the Holy Ghost to testify to us. Help the children understand what a witness from the Spirit feels like. Tell about a time when the Holy Ghost bore witness to you about something. Describe how you felt and how you knew it was the Holy Ghost.
A feeling that Jesus loves us and that the gospel is true
A comforting feeling
A happy feeling
A good feeling
A peaceful feeling
Friend December 2020 “How I Know” Before bed, Damon’s father reads to the boys about Moroni’s promise and then he tells the boys how he prayed and gained his testimony of the Book of Mormon. That night, Damon prays to know if the Book of Mormon is true and he feels warm and good inside.
Spiritual gifts can be defined as “blessings or abilities given by God to His children through the power of the Holy Ghost. Gifts of the Spirit are given to bless and benefit those who love the Lord and seek to keep His commandments. (See Doctrine and Covenants 46:9.)” (Gospel Topics, “Spiritual Gifts,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
President George Q. Cannon (1827–1901) of the First Presidency shared one way we can seek after spiritual gifts:
If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. … No man ought to say, “Oh, I cannot help this; it is my nature.” He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised … to give gifts that will eradicate [our weaknesses]. (George Q. Cannon, “Seeking Spiritual Gifts,” Ensign or Liahona, Apr. 2016, 80
To teach your children about spiritual gifts, you could write the numbers 9 through 16 on separate pieces of paper and wrap each paper like a gift. Your children could take turns unwrapping the gifts, reading verses from Moroni 10:9–16 that correspond with the numbers, and identifying each spiritual gift. You could talk about how Heavenly Father wants us to use these gifts to bless His children.
The Red Crystal has black and white copies that the children could fill out.
Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) It may be helpful to know that teaching “the word of wisdom” (verse 9) could refer to the ability to help others use good judgment or apply their knowledge; teaching the “word of knowledge” (verse 10) could refer to the ability to help others come to a knowledge of God and His laws; and “all kinds of tongues” (verse 15) could refer to the ability to speak in foreign or unknown languages.
You could also help your children notice the gifts that Heavenly Father has given them. (Explain that these are gifts Heavenly Father gives His children so we can help each other and do His work.)
Tell the children about spiritual gifts you have noticed that Heavenly Father has given them, such as the gifts of faith, wisdom, testimony, kindness, and the ability to learn. Let the children talk briefly about favorite gifts they have received.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that “spiritual gifts are endless in number and infinite in variety” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [1985], 371).
Share with them some additional spiritual gifts mentioned by Elder Marvin J. Ashton: “The gift of asking; the gift of listening; … the gift of avoiding contention; … the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; … the gift of caring for others; … the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony” (“There Are Many Gifts,” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20). Invite the children to talk about the spiritual gifts they see in each other. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 8–13” )
In the title page of the Book of Mormon, Moroni declared that the Book of Mormon was written to convince us that “Jesus is the Christ.”
We were sent to earth to learn and grow so that we can gain eternal life. To help us, Heavenly Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ. He has also called prophets to teach and testify of Jesus Christ. In the final verses of the Book of Mormon, Moroni invited all to follow the Savior. This lesson can help you “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him” (Moroni 10:32).
Do your children know what it means to “come unto Christ”? Maybe you could read Moroni 10:32 and invite them to repeat the phrase with you. (“Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him”) They could then close their eyes while you place a picture of Jesus somewhere in the room. Then let them open their eyes, find the picture, gather around it, and talk about ways that we can come unto Christ.
Write on the board a question like What does it mean to come unto Christ? Help the children search Moroni 10:32–33 to find possible answers. Work together to list what Christ wants us to do and what He promises to do for us. (see also Articles of Faith 1:3–4)
32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.
Maybe your children would enjoy making and decorating heart-shaped badges that say “I love God with all my might, mind, and strength” (see Moroni 10:32). As they do, talk with them about how we show God that we love Him.
Review with the children the Prophet Joseph Smith’s words from the introduction to the Book of Mormon: “A man would get nearer to God by abiding by [the Book of Mormon’s] precepts, than by any other book.” Bear your testimony about how this has happened in your life.
Read this chapter together, looking for every time Moroni used the word exhort. List or mark what Moroni is exhorting—or strongly encouraging—us to do. What can we do to follow his exhortations?
Moroni Chapter 7 An invitation is given to enter into the rest of the Lord—Pray with real intent—The Spirit of Christ enables men to know good from evil—Satan persuades men to deny Christ and do evil—The prophets manifest the coming of Christ—By faith, miracles are wrought and angels minister—Men should hope for eternal life and cleave unto charity. About A.D. 401–21.
Moroni Chapter 8 The baptism of little children is an evil abomination—Little children are alive in Christ because of the Atonement—Faith, repentance, meekness and lowliness of heart, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end lead to salvation. About A.D. 401–21.
Moroni Chapter 9 Both the Nephites and the Lamanites are depraved and degenerate—They torture and murder each other—Mormon prays that grace and goodness may rest upon Moroni forever. About A.D. 401.
