Tag Archives: Activity ideas

Jul 21 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 81-83

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I Can Be Faithful in Doing What the Lord Asks of Me.

Doctrine and Covenants 81

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” Doctrine and Covenants 81–83″

In March 1832, the Lord called Jesse Gause to be a counselor to Joseph Smith in the Presidency of the High Priesthood (now called the First Presidency). Doctrine and Covenants 81is a revelation to Brother Gause, instructing him in his new calling and promising him blessings for serving faithfully. But Jesse Gause did not serve faithfully. So Frederick G. Williams was called to replace him.

I Should Pray Always. I Can Pray “Vocally and In [My] Heart.”

Doctrine and Covenants 81:3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 81-83”

When the Lord called Frederick G. Williams to be a counselor to the Prophet Joseph Smith, He counseled Frederick to be “faithful … in prayer always.”

  • Read to the children the Lord’s counsel to be “faithful … in prayer always, vocally and in thy heart, in public and in private” (Doctrine and Covenants 81:3). Explain what it means to pray in our hearts, and share a personal example. Help the children think of times when they can pray “in public and in private.”
  • Invite someone to read Doctrine and Covenants 81:3, and ask the children what it means to pray “in [your] heart.” Share an experience when you prayed aloud or in your heart and the Lord helped you. Also ask the children to share their own experiences. How can prayer bring us closer to Heavenly Father?
  • Read or sing with the children a hymn about prayer, such as “Did You Think to Pray?” or “Secret Prayer” (Hymns,nos. 140, 144). Invite the children to share a phrase from the hymn that helps them understand something about prayer. Give them time to ponder what they can do to improve their prayers and then write their ideas.

You could give paper hearts to family members and invite them to draw or write something they would like to pray about. Talk about what it means to pray “always, vocally and in thy heart.” (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” Doctrine and Covenants 81–83″)

  • Ask the children to show you what they do when they pray. What do they do with their arms? their heads? their eyes? Explain that sometimes we want to talk to Heavenly Father, but we can’t kneel or close our eyes. What can we do? Read to the children from 3 Nephi 20:1: “[Jesus] commanded them that they should not cease to pray in their hearts.” Tell the children how you pray in your heart.
  • Draw a mouth and a heart on the board. Ask the children to point to the mouth and tell you some things they say when they pray. Then ask them to point to the heart, and explain that we can say those same things in our hearts. Testify that Heavenly Father knows our feelings and thoughts.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 20–26: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”)
Friend January 2019

Alma 33:2–11; 34:17–27

(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

  • Read phrases you have selected from Alma 33:4–11 that describe places we can pray, and help the children think of places they can pray. Then invite them to draw pictures of themselves praying in those places. Testify that they can pray anywhere, even if they are praying silently.

I Can Serve Those Around Me.

Doctrine and Covenants 81:5; 82:19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 81-83”

Heavenly Father knows the needs of each of His children, and He often uses other people—like the children you teach—to help meet those needs. How can you help the children recognize the needs of others and serve them?

  • Read Doctrine and Covenants 81:5 to the children, and help them understand phrases like “succor the weak” and “lift up the hands which hang down.” Let them act out ways we can do what the Lord asks in this verse. Use pictures or videos to tell simple stories of Jesus Christ serving others (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 41, 42, 46, 47, 55; biblevideos.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How can we follow the Savior’s example of helping others?

Friend June 2017 “Jesus Healed People” Story of Jarius’s daughter being raised from the dead, and the story of the women with an issue of blood being healed when she touches the hem of Jesus’s robe.

Friend July 2017 “Jesus Fed Many People”

Friend September 2017 “Jesus is Kind” Jesus blesses the children.

Friend January 2018 “Following Paw Prints” As Derek was following paw prints in the snow, he helped his neighbors along the way. He likes to follow the example of Jesus by helping others. (Also do the activity of finding ways Derek can help family members.)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 81-83”

  • Sing the fourth verse of “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75) or another song about service. Tell about a time when someone helped you feel the Savior’s love by serving you.

See Service for additional teaching ideas.

God Wants Me to Serve and Strengthen Those In Need.

Doctrine and Covenants 81:5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 81-83”

  • Draw pictures of hands and knees on the board. Ask the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 81:5 to learn what the Lord says about these body parts. Watch the video “Pass It On” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or share how you and the children have seen people serve each other. How can we be more aware of people in need around us? Invite the children to serve at least one person this week. For ideas about ways to serve others, sing a song about service, such as “Have I Done Any Good?” (Hymns, no. 223).
  • Invite the children to take turns setting up dominoes (or similar objects) while naming ways they can serve others. Ask a child to knock over one domino and notice how it affects the others. How can our service have a similar effect on people around us? (See also the video “Dominoes,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) Tell about how someone’s loving service encouraged you to serve someone else. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 81-83”)

Friend July 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Words of Comfort”

  • Sing “Have I Done Any Good?” (Hymns, no. 223).
  • Jesus taught that we should “lift up the hands which hang down” (Doctrine and Covenants 81:5). That means helping others and encouraging them when they are sad or tired.
  • Make a helping hand! Trace your hand on a piece of paper and cut it out. Write something on it that you will do to help others and then hang it up where you can see it. If you want, you could hang your family’s hands up together to make a helping hands tree!

Friend July 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones”

For Doctrine and Covenants 81–83: Think of someone your family can serve. Give them a treat or card or help them with something. Help your little ones say, “I can help others!”

God Promises Blessings When I Obey Him.

Doctrine and Covenants 82:8–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 81-83”

As they grow, children may wonder why God gives us so many commandments. You can help the children understand that He gives us commandments to bless us.

  • Help the children think of commandments that God has given us (see, for example, Exodus 20:4–17; Matthew 22:37–39; Doctrine and Covenants 89:5–17). Draw pictures on the board to help the children understand and remember these commandments. Give examples of how God’s commandments can bless and protect us.
  • Read to the children, “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say” (Doctrine and Covenants 82:10). Ask the children to repeat this phrase several times with you, and think of ways to help them remember it, such as inviting them to clap to the rhythm of the phrase. Testify that when we obey God’s commandments, He keeps His promises to us.
  • Invite the children to imagine they have a friend who thinks that God has given too many commandments. Ask them to search Doctrine and Covenants 82:8–10 for something that would help their friend understand why God gives commandments. Share how God’s commandments have blessed you, and invite the children to share their thoughts as well.
  • To help the children understand Heavenly Father’s promises to us, divide the class into three groups, and give each group one of the following scriptures to read: Doctrine and Covenants 1:37–38; 82:10; 130:20–21. Invite them to share what they learn about Heavenly Father’s promises. How does our obedience affect the blessings we can receive? Help the children think of examples from their lives or from the scriptures when obedience brought blessings from God.
  • Share a personal experience that testifies of the principles taught in Doctrine and Covenants 82:8–10. How have you come to trust in the Lord and His promises?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” Doctrine and Covenants 81–83″

Perhaps a simple game would help your family feel thankful for God’s commandments. One family member could give instructions to help a blindfolded family member make a sandwich or go through an obstacle course. Think of something fun and creative! Then discuss how God’s commandments are like the instructions in this game.

Friend January 2018 “What’s on Your Mind?” An explanation for why it matters that we keep the commandments. For example: How would it feel flying with a pilot who didn’t follow the rules of aviation? What about riding on a bus with a driver who didn’t stop at red lights? The commandments help keep us safe.

“Why is Being Obedient So Important” (April 2015 Liahona and Friend)
Learn about Elder Russell M. Nelson and why he believes it’s important to be Obedient.

Friend March 2007 “Try, Try, Try” Find the path to Eternal Life.

Also see Commandments and Resources for Teaching Children: Commandments and Obedience for more teaching ideas.

Additional Resources:

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 81–83”

See “Newel K. Whitney and the United Firm,” “Jesse Gause: Counselor to the Prophet,” Revelations in Context, 142–47, 155–57.

Dec 28 2020

Doctrine & Covenants 1

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Friend March 2021 “Getting to Know the Doctrine and Covenants” Jesus gave Joseph Smith special messages, called revelations, to help set up His Church. These messages were written down so people could remember them. Then Church leaders put these messages together in a book. That’s how we got the Doctrine and Covenants! (Match each scripture to the special message taught in the Doctrine and Covenants.)