Before Moroni concluded the record we know today as the Book of Mormon with his own final words, he shared three messages from his father, Mormon: an address to “the peaceable followers of Christ” (Moroni 7:3) and two letters that Mormon had written to Moroni. Perhaps Moroni included these messages in the Book of Mormon because he foresaw similarities between the perils of his day and ours.
Moroni 7
The light of Christ helps me judge between good and evil.
Many people wonder, “How can I know if an impression comes from God or from my own thoughts?” or “With so much deception today, how can I know what is right or wrong?” Mormon’s words in Moroni 7 give us several principles we can use to answer these questions. Look for them especially in verses 12–20.
How can Mormon’s counsel help us make good choices about how we spend our time and who we spend it with? You could invite family members to search your home and “lay hold upon” (Moroni 7:19), or hold on to, things that invite them “to do good, and to love God, and to serve him” (Moroni 7:13). Praise them for the good things they find.
Use the following or similar examples of choices that apply to your class. Have the children use Moroni 7:16 to help them choose good from evil.
You are playing ball with your friends when a child who does not play well wants to join your team. Your friends tell you if this person plays on your team you will lose the game. You consider telling the child not to play with you. Ask yourself, “Does this choice invite me to do good and to believe in Jesus Christ?”
You are watching a movie that has an immoral scene that lasts only a few seconds. You feel embarrassed to leave the movie. Ask yourself, “Does watching this movie invite me to do good and to believe in Jesus Christ?”
You are in a store when the clerk makes a mistake and doesn’t charge you the right amount for the item you are buying. You know that the item costs more than what you were charged, but the clerk made the error. Ask yourself, “Does paying the wrong price invite me to do good and to believe in Jesus Christ?”
Your bishop has asked you to read the Book of Mormon every day. Sometimes scripture words are hard for you to understand. Ask yourself, “Does reading the scriptures every day help me to do good and persuade me to believe in Christ?”
Mormon wanted the people to know that miracles did not stop when the Savior’s earthly ministry ended. As long as we have faith in Jesus Christ, we can, with His help, do anything He needs us to do—including miraculous things.
Consider looking at a few pictures together that show someone from the scriptures accomplishing something important (see, for example, Gospel Art Book, nos. 19, 70, 78, 81). How did having faith in Christ make a difference in these examples? You and your children could then read Moroni 7:33, looking for what we can do when we have faith in Jesus Christ. You could also share experiences with each other when God blessed you with power to do His will.
Help the children list on the board some of the “good thing[s]” that we receive through the gospel of Jesus Christ, such as having eternal families, returning to Heavenly Father, and being forgiven of our sins. Then invite the children to read Moroni 7:21–22 and 25, looking for how we can receive all of these good things. How can we show our faith in Jesus Christ and His promises?
21 And now I come to that faith, of which I said I would speak; and I will tell you the way whereby ye may lay hold on every good thing. 22 and in Christ there should come every good thing. 25 and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing;
Read Moroni 7:33, and invite the children to stand up when they hear the word “faith.” Explain that we show our faith in Jesus Christ when we keep His commandments. Help the children make a list on the board of some things Jesus wants them to do, like obeying their parents or telling the truth. Testify that our faith in Jesus Christ can help us keep the commandments.
As you read Moroni 7:41 to your children, perhaps they could raise their hands when they hear something Mormon said we should hope for. Tell them about the hope you feel because of Jesus Christ.
One truth we can learn from Mormon is if we exercise faith in Jesus Christ, we can have hope through His Atonement to be raised to eternal life.
You and your children could also think of someone who may be having a hard time with something. Maybe your children could draw a picture for the person that can remind him or her to have hope in Jesus Christ.
After describing the wickedness he had seen, Mormon told his son not to grieve. What does it mean to you for Christ to “lift [you] up”? Moroni 9:25–26
Help the children list a few problems that might make people feel discouraged or hopeless. Invite the children to read Moroni 7:40–41 and 9:25–26, looking for something that might help someone who feels discouraged. Tell them how Jesus Christ and His gospel have helped you during difficult times.
Invite the children to write a message to someone who feels discouraged to help him or her find hope in Christ, as Mormon did for his son in Moroni 9:25–26. Encourage the children to use words and phrases from these verses in their messages.
To teach your children about hope in Jesus Christ, you could fill a clear container with water and drop two objects into it—one that floats and one that sinks. As you read together Moroni 7:40–41 and 9:25–26, your children could look for what hope does for us. Then they could compare the floating object to a person who has hope in Christ. How does He “lift [us] up” when we face difficult trials? Help your children think of ways they can keep the Savior and His encouraging teachings “in [their] mind forever.”
Life was hard for Moroni, but he stayed faithful. He wrote down what Mormon taught about charity, the pure love of Christ. Mormon said people should pray to God with all the energy of their hearts to get this love. He said God gives charity to those who truly follow Jesus.
Moroni loved the Lamanites even though some of them had killed everyone he knew and wanted to kill him. He wrote many things on the metal plates to help Lamanites in the future. He hoped they would read the record someday and believe in Jesus again.