Friend January 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

Friend January 2021 “Hear Him” Doctrine and Covenants reading chart

Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Stories “Chapter 23: The Doctrine and Covenants: August–November 1831” Images and Video

For the Strength of Youth January 2021 “The Doctrine and Covenants: An Overview”

When God talks to His children, it’s called “revelation.” Ensign January 2021

Friend January 1989 Information about the Doctrine & Covenants

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Joseph Smith Prayed for Answers”

Ensign January 2021 “Prophets and Revelation: Family Study Fun” President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught, “Virtually every page of … the Doctrine and Covenants … teaches about the Master.”1 Doctrine and Covenants teaches us of Christ.

Finding Christ Activity

  1. Set a timer for two minutes.
  2. Family members will quickly look through the beginning of the Doctrine and Covenants to count the number of references they can find to Christ. Start in the introduction and end with section 9.
  3. After the time is up, give additional time for each person to choose one of these verses that is especially meaningful to them. Take turns sharing.

Ensign January 2021 “Prophets and Revelation: Family Study Fun The Doctrine and Covenants accompanies the Bible and the Book of Mormon in teaching us of Christ and His revelations to us. The introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants explains that we can hear “the tender but firm voice of the Lord Jesus Christ” in the revelations contained in this book.

1,2,3, He Speaks to Me Activity

  1. Secretly assign each family member a number: (1) Bible, (2) Book of Mormon, or (3) Doctrine and Covenants.
  2. Each person will find a meaningful verse in that book which has the “tender and firm voice” of the Lord teaching or explaining principles to us.
  3. Without revealing scripture references, take turns sharing verses out loud. Others will hold up either 1, 2, or 3 fingers to guess which book of scriptures each verse came from.

Discussion: How do scriptures from ancient times work together with modern revelations found in the Doctrine and Covenants to help us learn more of Christ and hear His voice?

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Doctrine, Covenants, and Commandments”

Title

“This title which the Lord gave when they got out this edition—let me refer to the title page: ‘The Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’—is very significant and tells the story of what this book actually is. It contains the doctrine of the Church; it contains the covenants the Lord will make with the Church, if we are willing to receive them.” (Joseph Fielding Smith Doctrines of Salvation, volume 3, page 198)

For the Strength of Youth January 2021 “Hear, Hearken, and Heed” “The very first word in the Doctrine and Covenants is hearken (see Doctrine and Covenants 1:1). It means “to listen with the intent to obey.” To hearken means to “hear Him”—to hear what the Savior says and then to heed His counsel. Where can we go to hear Him? We can go to the scriptures. We also hear Him more clearly as we refine our ability to recognize the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. And, finally, we hear Him as we heed the words of prophets, seers, and revelators.”(President Russell M. Nelson)

Through His prophets, the Lord warns us of spiritual danger.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:4

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

  • Let the children hold pictures of warning signs—such as traffic hazards, bad weather, or poison—and talk about how they warn us of danger. Or tell a story about a time when you obeyed a warning. Compare these warnings to the warnings the Lord gives us through His prophets. Testify that He warns us because He loves us and wants us to be safe (see also this week’s activity page).
  • Read to the children from Doctrine and Covenants 1:4: “And the voice of warning shall be unto all people.” Share something that the prophet has recently taught that can keep us safe. Show related pictures, if possible. Talk about how you are following the prophet’s counsel.

Latter Day Kids “The Voice of Warning” See link for more lesson ideas and questions to ask after watching the video.

The Lord knew the challenges we would face, so He restored the gospel through Joseph Smith.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:15–17, 29–30

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

Tell the children that in the Doctrine and Covenants they will learn about the commandments the Lord gave to the Church through Joseph Smith.

  • Help the children think of some of the problems in the world today. Review Doctrine and Covenants 1:15–16 with them, and help them identify some of the problems that the Lord prophesied would occur. Invite them to discover in verses 17 and 29–30 what the Lord has done to help us face the challenges of our time.
  • Ask the children to imagine they are preparing for a trip. What would they pack? How would it help them to know that it would rain during their trip or that their car would get a flat tire? Read together verse 17, and discuss what the Lord knew would happen to us and how He prepared for it. (If necessary, explain that a “calamity” is a disaster or terrible thing.) How do God’s commandments help us deal with the challenges of our time?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s “true and living church.”

Doctrine and Covenants 1:30

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

  • Invite the children to list some things that are living and some things that are not (if possible, bring pictures or examples). What is the difference between a living thing and a nonliving thing? Read together verse 30. What does it mean that the Church is “true”? that it is “living”?
  • Display a picture, such as a painting of the Savior, and ask the children to describe it with the lights in the room turned off. Use this activity to help the children see that for many people, the Savior’s true Church is in “obscurity” and “darkness.” How can we help others learn about the Church?

For the Strength of Youth January 2021 “To the Point” The Lord Himself said to Joseph Smith that this Church is “the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth.(Doctrine and Covenants 1:30). This statement certainly does not mean that we’re better than anyone else. But it does mean that this is Jesus Christ’s Church. He leads it, He restored it, and He gave it His authority. Because of this, there are certain things that only this Church can offer, such as prophets and apostles, temple ordinances and covenants, and the Book of Mormon. We’re grateful for these things, and we want to share them with others out of genuine love—not because we want to “be right” or “grow the Church.”

While we can boldly and confidently testify of the Church, we should never be arrogant toward others or disrespect their beliefs. The Prophet Joseph Smith once said, “We don’t ask any people to throw away any good they have got; we only ask them to come and get more” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 155).

The prophet’s words are God’s words.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:38

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

The children you teach may have heard the President of the Church speak, but they may not realize that his words come from God.

Play a simple game by giving instructions to one child and asking him or her to repeat the instructions for the other children. Help them see that following the child’s instructions is the same as following your instructions and that following the prophet is the same as following the Lord. Read to them the last line of Doctrine and Covenants 1:38: “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”

Sing together a song about prophets, such as the last verse of “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11). Share your testimony that the prophet speaks the word of God.

The word of the Lord lasts forever.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:37–38

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

  • Help the children compare things that are temporary, like a bubble or a snowflake, with things that seem permanent, like a mountain or the sun. Ask them to find in verses 37–38 something that the Lord said is permanent. Why is it a blessing to know that God’s word “shall not pass away”?
  • Help the children understand that the “voice of my servants” includes the voices of our apostles and prophets. Help the children find “prophecies and promises” in a recent general conference address by one of the Lord’s servants. Bear your testimony that these words are inspired by the Lord and “shall all be fulfilled.”
Nov 11 2020

Ether 1-5

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Table of Contents

Ether Chapter 1 Moroni abridges the writings of Ether—Ether’s genealogy is set forth—The language of the Jaredites is not confounded at the Tower of Babel—The Lord promises to lead them to a choice land and make them a great nation.

Ether Chapter 2 The Jaredites prepare for their journey to a promised land—It is a choice land whereon men must serve Christ or be swept off—The Lord talks to the brother of Jared for three hours—The Jaredites build barges—The Lord asks the brother of Jared to propose how the barges will be lighted.

Ether Chapter 3 The brother of Jared sees the finger of the Lord as He touches sixteen stones—Christ shows His spirit body to the brother of Jared—Those who have a perfect knowledge cannot be kept from within the veil—Interpreters are provided to bring the Jaredite record to light.

Ether Chapter 4 Moroni is commanded to seal up the writings of the brother of Jared—They will not be revealed until men have faith even as the brother of Jared—Christ commands men to believe His words and those of His disciples—Men are commanded to repent, believe the gospel, and be saved.

Ether Chapter 5 Three witnesses and the work itself will stand as a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

The book of Ether is the record of the Jaredites, who arrived in the promised land centuries before the Nephites. God inspired Moroni to include Ether’s record in the Book of Mormon because of its relevance to our day.

Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.

Ether 1:33–37; 2:16–25; 3:1–6

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Ether 1-5”

  • If you know a language that your children don’t, give them some simple directions in that language (or play a recording of another language). You can use this to explain why the brother of Jared prayed for help in Ether 1:33–37. Emphasize how the Lord felt about this prayer and how He responded (see also “Chapter 50: The Jaredites Leave Babel,” Book of Mormon Stories, 143–44).

Book of Mormon Stories “The Jaredites Leave Babel” Images and Video

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Ether 1-5”

  • Your children could pretend to build a barge as you read Ether 2:16–17. Then you and your children could read about the problems the Jaredites had with their barges (see Ether 2:19) and the different ways the Lord answered the brother of Jared’s prayers (see Ether 2:19–25; 3:1–6). The picture and activity page at the end of this outline could help you and your children tell the story. What do we learn from the brother of Jared about prayer? Consider sharing an experience in which you prayed for help and Heavenly Father helped you.

Book of Mormon Stories “The Jaredites Travel to the Promised Land” Images and Video

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief”

Invite a few ward members who know another language to say a few sentences in that language for your class (or play a recording of another language). Let the children pretend to speak another language, and point out how hard it is to understand one another when we don’t speak the same language. Use this to introduce the account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1–9 and Ether 1:33. Explain how the brother of Jared prayed that he and his friends and family would be able to understand one another (see Ether 1:34–37). Read and help the children understand the Lord’s response to his prayer in Ether 1:35.

Before class, write the phrase “Stand up, turn around, and sit down” in different languages on several slips of paper (you could use an online translator or the help of someone who knows another language). Give one slip to each of the children, and invite them to try to follow the instructions. Use this to help explain what motivated the brother of Jared’s prayers in Ether 1:33–37.

  • Invite the children to pretend to build a barge, as described in Ether 2:16–17. Explain the problems the Jaredites had with their barges (see Ether 2:19), and ask the children what they would do about these problems. Read Ether 2:18–19 to teach the children how the brother of Jared took his problems to the Lord in prayer. Testify that we can always pray when we have questions or problems.
  • Briefly summarize Ether 2:19–3:6 to explain how the Lord responded to the brother of Jared’s questions about the barges. Place 16 stones throughout the classroom, and invite the children to count them as they find them.

Assign each child to read one of the following passages, and help them look for a question or problem the brother of Jared had: Ether 1:33–35; Ether 1:36–37; and Ether 2:18–20. What did the brother of Jared do about these problems or questions? How did the Lord help him in each case? Invite the children to think about problems they need help with. How can they follow the example of the brother of Jared to find solutions to their problems? Share an experience in which you prayed for help and the Lord helped you.

Friend November 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones: The Promised Land” Read Ether 3:4 together and review the story of how the brother of Jared built ships to travel to the promised land. (You could use the illustrated story on pages FJ4–6 of the October 2016 Friend.) Then hide 16 stones and help your children find them. When you’re done, help your little ones say, “God can help me solve my problems.”

I was created in the image of God.

Ether 3:6–16

  • As they grow, your children will encounter many false messages about God, themselves, and their physical bodies. You might ask them to help you find truths about these topics in Ether 3:6–16. To emphasize the truth taught in Ether 3:13, 15, you could look at a picture of the Savior together and invite your children to point to various parts of His body. They could then point to the same part of their own bodies. You could also sing together a song related to our bodies, such as “The Lord Gave Me a Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 153). You and your children could talk about why you are grateful for your bodies.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief”

  • Show a picture of the Savior, and invite the children to point to various parts of His body. Read Ether 3:13 and 15, and explain that when the brother of Jared saw Jesus Christ, he learned that we all look like Jesus. As you point to a body part in the picture, invite them to point to the same part of their own bodies. Testify that we were created to look like our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
  • Sing together a song related to our bodies, such as “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” (Children’s Songbook, 275). Help the children talk about why they are grateful for different parts of their bodies.

Ether 4:11–12

After reading these verses, family members could write down some everyday things that influence your family (such as movies, songs, games, or people) on slips of paper and place them in a bowl. Then they could take turns picking one and discussing whether it “persuadeth [them] to do good” (Ether 4:12). What changes does your family feel inspired to make?,Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief””

Friend November 2020 “The Brother of Jared” Read this rock art story about the Brother of Jared and then go outside and find 16 stones of different shapes and sizes. Use them to create a scene from this story!

Friend November 1988 “Scriptural Giants: The Brother of Jared”

Friend October 2016 “Traveling to the Promised Land”

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Friend November 1988

Friend November 1988 “Annette’s Very Own Scriptures”  A teacher tells the story of the brother of Jared using some fun ideas.

Friend November 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Ether 3:4 together and review the story of how the brother of Jared built ships to travel to the promised land. (You could use the illustrated story on pages FJ4–6 of the October 2016 Friend.) Then hide 16 stones and help your children find them. When you’re done, help your little ones say, “God can help me solve my problems.”

Friend November 2020 “Funstuff: The Jaredite Maze” Follow the maze through each barge to learn about the Jaredites’ journey. Be sure to read each scripture along the way!

Friend January 1987

Friend January 1987

 Friend November 1988

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “The Brother of Jared Saw the Lord’s Finger”

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “The Jaredite Barges”

Sing “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160–61).

Lesson 40: The Jaredites Are Led to the Promised Land

Teaching the Scripture Readers

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Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “The Jaredites Are Led to the Promised Land”

  1. Write the phrase “Stand up, turn around, and sit quietly” on a slip of paper. Then, using the other languages below, make enough copies of the phrase in foreign languages so the rest of the children can have one.
    • German: Steh auf, dreh dich um, und sitz still.
    • Italian: Alzati, girati, siediti, e stai tranquillo.
    • Danish: Rejs dig op, vend dig omkring, sæt dig stille ned.
    • Swedish: Ställa upp, vänd dig omkring, sätt dig stilla ned.
    • French: Lève-toi, tourne-toi, et assieds-toi tranquillement.
    • Portuguese: Levante-se, vire-se, e sente-se silenciosamente!
    • Spanish: Ponte de pie, date una vuelta, y siéntate en silencio.

Give each child one of the papers with the phrase “Stand up, turn around, and sit quietly” written on it in one of the various languages. Ask the class members to follow the instructions on their papers.

  • Why are you all not able to follow the instructions?

Briefly tell the story of the Tower of Babel from Genesis 11:1–9.

What would it be like if you were not able to understand the people around you? Explain that today the children will learn about a family who lived at the time of the Tower of Babel.

Activity:
Using the chalkboard or a poster, make a tic-tac-toe board. Divide the class into two groups, one using the x’s and the other the o’s. If the question you ask is answered correctly, that group gets to choose where to put the x or o. The object is to get three x’s or o’s in a row. When any question is missed, the opposing team gets a chance to answer the same question. (Refer to lesson 18 for directions.) The following are possible review questions about the Jaredites (you will need to add others.):

How many stones were placed in each barge? (Two.)

How long did it take for Jared, his brother, and their families and friends to cross the ocean? (Almost a year.)

What was the name of the high tower the wicked people were building? (Tower of Babel.)

Why did the brother of Jared prepare the sixteen small stones? (To make a source of light for their journey.)

How did Jesus Christ make each stone shine? (With his power by touching them with his finger.)

See the lesson for questions to ask while studying each scripture.

Was the brother of Jared the first person to see the Lord?

God had shown Himself to other prophets before the brother of Jared (for example, see Moses 7:4, 59), so why did the Lord say to him, “Never have I showed myself unto man”? (Ether 3:15). Elder Jeffrey R. Holland offered this possible explanation: “Christ was saying to the brother of Jared, ‘Never have I showed myself unto man in this manner, without my volition, driven solely by the faith of the beholder’” (Christ and the New Covenant [1997], 23).Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief””

Friend October 2016

Friend October 2016

Ether 5

Three witnesses testified of the Book of Mormon.

Ether 5

  • Moroni prophesied that the Three Witnesses would help establish the truth of the Book of Mormon. To teach what a witness is, you could ask your children to describe something they have seen or experienced that others have not. Then as you read Ether 5 together, you could talk about why God uses witnesses in His work. You could also share with each other how you know the Book of Mormon is true and how you can share your witness with others.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief”

Moroni prophesied that the Three Witnesses would help establish the truth of the Book of Mormon.

To teach the children about the Three Witnesses, you might refer to the images in “Chapter 7: Witnesses See the Gold Plates” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 31–33), or the video below, and “The Testimony of Three Witnesses” in the Book of Mormon.