Invite the children to share what they think the word “charity” means. Then invite one of the children to read Moroni 7:45. (If some of the words in this verse are hard to understand, help the children look them up in a dictionary.)
Explain the qualities of charity found in Moroni 7:45 using terms the children can understand. You could have the children match Moroni’s descriptions with your explanations.
Suffereth long: Is patient
Kind: Not cruel or mean, loving
Envieth not: Is not jealous
Not puffed up: Humble, not proud
Seeketh not her own: Is unselfish
Not easily provoked: Slow to anger, quick to forgive
Mormon taught that we “must needs have charity” (Moroni 7:44). Use this activity to talk about what charity means.
Show the picture of Jesus from page 193 of the Come, Follow Me manual for individuals and families.
Read Moroni 7:45–47 together. As you read, write down on slips of paper phrases that describe charity (for example, “is kind”).
Put the slips of paper around the picture of Christ. Talk about times He acted in those ways.
Now show a picture of your family. Talk about what your family can do to follow Christ’s examples of charity. As each idea is shared, move the corresponding paper from Christ’s picture to your family’s picture.
Discussion: Read and talk about Moroni 7:48. What can your family do to get ready to see the Savior again?
Ask the children to talk about people they know who are good examples of charity. Why is charity called “the pure love of Christ”? (Moroni 7:47). What does verse 48 teach us about how we can be filled with charity? Encourage each of the children to pray for charity this week and to look for ways to show charity to others.
Ask the children to write names of people they know on pieces of paper and place them in a small bag or container. Invite them to take their container home, select a name from it every day, and do something that shows love for that person. In a future lesson, invite them to share their experiences serving these people.
Jesus wants us to love each other (see Moroni 7:45–48). Have each family member write their name on a piece of paper and put it in a bowl. Then pick a name and secretly serve that person the next day to show your love. At the end of the day, guess who served you!
How can you inspire your children to seek and develop the pure love of Christ in their lives? Perhaps you could help them think of ways that Jesus showed charity (see, for example, Luke 23:34; John 8:1–11; Ether 12:33–34). How can we follow His example?
A song about love, such as “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 136), may start a discussion about what charity is. You could read or summarize Moroni 7:47 and invite your children to draw pictures of themselves showing love to someone. Suggest that they put their picture where it will remind them to love others as Jesus does.
Ask the children to repeat this phrase with you: “Charity is the pure love of Christ” (Moroni 7:47). Who can we show love to as Jesus did? For an example, example, show the video “My Brother Hyrum” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
For younger children: Ask your child to draw a picture for someone they love.
Moroni had the pure love of Christ. Help the children find some of the following examples of Moroni’s charity, or use some of the following examples as you tell the children the story of Moroni.
Suffereth long: Moroni lived alone for over thirty-six years patiently keeping the records. (Mormon 8:5.)
Kind: Moroni prayed for us, and he loved his brethren. (Ether 12:36, 38.)
Envieth not: Moroni saw our day and counseled us to not be envious or proud. (Mormon 8:35–37.)
Not puffed up: Moroni was humble because of his weakness in writing. (Ether 12:23–25.)
Seeketh not her own: Moroni unselfishly worked and prayed for us that we would have a knowledge of Jesus Christ. (Mormon 9:36; Ether 12:41.)
Not easily provoked: Moroni forgave his enemies and worked hard to write things that he hoped would be of worth to them. (Moroni 1:4.)
Thinketh no evil: Moroni exhorted us to hold to good and touch not evil. (Moroni 10:30.)
Rejoiceth in truth: Moroni was honest. (Moroni 10:27.)
Beareth all things: Because Moroni would not deny Jesus Christ, he had to wander alone for his safety. (Moroni 1:2–3.)
Believeth all things: Moroni encouraged us to believe in Jesus Christ. (Mormon 9:21.) So great was Moroni’s faith that he was able to see Christ face to face. (Ether 12:39.)
Hopeth all things: Moroni understood the importance of hope. (Ether 12:32.)
Endureth all things: Moroni was faithful to the end. (Moroni 10:34.)
Moroni received a letter from his father when Moroni was first called to the ministry. As part of the letter Mormon expressed his love, appreciation, and concern for his son (see Moroni 8:2–3). Before class have a parent, or an adult relative or friend, of each of the children in your class write a letter of love and appreciation. Give these letters to the children as you explain the love that Mormon had for his son, Moroni. Point out that Moroni valued this letter; he carried it with him as he fled from his enemies. Suggest that the children save their letters as a reminder to continue to do good things which will please their parents and the Lord.
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).
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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:
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?
Ether Chapter 12 The prophet Ether exhorts the people to believe in God—Moroni recounts the wonders and marvels done by faith—Faith enabled the brother of Jared to see Christ—The Lord gives men weakness that they may be humble—The brother of Jared moved Mount Zerin by faith—Faith, hope, and charity are essential to salvation—Moroni saw Jesus face to face.
Ether Chapter 13 Ether speaks of a New Jerusalem to be built in America by the seed of Joseph—He prophesies, is cast out, writes the Jaredite history, and foretells the destruction of the Jaredites—War rages over all the land.