Ether 5

You could hide an object or a treat in a box and invite a family member to look inside and give the rest of the family clues to help them guess what it is. As you read Ether 5 together, discuss why it is important that the Lord uses witnesses in His work. How can we share our witness of the Book of Mormon with others? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief””

Additional Resources

Oct 27 2020

Mormon 1-6

Featured

Table of Contents

Mormon Chapter 1 Ammaron instructs Mormon concerning the sacred records—War commences between the Nephites and the Lamanites—The Three Nephites are taken away—Wickedness, unbelief, sorceries, and witchcraft prevail. About A.D. 321–26.

Mormon Chapter 2 Mormon leads the Nephite armies—Blood and carnage sweep the land—The Nephites lament and mourn with the sorrowing of the damned—Their day of grace is passed—Mormon obtains the plates of Nephi—Wars continue. About A.D. 327–50.

Mormon Chapter 3 Mormon cries repentance unto the Nephites—They gain a great victory and glory in their own strength—Mormon refuses to lead them, and his prayers for them are without faith—The Book of Mormon invites the twelve tribes of Israel to believe the gospel. About A.D. 360–62.

Mormon Chapter 4 War and carnage continue—The wicked punish the wicked—Greater wickedness prevails than ever before in all Israel—Women and children are sacrificed to idols—The Lamanites begin to sweep the Nephites before them. About A.D. 363–75.

Mormon Chapter 5 Mormon again leads the Nephite armies in battles of blood and carnage—The Book of Mormon will come forth to convince all Israel that Jesus is the Christ—Because of their unbelief, the Lamanites will be scattered, and the Spirit will cease to strive with them—They will receive the gospel from the Gentiles in the latter days. About A.D. 375–84.

Mormon Chapter 6 The Nephites gather to the land of Cumorah for the final battles—Mormon hides the sacred records in the hill Cumorah—The Lamanites are victorious, and the Nephite nation is destroyed—Hundreds of thousands are slain with the sword. About A.D. 385.

Ammaron Chooses Mormon to Keep the Plates

Mormon 1

Like Mormon, I can follow Jesus Christ.

Mormon 1:1–3; 2:1, 23–24; 3:1–3, 12, 17–22

Book of Mormon Stories “Mormon the Prophet”

Mormon was a Nephite who believed in Jesus Christ. He grew up in a time when many people did not obey God’s commandments. The people robbed and killed each other for money and power. There were many wars.

When Mormon was 10, a man named Ammaron came to him. Ammaron took care of the records of the Nephite’s history. Ammaron trusted Mormon and told him the records were hidden in a hill. Ammaron said that when Mormon was 24, Mormon should write what he had seen about their people and add it to the records.

As Mormon grew up, he remembered what Ammaron asked him to do. When Mormon was 15 years old, he was visited of the Lord. Mormon learned about the goodness of Jesus.

Friend November 2024 “Mormon and the Gold Plates”

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 49: Mormon and His Teachings” Images and Video

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mormon 1-6”

  • Because Mormon was quite young when he developed his faith in Christ, he can be an inspiration to your children. Perhaps you could read Mormon 1:1–3 and your children could listen for how old Mormon was when Ammaron gave him a special mission. You could also help them find in these verses the qualities that Ammaron saw in Mormon. How do these qualities help us follow Jesus Christ?
  • Because Mormon followed Jesus Christ, he was given opportunities to serve and bless others. You could invite your children to read one or more of the following passages and help them share what they learn about Mormon: Mormon 1:1–3; 2:1, 23–24; and 3:1–3, 12, 20–22 (see also “Chapter 49: Mormon and His Teachings,” Book of Mormon Stories, 138–42). How did he follow Jesus Christ? How did his faith in Jesus Christ help or bless others? How can our faith help people we know?

Come Follow Me Kid & The Red Crystal

I can be righteous like Mormon.

Mormon 1:1–3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6”

  • Junior Primary:
    Before reading the story, invite the children to listen for how old Mormon was when Ammaron gave him a special mission. Then ask them to hold up that many fingers. To help the children imagine how young Mormon was, show them a picture of someone who is 10 years old. Help them understand the qualities that Ammaron saw in Mormon when he was young, and testify that the children can be like Mormon as they follow Jesus Christ.

Clipart Library “Boy”

A 10 year old boy

What righteous qualities do you see in the children you teach?

Come Follow Me Kid

What does it mean to be “quick to observe”?

Quick to Observe Elder Bednar said, “As used in the scriptures, the word observe has two primary uses. One use denotes “to look” or “to see” or “to notice”—as we learn in Isaiah 42:20: “Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not” (emphasis added).

The second use of the word observe suggests “to obey” or “to keep”—as is evident in the Doctrine and Covenants: “But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy” (D&C 54:6; emphasis added).

Thus when we are quick to observe, we promptly look or notice and obey. 

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “I Would That I Could Persuade All … to Repent”

Show a picture of Mormon (see the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Help the children see that because Mormon was responsible and trustworthy enough to keep and preserve the Nephite records, we have the Book of Mormon today. Talk with the children about what it means to be responsible and trustworthy. Invite them to ponder ways they can be more responsible.

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Ammaron Taught Mormon about the Sacred Records”

Latter Day Kids “Quick to Observe” Lesson ideas

Mormon Leads the Nephite Armies

Mormon 2

Godly sorrow leads me to Christ and to lasting change.

Mormon 2:8–15

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “

  • When Mormon saw his people’s sorrow, he hoped they would repent. But “their sorrowing was not unto repentance” (Mormon 2:13)—it was not the kind of godly sorrow that leads to real change (see 2 Corinthians 7:8–11). Instead, the Nephites felt worldly sorrow (see Mormon 2:10–11).

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mormon 1-6”

  • Perhaps you could make a chart like the one in “Ideas for Learning at Home and at Church” to help your children understand the difference between godly and worldly sorrow as they read Mormon 2:8, 10–15. Then they could also search Mormon 2:12 to find reasons why repentance should make our “heart[s] … rejoice.” How can we make sure that the sorrow we feel for our sins leads us to seek God’s help to change?:
Godly SorrowWorldly Sorrow
Comes to Jesus (verse 14)Curses God (verse 14)

How do you know if your sorrow is godly or worldly? If you are experiencing worldly sorrow, how can you change it into godly sorrow? Sorrow that leads to repentance and Sorrow that doesn’t lead to repentance. 

The Red Crystal

Godly sorrow inspires change and hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. When we feel godly sorrow, we recognize our shortcomings and want to do better. We feel hope for the future—and feel the Savior’s love for us.

I can live righteously despite the wickedness around me.

Mormon 2:18–19

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6:

  • What words did Mormon use to describe the world he lived in? How did he maintain hope despite the wickedness around him?
  • Beginning in the first chapter of Mormon, you will notice major differences between Mormon and the people around him. As you read Mormon 1, consider contrasting the qualities and desires of Mormon with those of his people. Note the consequences that came to him and them (you’ll find one example in verses 14–15). What do you learn that inspires you to live righteously in a wicked world?

Friend November 2016

Friend November 2016

Mormon Refuses to Lead the Armies Because of Wickedness

Mormon 3

Heavenly Father gives me many blessings.

Mormon 3:3, 9

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mormon 1-6”

  • Inviting your children to list (or draw pictures of) some things they are grateful for might be a good way to help them feel gratitude for God. After they have made a list, you could read Mormon 3:3, 9 and explain that Heavenly Father had blessed the Nephites too, but they had not recognized it. What can we do to show we are thankful to Heavenly Father for our blessings?

Find the things in the picture that show Heavenly Father and Jesus’s love for us.

Friend February 2017

Friend November 2004 “Blessings Tree” Cut out the leaves and place them in a sack. Have the children take turns picking a leaf from the sack, telling how the item written is a blessing, and gluing it to the tree. When they pick a blank leaf, have them share a blessing of their choice that they are thankful for. Then write the blessing on the leaf and glue it to the tree.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6:

  • Invite them to hang their pictures somewhere at home where they can see them and remember that Heavenly Father blesses them in many ways. You could also invite them to identify blessings that come from Heavenly Father as they sing the first verse of “I Thank Thee, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 7).