Ether Chapter 14 The iniquity of the people brings a curse upon the land—Coriantumr engages in warfare against Gilead, then Lib, and then Shiz—Blood and carnage cover the land.
Ether Chapter 15 Millions of the Jaredites are slain in battle—Shiz and Coriantumr assemble all the people to mortal combat—The Spirit of the Lord ceases to strive with them—The Jaredite nation is utterly destroyed—Only Coriantumr remains.
Explain that the prophet Ether tried to teach the Jaredites “great and marvelous things,” but they didn’t believe what he said. Invite the children to read Ether 12:5 to find out why they didn’t believe.
Read together Ether 12:6. What did Moroni teach the people who would not believe spiritual truths because they couldn’t see them?
Consider helping your children repeat with you “Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen” from Ether 12:6.
Moroni shared several examples of people who accomplished great things because of their faith.
They might enjoy looking at pictures that show the examples of faith in Ether 12:13–15, 19–21 (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 78, 85, and this week’s activity page). Let your children explain what they know about each story. Here are some questions to help you discuss these examples of faith:
What did these people hope for?
How was their faith tested?
What happened because of their faith?
You could also share your own experiences exercising faith.
Play a guessing game with the children. Give them clues about the faithful people described in Ether 12:13–15, 19–20 until the children can guess who they are. Then let the children play the game again by taking turns giving clues about the same people (or other faithful people) while the rest of the class guesses. Share what you admire about the faith of these people.
What are some things Heavenly Father wants us to believe even though we don’t see them? Read together Ether 12:6.
Ask the children to read this phrase in Ether 12:6: “Ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” Help the children understand that when we obey a commandment, we can know it is true. Ask them to think of gospel principles that God wants us to have a testimony of, such as paying tithing, keeping the Sabbath day holy, or living the Word of Wisdom. Then write on the board In order to gain a testimony of , I must . Share how you have exercised faith in order to gain your testimony of these and other gospel truths.
To understand what Ether 12:4 teaches about hope, you and your children could look at a picture of a boat and an anchor (or draw one on the board). Why do boats need anchors? What would happen to a boat that does not have an anchor? As you read Ether 12:4 together, talk about how hope helps us the way an anchor helps a boat. Invite your children to draw pictures of a boat and anchor so they can teach others (their families and friends) about hope.
If your children need a definition of hope, help them find one in Guide to the Scriptures, “Hope” (Gospel Library). According to this definition and Ether 12:4, 32, what should we hope for? (see also Moroni 7:40–42).
Help your children think of other words for hope, along with words that mean the opposite of hope. You could also share with each other some gospel truths that give you hope.
Life often brings unexpected, difficult circumstances that can lead us to feel discouraged, overwhelmed, and defeated. During such times, Heavenly Father does not leave us vulnerable and alone. He offers many spiritual resources—including the gift of hope—that help us find strength, courage, and an anticipation of a joyful future (see Moroni 9:25).
Children sometimes face situations in which they feel weak, just as Moroni did. Help your children find out why Moroni felt this way in Ether 12:23–25, and ask them if they have ever had similar feelings. Then invite them to read verses 26–27 to find out how the Lord helped Moroni.
Friend June 2019 “Weak Things Stronger” Parker gets frustrated with himself when he doesn’t succeed at something he is trying to do like playing the piano or dirt biking. His moms showed him a scripture about Jesus helping with weaknesses. She also reminds him that it takes time to learn, grow, and get better. He learns to be kind and patient with himself and remember that he is getting a little better each time he does something.
Perhaps your children could draw a picture of something weak and something strong. (twigs/log, paper/book) Then they could add to their drawing some words and phrases from Ether 12:23–29 that teach them about how the Savior can turn our weakness into strength.
Encourage your children to think about a weakness they have and then seek the Savior’s help to become strong. You could also share an experience when the Savior helped you become strong enough to do something hard.
Friend December 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”
Friend November 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones Read Ether 12:27 and help your little ones say, “Jesus Christ can help me be strong.” Invite your children to try doing something physically hard, like moving a chair or lifting a heavy book. Then help them successfully complete the challenge. Show them a picture of Jesus and explain that Jesus can help us do hard things and make weak things strong.
Describe for the children a task that would require a lot of physical strength to accomplish. Invite them to share examples of things they aren’t strong enough to do now. How could we become strong enough to accomplish these tasks?
Explain that we also have spiritual work to do, but we sometimes feel spiritually weak. Moroni felt this way about his writings on the plates (Ether 12:23–25). Read Ether 12:27 to the children. What did the Lord promise those who feel weak?
Friend February 2015 “Juliana Gives a Talk” Juliana is scared to give a talk, but Heavenly Father helps her.
Friend February 2015Friend February 2015Friend February 2015 Friend February 2015
Friend November 2019 “The Primary Talk” Dennis was afraid to give a talk in Primary. He prayed, prepared, and practiced but he was still nervous, so he asked his father to give him a blessing. After the blessing he was able to give the talk with only a few stutters, and he knew Heavenly Father helped him.
Share an experience in which the Savior helped you or someone you know do something that was hard. Testify to the children that if they seek His help, Jesus can help them be strong, even when they feel weak.
Friend March 2020 “Eddy and the Book of Mormon” Some kids laugh at Eddy when he reads at school because he has a hard time with some words. It makes him nervous and not want to read out loud. But as his family read the Book of Mormon each day (first they figured out a way to remember to read each day), Eddy learns about Nephi and how his brothers made fun of him for building a boat. That didn’t stop Nephi. He trusted God, and God helped him do hard things. Next time some kids laughed at him while Eddy read in class, he thought of Nephi, and that helped him not to worry about what the kids would say.
Is there a fun way you could teach your children to “seek … Jesus”? One way might be to hide a picture of Jesus and invite your family members to “seek” and find the picture. How do we seek Jesus, and how are we blessed when we find Him?
Being king of the Jaredites was, historically, a dangerous position. This was especially true for Coriantumr, as many “mighty men … sought to destroy him” (Ether 13:15–16). In Ether 13:15–22, notice what Coriantumr did to protect himself and what the prophet Ether counseled him to do instead. As you read the rest of the book of Ether, ponder the consequences of rejecting the prophets. What happens to people when “the Spirit of the Lord [ceases] striving with them”? (Ether 15:19).
It might be interesting for your family members to compare the experience of Ether with the experiences of Mormon and Moroni (see Mormon 6; 8:1–10). How are they similar? How was the Nephites’ path to destruction similar to the Jaredites’ path? (compare Ether 15:19 with Moroni 8:28). What truths do we learn that can help us avoid what happened to them?
Explain to the children that all their choices have consequences. Consequences are what happen as a result of the choices we make. The scriptures and our prophets teach us the consequences of our choices because Heavenly Father wants us to make good choices. This lesson is about the Jaredites and the prophet Ether. Ether told the Jaredites that if they chose not to repent, the consequences would be that all of the people would be destroyed.
The Red Crystal Sort the seeds into the packets of Corrupution or Everlasting Life
Make the following wordstrips: Righteousness, Blessings, Prosperity, Pride, Wickedness, Suffering or destruction, Humility, Repentance. Explain that throughout history when people have been righteous, Heavenly Father has blessed them with prosperity. Unfortunately this prosperity can lead to pride and wickedness and sometimes complete destruction.Explain that this is what happened to the Jaredites. At first they were a righteous people and were blessed and prospered. (Draw a large circle on the chalkboard, and have the children put up the wordstrips “Righteousness,” “Blessings,” and “Prosperity” in the proper places on the circle [see the following illustration].) Then the Jaredites became proud and rejected the prophets. The people became so wicked that they were entirely destroyed. (Have the children put up the wordstrips “Pride,” “Wickedness,” and “Suffering or destruction” in the proper places on the circle.) Explain that if the Jaredites had humbled themselves and repented before they were destroyed, they could have returned to enjoying the blessings of righteous living. (Have the children put up the wordstrips “Humility” and “Repentance” in the proper places on the circle.) Help the children understand that this cycle often happens in our personal lives as well as in the history of nations.
Have the children make their own copies of the cycle of history to take home and share with their families. The children could make their cycles more personal by including such things as “listening to the prophets,” “obeying my parents,” “praying daily,” “expressing gratitude,” “serving others,” and so on.
Friend January 2020 “Find It” For family night, Maria hid stuffed animals around the room to represent the animals that Ammon helped find and protect (see Alma 17:27–33). Can you find all 12 stuffed animals? Then find the other hidden objects.
Friend April 2019 How many matching pairs of pachyderms can you find.
Kindness to Animals
Friend September 2018 “I Can Be Kind to Animals” Match each animal with what it needs.
Friend September 2018 “For Parents of Little Ones” Caring for animals can help young children learn about God’s creations, learn to be responsible, and practice being kind. (Also, teaching young children how to be gentle with pets and respectful of wildlife.)
Friend September 2018 “Cole Helps the Baby Birds” When a wind storm knocks a blows a bird nest out of the tree, Cole helps put it back in.
Friend August 2022 “Miguel and the Worm” As Miguel helped his mother with the garden he found a worm. He didn’t want to hurt it but he didn’t want it to hurt the plants. His mother explained that worms were helpful to gardens because they beak up the dirt. Miguel liked the worms. He wanted to treat all of Heavenly Father’s creatures with respect.
Friend October 2020 “Funstuff” These kids are volunteering at an animal shelter. Use the clues to figure out each cat’s name!
Respect Animals & Nature
The Hunters – A sister teaches her brother and his friend to respect life of animals in nature? Friend May 1984
Animal Art
Friend March 2021″Church History Animals” Early Church pioneers didn’t have cars or trains to travel in. Lots of them used horses and oxen to get around and help carry heavy things. Learn how to draw your own!
Friend September 2020 “Find It” These kids love watching birds with their aunt! Find 15 birds and 10 eggs. Then find the other objects. Bonus: How many times are birds (or “fowls”) mentioned during the Creation, in Genesis 1? ______. (6)
Animal Sounds
Friend May 1997 “Animal Jingles” Find the animals that makes the sound mentioned in each jingle.