War and Wickedness Continues

Heavenly Father wants me to love everyone.

Mormon 3:12

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mormon 1-6”

  • Even though the Nephites were wicked, Mormon never stopped loving them. Help your children find the words “loved” and “love” in Mormon 3:12. You could also sing a song together about loving others, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61), while showing pictures of children from around the world. Testify of God’s love for all His children.

Friend May 2022 Cut out the pieces, Glue to heavy paper or craft sticks, and put the puzzle together.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 1–6: “

  • It’s often easy to love those who love us and are like us, but Mormon demonstrated that with help from Heavenly Father, we can love those who believe and act differently than we do.
  • Ask each child to draw a person on the board, and point out how each person they drew looks different from the others. Draw a large heart surrounding all the drawings. Help the children understand that Heavenly Father wants us to love all people. Read Mormon 3:12, emphasizing the words “love” and “loved.” What did Mormon do to show his love for others?.

Friend October 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones”

  • Read Mormon 3:12 together, emphasizing the words “love” and “loved.” Help your little ones put their hands on their hearts and say, “I can share God’s love with others,” and then hold their hands outward, as if sharing something. You could listen to or sing “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook,136) and put your hands on your hearts whenever you hear the word “love.”

Friend November 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Love One Another” Mormon loved the Nephites (see Mormon 3:12). Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have asked us to love others too. Stand in a circle and close your eyes. Count to three, then open your eyes and look at someone. If you are making eye contact with them, say something you love about each other and step out of the circle. Keep going until there is one person left! Then everyone says something they love about that person.

For younger children: Go on a “love” hunt through your home or outside. Invite your little ones to find things that remind them of the people they love.

Friend November 2024 “Heavenly Father Wants Me to Love Everyone”

Friend October 2024 “I Can Follow Jesus by Loving Others

Come Follow Me Kid

  • Loving Others Around Us Role-Play – As Mormon grew older, people around him became more wicked, but hewas able to keep his faith really strong. Was Mormon mean to the people around him who were making wrong choices? (No). One thing that made Mormon so super was the love that he had for God and others around him.
  • Read Mormon 3:12 and talk about how Mormon felt about the people around him, even though they were wicked.
  • Role- play how to respond with faith and love to different scenarios of people being different from us or making not-so-good choices (Your friend wants to steal candy from the store, A friend is saying mean things about another person, your neighbor doesn’t believe in praying, someone you’re playing with starts swearing, etc.).

Mormon again leads the Nephite armies

Mormon 5

Mormon 5:16–18

To help your family visualize what it means to be “driven about as chaff before the wind” (verse 16), tear a piece of paper into small pieces and let family members blow them around. Explain to them that chaff is a husk that comes off a seed, and it is light enough to be blown around. How is being “without Christ and God in the world” (verse 16) like being chaff in the wind?

Come Follow Me Kid

  • On the back of their paper person, you could also have everyone write/draw one specific thing they’ll do this week to stay anchored in Christ.
  • Was Mormon someone who was steady and strong in Christ or someone who was “driven as chaff before the wind”?

Final Battle at Cumorah

Mormon 6

Jesus has “open arms to receive [us]”

Ensign October 2020 “Family Study Fun: The Open Arms of Jesus”

Read Mormon 6:17 together. Talk about what it means that Jesus has “open arms to receive [us]” when He is not physically here with us.

  1. Invite family members to draw a picture of themselves with Jesus. For younger children, use a coloring page from lessonhelps.ChurchofJesusChrist.org or the September Friend.
  2. When the pictures are finished, fold them up and put them in a bowl. Take turns picking a picture at random.
  3. When someone’s picture is chosen, have them talk about a time they have felt the Savior’s love or share something they can do to follow Jesus.

Discussion: Talk about what you can do as a family to help each other follow Jesus and feel closer to Him. How can we be His “arms” here on earth?

Mormon Abridges the Plates

Mormon 6:6

Friend November 2016 “Mormon Writes on the Golden Plates”

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Friend January 1988 “Sharing a Time: Mormon–A Valiant Prophet

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Friend April 1988

Friend November 2020 “Mormon’s Plates”

Friend April 1988

Friend November 2020 “Coloring Page: Mormon Put Together the Book of Mormon”

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Mormon Put Together Sacred Writings”

Friend February 1986

Friend February 1986
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New Era April 2020 “The Plates within the Plates”

Friend October 1988

Friend October 1988

Friend October 1988 “Scriptural Giants: Mormon and the Book of Mormon”

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal

Oct 21 2020

3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi

Featured

Table of Contents

3 Nephi Chapter 27 Jesus commands that the Church be called in His name—His mission and atoning sacrifice constitute His gospel—Men are commanded to repent and be baptized that they may be sanctified by the Holy Ghost—They are to be even as Jesus is. About A.D. 34–35.

3 Nephi Chapter 28 Nine of the twelve disciples desire and are promised an inheritance in Christ’s kingdom when they die—The Three Nephites desire and are given power over death so as to remain on the earth until Jesus comes again—They are translated and see things not lawful to utter, and they are now ministering among men. About A.D. 34–35.

3 Nephi Chapter 29 The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a sign that the Lord has commenced to gather Israel and fulfill His covenants—Those who reject His latter-day revelations and gifts will be cursed. About A.D. 34–35.

3 Nephi Chapter 30 The latter-day Gentiles are commanded to repent, come unto Christ, and be numbered with the house of Israel. About A.D. 34–35.

4 Nephi Chapter 1 The Nephites and the Lamanites are all converted unto the Lord—They have all things in common, work miracles, and prosper in the land—After two centuries, divisions, evils, false churches, and persecutions arise—After three hundred years, both the Nephites and the Lamanites are wicked—Ammaron hides up the sacred records. About A.D. 35–321.

The Church of Jesus Christ

3 Nephi 27

I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ.

3 Nephi 27:1–22

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 27-4 Nephi”

  • To introduce the importance of the name of Jesus’s Church, talk with your children about their own names. Why are our names important? Then you could read 3 Nephi 27:3 together, looking for the question that Jesus’s disciples had. Help your children find the answer in 3 Nephi 27:5–8. Why is the name of the Church important?
  • You could also help your children think of different groups they belong to, such as a family or a Primary class. Ask them what they like about belonging to each group. Then you could sing “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77) together and talk about why you are thankful to belong to the Savior’s Church.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi:

  • Ask the children to help you write each word of the name of the Church on a separate piece of paper. Then mix the papers up, and invite the children to arrange these words in order.

Come Follow Me Kid

  • What blessings have we received because we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Blessings of the gospel Activity: Read the clues below (not the answer) and let the children pick which picture it is describing.

  • Prophet: Because of this blessing of the gospel we have the privilege to hear Gods words and direction about current issues and challenges we face. This gift is God’s living spokesman.
  • Book of Mormon: Because of this blessing of the gospel we know the purpose of life. We also know what we need to do to gain eternal salvation and how to live happy lives.  
  • Temples: This blessing of the gospel allows us the opportunity to receive saving ordinances for ourselves and our dead. We can also be sealed to our family so that we can be with them forever.
  • Priesthood: Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive healing blessings for the sick, blessings of comfort and guidance, and have authority to act in Gods name and perform saving ordinances, such as baptism.
  • Baptism Because this blessing of the gospel, when performed by proper priesthood authority, we can receive a remission of our sins and enter into the gate that leads to eternal life.
  • Holy Ghost Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive personal revelation and guidance throughout our lives. We can also receive comfort during difficult times.

Friend November 2018 “The Correct Name of the Church” The prophet, Russell M. Nelson, directs church members to use the correct name of the church. Questions are answered to explain why. Also a book mark is included and an example cartoon of how to respond when people ask what church we belong to.

Friend July 2019 “It is His Church” When Taniela B. Wakolo of the Seventy was learning about the church, the missionaries asked him what he would name his grocery store if he had one. He said he would call after his name because it would be his store. They then ask who a church should be name after. He knew that the true Church would be named after Jesus because it’s His Church.  (Activity: In any language, the Church is still named after Jesus Christ. Match each language with the Church’s name in that language.

Ensign October 2020 “Family Study Fun: Act a Song”

Read 3 Nephi 27:8 together. Explain what each word in the name of the Church means: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

  1. Sing “The Church of Jesus Christ”(Children’s Songbook,77).
  2. Come up with actions for the different words in the song. For example, you could stand up when you sing the word “I,” touch your head when you sing “know,” and march in place for “follow.”
  3. Practice using these different actions as you sing the song together.

Discussion: Why is the full name of the Church important? How can you politely help people understand the full name of the Church when they refer to us as “Mormons”?

“The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77)

Friend November 2018 A simplified version of the song that is easy to play. Also, a sing-along video.

The Cozy Red Cottage “The Church of Jesus Christ is on the Earth?

The Church of Jesus Christ is built upon His gospel.

3 Nephi 27:13–22

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 27-4 Nephi”

The Savior summarized His gospel in 3 Nephi 27. You might explain to your children that the word gospel means “good news.” What good news do we find in 3 Nephi 27:13–16? Use this week’s activity page to teach that the Savior’s Church is built upon His gospel. (see Bible Dictionary, “Gospels”)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi: “There Could Not Be a Happier People”

Write on the board principles of the gospel like faith, repentance, baptism, the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. Invite the children to search 3 Nephi 27:19–21, looking for these words or similar words in Jesus’s description of His gospel. Why are we grateful to know the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Friend March 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Nephi taught that we follow Jesus Christ when we have faith in Him, repent, are baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end. Write each step on a different piece of paper, then spread them on the floor. One person closes their eyes and counts to 10 while everyone else stands on a paper. The person who counted then says one of the steps to follow Jesus. The person on that paper counts next.

For younger children: When we have faith in Jesus Christ, we follow what He says. Form a line and walk around. The person in front is the leader. Each person copies how the leader walks. Take turns being the leader!

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 31-33” Explain that the doctrine of Christ includes the things Jesus Christ taught that we need to do to return to Heavenly Father. Write on different sheets of paper faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, and scatter them around the room. Read to the children 3 Nephi 27:13–22, and invite the children to take turns jumping from paper to paper as they hear these principles mentioned. Help them think of an experience they have had with each principle.

Heavenly Father rejoices when His children return to Him.

3 Nephi 27:30–31

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 27-4 Nephi”

  • Consider playing a game in which someone hides and others try to find him or her. This could lead to a conversation about the joy we feel when someone who was lost is found. After reading 3 Nephi 27:30–31, you could talk about how to help each other stay close to Heavenly Father so that “none … are lost.”

Friend February 2017 “The Best Part of the Week” Jenny’s family doesn’t go to church very often, but Jenny decides to go by herself after her friend invites her to sit with her family.
Friend November 2018 “Sharing Friendship” Elenoa’s parents buy extra copies of the Friend when they go to the temple. Elenoa and her siblings think of friends who haven’t been coming to Primary, and then they visit them and take them a Friend magazine and a treat. (Photos included in article.)

See more ideas for fellowshipping here.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi: “There Could Not Be a Happier People”

  • To help family members understand the joy the Savior described in these verses, you could play a game in which family members hide and another family member tries to find them. This could lead to a conversation about why it’s important to find every family member so that “none of them are lost.” How can we help our family members stay strong in the gospel or return if they have left?

Friend April 2017 “Be Consistent and Keep Trying” Elder Bednar persisted in having family prayer and scripture study and in trying to get his father to join the church, and his persistence paid off.

Jesus Christ Blesses His Disciples

3 Nephi 28

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 38: Peace among the Nephites” 

As I purify my desires, I become a more faithful disciple.

3 Nephi 28:1–11

What would you say if the Savior asked you, as He asked His disciples, “What is it that ye desire of me?” (3 Nephi 28:1). Think about this as you read about the experience of the Savior’s disciples in 3 Nephi 28:1–11. What do you learn about the desires of the disciples’ hearts from their answers to His question?

Book of Mormon: Coloring Book “The Twelve Nephite Disciples” Nine of Jesus’s twelve disciples lived to age 72 because they wanted to speedily return to Jesus. The other three disciples wanted to live until Jesus comes again. Find the Three Nephites in the bottom half of the page who did not get old.

3 Nephi 28:17–18, 36–40

What can we learn from Mormon’s example when he did not understand everything about the change that happened to the three Nephite disciples? What can we do when we don’t understand everything about a gospel principle?

Peace in America

4 Nephi

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 48: Peace in America” Images and video

4 Nephi

Following Jesus Christ brings me joy.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 27-4 Nephi”

  • To help your children learn about the happiness of the people described in 4 Nephi, you could show them pictures of happy people. Then, as you read together verses 2–3 and 15–17 (or “Chapter 48: Peace in America,” Book of Mormon Stories, 136–37), they could point to the pictures when you get to something in the story that brings happiness.

Explain that the people in 4 Nephi had almost 200 years of happiness because they all tried their best to live the gospel. Help the children think of some commandments they could obey. For example, you could read them 4 Nephi 1:15 to teach that the people didn’t fight with each other anymore. Invite the children to act out obeying the commandments they thought of. Sing together a song about the joy that comes from living the gospel, such as “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Songbook, 198).Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi: “There Could Not Be a Happier People”

Friend September 1988
Friend September 1988

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 27-4 Nephi”

  • To help your children practice what is taught in 4 Nephi 1:15–16, you could present them with situations where people are angry with each other. Invite them to role-play what the situation might be like if we have the “love of God” in our hearts.

Friend February 2019 “A Little Better Every Day” 

Friend October 2020 “Coloring Page: People Lived Happily” What can you do to help your family be happy?

Friend October 2020 “Faithful People Followed Jesus”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi

  • Prepare strips of paper with phrases from 4 Nephi 1:2–3, 5, and 15–17 that describe the blessings the people received (such as “there was no contention in the land”). Put the papers in a container, and let each child pick one and read it. Encourage the children to find their phrase in these verses from 4 Nephi. What do we learn from these phrases? What similarities do we see between these verses and the definition of Zion in Moses 7:18?

The Red Crystal

Friend October 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Jesus Brings Joy”

In 4 Nephi, the Nephites were joyful because they followed Jesus Christ (see 4 Nephi 1:15–16). Take turns silently acting out things you do to follow the Savior that bring you joy. Have everyone else guess what the person is acting.

Come Follow Me Kid Smiley Faces – Print up the smiley faces on page 5 below. There are lots of ways these could be used, so do what you think will be best for your family. Some ideas:

  • Brainstorm ways your family could be more loving this week, write them on the back of the smiley faces, and string them onto yarn to make a banner.
  • For younger kids, have them color in a smiley face for each way they can think of for what we can do to make our home a happy and loving place this week.
  • For younger kids, have them color in a smiley face for each way they can think of for what we can do to make our home a happy and loving place this week.
  • Take turns saying something someone in the family does that makes you happy and give them a smiley face as you share.
  • Give each family member some smiley faces. Have them look for secret acts they can do throughout the week to help make the home a happy place and leave a smiley face behind whenever they do something (make someone’s bed, do their chores, make them a treat, etc.).
  • Write notes on the back of the smiley faces telling family members why they make you happy.
  • Use them to make a “Random Acts of Kindness Wall” as described here.

The Red Crystal

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi

  • Read phrases from 4 Nephi 1:24–29, 34–35, and 43 that describe what happened when some of the Nephites stopped keeping the commandments. As you do, invite the children to make a sad face when they hear something that sounds unhappy. Testify that keeping the commandments leads to happiness.
  • Read with the children the following verses, and ask them to find reasons the Nephites and Lamanites no longer had peace and happiness: 4 Nephi 1:20, 24–29, 34–35, and 43. How can we avoid these dangers?

Lesson 38: Peace Among the Nephites Lesson ideas

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “October 19–25. 3 Nephi 27-4 Nephi

  • To reduce contention in your home, perhaps family members could set a goal to be more loving to each other this week. After the week is over, review your progress together and discuss how showing greater love has affected your family.

Ensign October 2020 “What Does it Mean to be Truly Converted?”

Latter Day Kids “”Living the Gospel Brings Joy”- Come Follow Me: Oct. 19th-25th” Also includes lesson ideas to go along with the below video.