Friend April 2025 “Animal Dance” Everyone dances like an animal. When the leader turns back around, everyone freezes! The leader watches to see who moves.
Friend August 2021 “Animal Games” Play an animal game with friends or family. Try hopping like a bunny or waddling like a duck. Take turns coming up with ideas! Or see who can make the best animal noises.
Friend July 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Animal Actions” Under God’s direction, Jesus Christ created every creature on earth (see Doctrine and Covenants 77:2). Play an animal guessing game! One person pretends to be a certain animal. Everyone else tries to guess what animal they are. Once you guess it right, say something you like about that animal.
For younger children: Go on a walk with your little ones and point out animals you see. Or look at pictures of animals. Teach them that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created every creature on earth.
Friend April 2026 “Activity Time” Jesus Christ is the Living Water (see John 4:14). This means the joy and peace He gives us will never run out! His love can help us grow, just like water helps plants and animals grow.
Friend June 2019 “Father’s Day Jar of Love” Fill a jar almost to the top with pebbles or your dad’s favorite candy. Write things you love about your dad on the craft sticks and stick them in the jar. Cut out the tags and tape them to the outside of the jar.
Friend June 2016 “Funstuff” Here’s a Father’s Day gift any dad (or granddad!) will love. Fill in the blanks below, and read your very own poem.
2 Nephi CHAPTER 20 The destruction of Assyria is a type of the destruction of the wicked at the Second Coming—Few people will be left after the Lord comes again—The remnant of Jacob will return in that day—Compare Isaiah 10. About 559–545 B.C.
2 Nephi CHAPTER 21 The stem of Jesse (Christ) will judge in righteousness—The knowledge of God will cover the earth in the Millennium—The Lord will raise an ensign and gather Israel—Compare Isaiah 11. About 559–545 B.C.
2 Nephi CHAPTER 22 In the millennial day all men will praise the Lord—He will dwell among them—Compare Isaiah 12. About 559–545 B.C.
2 Nephi CHAPTER 23 The destruction of Babylon is a type of the destruction at the Second Coming—It will be a day of wrath and vengeance—Babylon (the world) will fall forever—Compare Isaiah 13. About 559–545 B.C.
2 Nephi CHAPTER 24 Israel will be gathered and will enjoy millennial rest—Lucifer was cast out of heaven for rebellion—Israel will triumph over Babylon (the world)—Compare Isaiah 14. About 559–545 B.C.
2 Nephi CHAPTER 25 Nephi glories in plainness—Isaiah’s prophecies will be understood in the last days—The Jews will return from Babylon, crucify the Messiah, and be scattered and scourged—They will be restored when they believe in the Messiah—He will first come six hundred years after Lehi left Jerusalem—The Nephites keep the law of Moses and believe in Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel. About 559–545 B.C.
“Since the line of Jesse is the royal line of kings from David’s time on, is there any question as to who this ‘branch’ is?” (Rasmussen, Introduction to the Old Testament, 2:45.)
Isaiah 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 20-25” What does 2 Nephi 21:6–9 teach about what can happen when everyone follows the Savior? (see also 4 Nephi 1:15–18). How can we make our home more like this? Your children might enjoy looking at pictures of the animals mentioned in verses 6–7—animals that are usually enemies but will not hurt each other when Jesus comes again (see this week’s activity page). Your children could also draw pictures of themselves and these animals living peacefully with Jesus.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 11-25” Show the children pictures of animals mentioned in 2 Nephi 21:6–7, and ask the children to name the animals. Explain that these animals are usually enemies, but Isaiah taught that after Jesus Christ comes again, there will be a time of peace, called the Millennium, when animals will not hurt each other. How can we follow the example of these animals in the way we treat each other?
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 20-25” Isaiah said that the Lord would set up an “ensign for the nations” to help people gather to Him (see 2 Nephi 21:11–12). Help your children understand that an ensign is like a flag. Perhaps they would enjoy drawing their own flag. They could include pictures or words that represent reasons they come to Jesus Christ and His Church. Let them talk about their flags, and help them think of how they can help others “gather” to Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 1” Ask the children to use this week’s activity page to make an invitation they could use to invite a friend or family member to learn more about Jesus Christ. (Maybe include it in a Friend magazine or a Book of Mormon)
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 20-25” After reading 2 Nephi 22:4–5 together, you might talk with your children about some of the “excellent things” the Lord has done. What are some of the Lord’s “doings among [us]” that we can declare? To help your children think about this question, you might sing together a song about the Savior, like “I Believe in Christ” (Hymns, no. 134). You could take turns completing a sentence like this one: “I believe in Christ; He _____.” How can we help other people know about what the Savior has done for us?