Friend October 2024 “The People Live Happily”

Friend September 1988 Review of Story

Friend September 1988

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal

The Cozy Red Cottage

Sep 24 2020

3 Nephi 12-16

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Table of Contents

3 Nephi CHAPTER 12 Jesus calls and commissions the twelve disciples—He delivers to the Nephites a discourse similar to the Sermon on the Mount—He speaks the Beatitudes—His teachings transcend and take precedence over the law of Moses—Men are commanded to be perfect even as He and His Father are perfect—Compare Matthew 5. About A.D. 34.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 13 Jesus teaches the Nephites the Lord’s Prayer—They are to lay up treasures in heaven—The twelve disciples in their ministry are commanded to take no thought for temporal things—Compare Matthew 6. About A.D. 34.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 14 Jesus commands: Judge not; ask of God; beware of false prophets—He promises salvation to those who do the will of the Father—Compare Matthew 7. About A.D. 34.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 15 Jesus announces that the law of Moses is fulfilled in Him—The Nephites are the other sheep of whom He spoke in Jerusalem—Because of iniquity, the Lord’s people in Jerusalem do not know of the scattered sheep of Israel. About A.D. 34.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 16 Jesus will visit others of the lost sheep of Israel—In the latter days the gospel will go to the Gentiles and then to the house of Israel—The Lord’s people will see eye to eye when He brings again Zion. About A.D. 34.

Friend October 2024 “I Can Read the Book of Mormon” After you read, color part of the picture. You can read these scriptures that go along with each week’s reading from Come, Follow Me.

3 Nephi 12

Jesus Called Twelve Apostles

Who did Jesus Christ say the Nephites should listen to and obey? (3 Nephi 12:1.) Why is it important that we listen to and obey our Church leaders today?

Jesus Teaches the Beatitudes

Lesson 34: Jesus Teaches the Beatitudes

Friend March 1984

Friend March 1984

I should hunger and thirst after righteousness.

3 Nephi 12:6

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16:

  • Without letting the other children hear, ask one child to pretend to eat or drink, and let the other children guess what he or she is doing. How does it feel to eat good food or drink clean water? How do we nourish our spirits? Invite the children to read 3 Nephi 12:6 to find out what the Savior wants us to “hunger and thirst after.” How do we show that we want righteousness as much as we want food and drink?
  • Have pictures of food and drink with scriptures printed on them. Cut off a little piece like a bite and see what the children can learn from that piece. Give them the rest of the that item and ask what they learn from the whole scripture. Explain that a little nibble here and there isn’t enough to keep us spiritually fed and strong.

See more ideas here Feast Upon the Words of Christ

Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God

Ensign September 2020 “Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon—Support Articles and Activities: 3 Nephi 12-16”

  • Jesus Christ taught the twelve Nephite disciples that they would be blessed as they followed His commandments. Our Heavenly Father knows that we need certain things, and He promises that we will receive them as we seek His kingdom first in our lives. (See 3 Nephi 13:31–33.)

I can be a good example by following Jesus.

3 Nephi 12:14–16

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 12-16”

  • Sometimes children might not realize how much their examples can bless others. Use 3 Nephi 12:14–16 to encourage them to let their light shine. For example, when you read “you” or “your” in these verses, ask your children to point to themselves. Tell the children about the light you see in them when they follow Jesus Christ and how it inspires you to follow Him too. You could also sing together a song that encourages the children to shine like a light, such as “I Am like a Star” (Children’s Songbook, 163).
  • To encourage your children not to hide their light (see 3 Nephi 12:15), let them take turns hiding or covering a lamp or other light. They could uncover the light each time they name something they can do to be a good example to others.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light” Tell the children about the light you see in them when they do “good works,” and explain how their light and examples help others and inspire you to do good works too.

Latter Day Kids “Let Your Light So Shine”- Come Follow Me” Video and lesson ideas to go along with it.

Video: The moose gets lost at sea and he doesn’t know which way to go. A lighthouse light guides him back home.

More ideas for being a good Example

3 Nephi 13

I should do good things for the right reasons.

3 Nephi 13:1–8, 16–18

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light”

  • Ask each child to search 3 Nephi 13:1–4, 5–8, or 16–18 and identify the good works mentioned in these verses (explain that doing “alms” means giving to the poor). Why did the Savior say not to be like some of the people doing these things?

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 6:1–18”

Think about the following statement: Gustavo fixed his neighbor’s fence.

Stick Figure
  • What do you think about Gustavo?

Would your opinion change if Gustavo fixed the fence because he broke it in a fit of rage? What if he fixed it as part of a service project that his mom made him attend? What if he fixed it because he didn’t want his neighbor’s dog coming into his yard or because he was trying to impress his neighbor’s daughter? Or what if he simply wanted to be kind?

  • Why are our motives important?

We read in Matthew 6 that the Savior continued His Sermon on the Mount and taught about motives for doing good works. To help you think about the reasons you do good works such as ministering, serving others, praying, and attending [church], do the following activity.

Create a three-column chart in your study journal. Fill out the top of the chart as follows:

What are three good works you have done in the past week? (List one per row.)What were your reasons for doing them?How did you feel after you did these good works?
  • Give each child a slip of paper with a righteous act written on it (or let them think of their own examples). Ask them to think of good reasons and bad reasons for doing those things. Encourage them to always do good things for the right reasons.

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

3 Nephi 13:19–21

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 12-16”

  • Reading these verses could prompt a discussion about the things we treasure. Maybe you could lead your children on a treasure hunt to find things that remind them of treasures with eternal value.
  • Are there some treasures on earth that are keeping you from laying up treasures in heaven?

Friend January 2017 “The Next Level” Max takes a week off from playing games and he learns new things, spends time with his family, serves, and feels the Spirit.

Friend October 2016 Which is laying up treasures in heaven.

Ensign September 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Read 3 Nephi 13:19–21 together and talk about what it means to focus on heavenly treasure.

  1. Decorate or label a box as a “treasure chest.” Invite each family member to put a gospel item inside (Book of Mormon, picture of ancestor, temple recommend, etc.).
  2. Tell everyone to close their eyes while one person hides the treasure chest nearby. Then everyone should try to find it.
  3. When someone finds the treasure, they should take their item out of the box and share why it is special to them.
  4. Take turns hiding and sharing until all the treasure is gone.

Discussion: Why is spiritual treasure more valuable than earthly treasure? What can our family do to focus on spiritual instead of earthly treasure this week?

Friend October 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Treasure Box” Jesus Christ said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (3 Nephi 13:21). Decorate a box with hearts and pictures of the Savior. Then write or draw things that you can do to be like Him and put them in your new treasure box. You can look through your box each Sunday to remind you to follow Jesus that week!

For younger children: Help your child find their heartbeat or your heartbeat. Talk about how we can’t see our hearts but we can feel them. Similarly, we can’t see God but we can feel His love.

3 Nephi 14

Heavenly Father answers my prayers.

3 Nephi 14:7–11

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 12-16”

  • As you read 3 Nephi 14:7, your children could do actions that represent each of the Savior’s invitations in this verse. For example, they could raise their hands (ask), make binoculars with their hands (seek), or pretend to knock on a door (knock). Help your children think of things they can say and ask for in their prayers.

Friend January 2021 “Jaechan’s First Day” Jaechan was excited to start school. But after his mom dropped him off at the gate, he got lost in the school halls and couldn’t find his classroom. He was scared and said a prayer asking for his mom to come find him. A few minutes later his mom came around the corner. She had a feeling she should check to make sure he made it to class okay.

  • Your children might enjoy a game in which they ask for something and receive something entirely different. In 3 Nephi 14:7–11, what did the Savior want us to know about our Father in Heaven?

Come Follow Me Kid

Friend September 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

  • Read 3 Nephi 13:9–13 together and help your little ones say, “Heavenly Father wants me to pray to Him.” Collect pictures of people doing different gospel activities, including praying, from Church magazines or at medialibrary.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Turn all the pictures upside-down, then take turns flipping them over. Whenever you see someone praying, help everyone practice folding their arms, bowing their heads, and closing their eyes.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light”

  • President Russell M. Nelson said: “Does God really want to speak to you? Yes! … Oh, there is so much more that your Father in Heaven wants you to know” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 95).