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 20-25” How can you help your children “rejoice in Christ”? Maybe you could tell a story about Jesus Christ bringing joy to others, or you could show a video such as “Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind” or “Suffer the Little Children to Come unto Me” (Gospel Library). Your children could point out joyful moments in the story or video. Then, as you read together 2 Nephi 25:26, they could talk about why they “rejoice in Christ.”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 11-25” Put a picture of the Savior on the board, and read together 2 Nephi 25:26. Why did Nephi talk and write so much about Jesus Christ? Let each of the children write on the board, near the picture of Jesus, one thing about the Savior that brings them joy.
Ask the children to think of someone they would like to “persuade … to believe in Christ” (2 Nephi 25:23). How can we express to others the joy that the Savior brings into our lives? Let the children write or role-play some things they might do to help the person they thought of believe in Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 How can you help your family members “rejoice in Christ”? Maybe you could invite them to write on slips of paper things about the Savior that bring them joy. Then, during future family home evenings or family scripture study, someone could read a slip. Family members could add slips throughout the year.
Come Follow Me Kid “We Rejoice in Christ”“Delight In” Treats – What does it mean to “delight in” something? Talk about things we “delight in” (the park, puzzles, games, treats, etc.). Set out some of their favorite treats/snacks. My kids are obsessed with hot chocolate, so we’ll probably get some of that and while we’re drinking it, talk about how warm and happy it makes us feel. When we “delight in” something, it makes us feel warm and happy like that. What do you think Nephi said he “delights in”? Nephi said that his soul delights in proving unto his people the truth of the coming of Christ (2 Nephi 11:4). Show a picture of Christ. Why do you think Christ is so important and how can He help us feel happy?
“Smiley Face Hat” Cut apart the pieces for the smiley face hat below. Explain what it means to “rejoice.” Put the smiley faces in a pile and let kids take turns choosing one. As each piece is chosen, discuss how that is something that can make us happy and rejoice. Glue them onto the hat after discussing.
1 Nephi CHAPTER 11 Nephi sees the Spirit of the Lord and is shown in vision the tree of life—He sees the mother of the Son of God and learns of the condescension of God—He sees the baptism, ministry, and crucifixion of the Lamb of God—He sees also the call and ministry of the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb. About 600–592 B.C.
1 Nephi CHAPTER 12 Nephi sees in vision the land of promise; the righteousness, iniquity, and downfall of its inhabitants; the coming of the Lamb of God among them; how the Twelve Disciples and the Twelve Apostles will judge Israel; and the loathsome and filthy state of those who dwindle in unbelief. About 600–592 B.C.
1 Nephi CHAPTER 13 Nephi sees in vision the church of the devil set up among the Gentiles, the discovery and colonizing of America, the loss of many plain and precious parts of the Bible, the resultant state of gentile apostasy, the restoration of the gospel, the coming forth of latter-day scripture, and the building up of Zion. About 600–592 B.C.
1 Nephi CHAPTER 14 An angel tells Nephi of the blessings and cursings to fall upon the Gentiles—There are only two churches: the Church of the Lamb of God and the church of the devil—The Saints of God in all nations are persecuted by the great and abominable church—The Apostle John will write concerning the end of the world. About 600–592 B.C.
1 Nephi CHAPTER 15 Lehi’s seed are to receive the gospel from the Gentiles in the latter days—The gathering of Israel is likened unto an olive tree whose natural branches will be grafted in again—Nephi interprets the vision of the tree of life and speaks of the justice of God in dividing the wicked from the righteous. About 600–592 B.C.
Nephi Sees a Vision
“Condescension” means the voluntary descent from a position of rank or dignity. One truth we can learn is that the condescension of God demonstrates His love for us. (Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024))
Discussion: Why did the Lord reveal so much to Nephi? We may not have visions as Nephi did, but we can open our eyes, minds, and hearts to revelation. Share a time when you have had a revelatory experience.
Heavenly Father sent Jesus Christ to earth because He loves me.
Singing a song like “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35) could help your children feel God’s love. After you sing, ask your children what they learn from the song. What else do we learn about God’s love from 1 Nephi 11:22–23?
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “1 Nephi 11-15” Tell the children about some of the things Nephi learned that Jesus Christ would do during His life (see 1 Nephi 11:16–33), and show them pictures of some of these events (see, for instance, Gospel Art Book, nos. 41, 46, 47, 49, 56, 57, 58, 59). Share what the Savior has done for you. Show pictures to help the children think of ways we can share God’s love (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 109, 110, 115).
Friend January 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” Read 1 Nephi 11:24 together and help your little ones say, “Jesus came to earth because He loves me.” Help your little one flip through copies of the Friend and draw a heart next to each picture of Jesus. This would be a great time to share your feelings about the Savior.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “1 Nephi 11-15” To help your children value the “plain and precious” truths in the Book of Mormon, you could draw a picture and invite your children to change or remove parts of the picture to make it look different. You could use this to teach that things in the Bible were changed and taken out over time. Read together 1 Nephi 13:40 and talk about how the Book of Mormon (“these last records”) helps us understand the “plain and precious things” that were lost from the Bible (the “first” records). What “plain and precious” truths have you learned from the Book of Mormon?
Nephi saw that many Plain and Precious Things would be Removed from Bible
Draw a picture on the board, and invite the children to change or remove parts of the picture to make it look different. Help them understand that, like this picture, some things in the Bible were changed and taken out over time. Read parts of 1 Nephi 13:40 that teach how the Book of Mormon (which Nephi calls “these last records”) helps us understand the “plain and precious things” that were lost from the Bible.
Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) A bicycle is a simple and effective form of transportation. Cycling can also be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. What are some of the essential parts that allow a person to operate a bicycle safely and effectively? Imagine you owned a bicycle and someone intentionally removed certain essential parts from it.
What might those actions indicate about his or her feelings toward you?
What could happen if you attempted to operate the bicycle with missing parts?
Who might you contact to repair and restore your bicycle to function properly?
In a similar way, Satan has sought to harm and confuse God’s children by removing and changing important parts of Jesus Christ’s gospel. As you study 1 Nephi 13, look for what the Savior has done to help us overcome Satan’s obstacles.
The video “The Book of Mormon—a Book from God” (Gospel Library) could help your children see why it’s important to have both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Children might enjoy re-creating the illustration from the video. (watch to 5:41)
Why is it helpful to have more than one witness? Draw a dot on the board, label it Bible, and invite each child to draw a different straight line passing through the dot to illustrate that teachings in the Bible can be interpreted many ways when the Bible stands alone. Erase the lines, and draw a second dot labeled Book of Mormon. Invite a child to draw a straight line that passes through both dots to show that there is only one way to interpret the gospel when the Bible and Book of Mormon are used together.
Read 1 Nephi 13:26–29 together, and invite the children to look for what happens when people do not have the “plain and precious” truths of the gospel. How did the Lord restore truths that had been lost? (see verses 35–36, 40). Invite the children to share their testimonies of truths they have learned from the Book of Mormon, or share your own.
Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 20: Joseph Smith Translates the Bible and Other Scriptures,” (See more at link) Have the children stand in a line. Whisper the two- or three-sentence message into the ear of the first child in line. Have each child in turn whisper the message to the next child. Instruct each child to say the message only once. Continue until the message reaches the last child in line. Ask the last child to repeat the message aloud. Compare the message the last child received with the original message to see how the message changed.
How had the message changed by the time it reached the end of the line? What was left out? What was added?
Why do you think the message changed as it passed from person to person?
Explain to the children that just as their message changed as it was passed from person to person, over many years some of the scriptures in the Bible had been changed as people translated the Bible and made copies of it by hand. Mistakes were made: some incorrect teachings had been added to the Bible, and some important teachings had been left out. (see Articles of Faith 1:8).
Watch the following video until 3.12
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “1 Nephi 11-15 Hide around the room pictures representing gospel truths that are clarified in the Book of Mormon, such as baptism, the sacrament, and resurrection. Invite the children to find these pictures. Explain that the Book of Mormon brought back gospel truths that had been lost (during the apostasy).
Help the children memorize the eighth article of faith. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “1 Nephi 11-15” Give your children a chance to share what they remember about Lehi’s vision. It might help to use a picture, like the one in last week’s outline. What kept people from reaching the tree? What helped them reach it? You might ask them to find the iron rod in the picture. Read together 1 Nephi 15:23–24 to find out what the iron rod represents and how it can help us.
The word of God gives me power to resist temptation.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “1 Nephi 11-15 How did the iron rod help the people get through the mists of darkness? How can reading the word of God help us resist temptation and darkness today? Complete the activity page with the children. While they are doing it, ask them to talk about some of the temptations children face. How can they remember to hold on to the iron rod every day? Sing “The Iron Rod” (Hymns, no. 274) as part of this activity. (How do we “hold fast” to the word of God? ((1 Nephi 15:24).)
Game Instructions: Print and cut out the tree, the path, the mists of darkness and the temptations in the Tree of Life Vision Pictures. Glue a “Temptation” to the back of each “Mist of Darkness.” Tape a mint to each piece of fruit on the tree of life. Cover the rod of iron and the path with the remaining mists of darkness.
Direct a volunteer to choose a mist of darkness and read the situation that is on the back. Instruct the children to look in the bible topical guide for the temptation’s subject and find a scripture that would help them avoid and resist that temptation. Have the volunteer read the scripture the children chose. The volunteer can then take a fruit (mint) off the tree. Have another child pick a mist of darkness and do the same process again. Continue until each child has had a turn. After the game is finished, remind the children that if we use the word of God to guide us, it will help us avoid temptations and lead us to eternal life.
• How do we hold onto the word of God? By making it part of our life. We do this by studying and abiding by the teachings found in the scriptures and the words of the latter day prophets, and by seeking for and listening to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Heeding and obeying the word of God will help us avoid the deceptions and temptations of Satan so that we can avoid going astray.
The word of God gives me power.
Display a picture of Lehi’s dream, like the one in last week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. Invite the children to find the iron rod in the picture, and help them understand how holding to the word of God can protect us (see 1 Nephi 15:23–24). Give the children something similar to an iron rod to hold, such as a pipe or stick, while you read verse 24. Where do we find the word of God? What can we do to make the word of God part of our lives every day?