The Savior wants me to hear and do what He teaches.

3 Nephi 14:21–27; 15:1

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 12-16”

  • Think of ways you could help your children visualize the parable in these verses. Perhaps they could draw pictures, do actions, or build things on solid and sandy foundations. They could also substitute their names for “wise man” as they read 3 Nephi 14:24–27 or sing “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281). Or they could stand up every time they hear the word “doeth” in 3 Nephi 14:21–27 and 15:1.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light”

  • As a class, read 3 Nephi 14:21–27 and 15:1, and ask the children to stand up every time you read the word “doeth.” Why does the Savior emphasize doing His sayings, not just hearing or remembering? Invite the children to draw a picture of verses 24–25 and write on the rock “Jesus” and something Jesus taught us to do.
Friend March 2015
Friend March 2015 Wise man & Foolish man

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 12-16”

  • Here’s an object lesson you could try: ask your children to imagine that one of their legs represents hearing the Savior’s words and the other represents doing what the Savior taught. Invite your children to try to balance only on their “hearing” leg. What would happen if a strong wind blew through the room? Then you and your children could look for specific things the Savior taught us to do: see 3 Nephi 12:3–12, 21–26; 13:5–8.

Use this example to illustrate why it is safer to do what the Savior says and not just hear His words.

Spiritual safety comes from hearing and doing what the Savior teaches.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light”

  • Show the children a rock and some sand. Ask them to point to the rock when you describe a choice to follow the Savior and point to the sand when you describe a choice not to follow Him. Testify that when we do what the Savior says, we are strong like a house built on a rock.

Come Follow Me Kid

Some possible choices:
Sleeping during scripture study time.
Sharing your favorite treat with a friend.
Listening carefully to the scriptures.
Telling someone thank you.
Hurting someone because you’re mad at them.
Sitting in sacrament meeting reverently.
Saying meaningful prayers.
Telling Mom/Dad “no” when they ask you to help them clear the table.
Giving your sibling a hug.
Saying nice words to other people.

Sing together “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281), or read 3 Nephi 14:24–27. Help the children substitute their names for “the wise man” as they sing. Why did the wise man’s house stay standing during the storm? Review verse 24 to emphasize that he both heard and did what the Savior said.

3 Nephi 15-16

Jesus is the Good Shepherd

Book of Mormon Stories “The Good Shepherd” Images and Video

Friend September 2020 “Family Night Fun”

See more about Jesus being the Good Shepherd here.

Additional Resources

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) “3 Nephi 12:1-16”

The Beatitudes

ReferenceAttribute
3 Nephi 12:3Poor in spirit. To be humble, or “to recognize gratefully [one’s] dependence on the Lord—to understand that [one has] constant need for His support. Humility is an acknowledgment that [one’s] talents and abilities are gifts from God” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 86).
3 Nephi 12:4Mourn. To feel and express sorrow about something. A person may mourn for the trials of mortality that they and others experience. A person may also mourn because of sorrow for sin.
3 Nephi 12:5 Meek. To be “Godfearing, righteous, humble, teachable, and patient under suffering” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Meek, Meekness,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
3 Nephi 12:6Hunger and thirst after righteousness. To have a great desire to know and do the will of God.
3 Nephi 12:7Merciful. To be “compassionate, respectful, forgiving, gentle, and patient, even when you are aware of others’ shortcomings” (True to the Faith, 103).
3 Nephi 12:8Pure in heart. To be counted among those who “love the Lord, who seek to follow Him and keep His commandments, who are striving to live virtuous lives and endure faithfully to the end. The pure in heart are those who control their thoughts to keep themselves free from immoral fantasies and deeds” (Sheldon F. Child, “Words of Jesus: Chastity,” Ensign or Liahona, Jan. 2003, 44).
3 Nephi 12:9Peacemaker. “To help people find common ground when others are seeing differences” (Henry B. Eyring, “Learning in the Priesthood,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 63).
3 Nephi 12:10–12 Persecuted for Christ’s name’s sake. To be willing to obey and defend Jesus Christ and His teachings, even when one may be mocked or mistreated for doing so.

The Red Crystal

News with Naylors

Come Follow Me FHE

Uncover things that we should treasure in our hearts.” Give your child the paintbrush and have them slowly brush away the rice or sand to uncover the gold coins. Discuss these pictures with your child and describe their importance. On the coins are images of things that we should value. If they get a blank coin, have them share something important to them.

Sep 10 2020

3 Nephi 1-7

Featured

Table of Contents

3 Nephi CHAPTER 1 Nephi, the son of Helaman, departs out of the land, and his son Nephi keeps the records—Though signs and wonders abound, the wicked plan to slay the righteous—The night of Christ’s birth arrives—The sign is given, and a new star arises—Lyings and deceivings increase, and the Gadianton robbers slaughter many. About A.D. 1–4.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 2 Wickedness and abominations increase among the people—The Nephites and Lamanites unite to defend themselves against the Gadianton robbers—Converted Lamanites become white and are called Nephites. About A.D. 5–16.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 3 Giddianhi, the Gadianton leader, demands that Lachoneus and the Nephites surrender themselves and their lands—Lachoneus appoints Gidgiddoni as chief captain of the armies—The Nephites assemble in Zarahemla and Bountiful to defend themselves. About A.D. 16–18.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 4 The Nephite armies defeat the Gadianton robbers—Giddianhi is slain, and his successor, Zemnarihah, is hanged—The Nephites praise the Lord for their victories. About A.D. 19–22.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 5 The Nephites repent and forsake their sins—Mormon writes the history of his people and declares the everlasting word to them—Israel will be gathered in from her long dispersion. About A.D. 22–26.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 6 The Nephites prosper—Pride, wealth, and class distinctions arise—The Church is rent with dissensions—Satan leads the people in open rebellion—Many prophets cry repentance and are slain—Their murderers conspire to take over the government. About A.D. 26–30.

3 Nephi CHAPTER 7 The chief judge is murdered, the government is destroyed, and the people divide into tribes—Jacob, an anti-Christ, becomes king of a secret combination—Nephi preaches repentance and faith in Christ—Angels minister to him daily, and he raises his brother from the dead—Many repent and are baptized. About A.D. 30–33.

3 Nephi 1

A new star appeared when Jesus Christ was born.

3 Nephi 1:4–15, 19–21

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 1-7”

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 41: The Signs of Christ’s Birth” Images and Video

Come Follow Me for Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer”

Before class, place a star on the wall. Invite the children to look for something on the wall that usually isn’t there. Tell the children that the Nephites saw a new star in the sky when Jesus was born. Summarize the account in 3 Nephi 1:4–15 and 19–21.

Show the children a picture of the Savior’s birth Help the children understand that the Nephites were far away from where Jesus was born, but they knew He was born because of the signs they saw. Testify that even though we did not see the Savior’s birth, the Holy Ghost can help us know that the stories about it in the scriptures are true.

Friend September 2020 “Family Night Fun”

“From the First Presidency: The Light of the World” (Dec. 2019 Friend)

Lesson 32: Signs in America of Jesus Christ’s Birth

The prophets’ words are always fulfilled.

3 Nephi 1:4–21

Come Follow Me for Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7 The Lord told Nephi, “I [will] show unto the world that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets” (3 Nephi 1:13).The account in 3 Nephi 1:4–21 can help build the children’s faith that God always keeps His promises.

  • Read to the children 3 Nephi 1:20, and share your testimony that the words of prophets are always fulfilled. Invite the children to listen to the prophet at the next general conference.
  • Invite the children to compare the prophecy of Samuel the Lamanite in Helaman 14:1–7 with its fulfillment in 3 Nephi 1:19–21. Testify that God’s promises spoken through His prophets are always fulfilled.
  • How can we show our trust in God when we are worried or discouraged?
  • Share something that our living prophet has promised us. What can we do to show our faith that the prophet’s words came from God?

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 1-7”

    • As you and your children read 3 Nephi 1:4–10, invite them to talk about how it might have felt to be one of the believers living at that time. Then, as they read the rest of the account in verses 11–15, they could suggest ways to complete this sentence: “The lesson of this story for me is …”
    • Maybe your children can help you think of other times when God fulfilled His promises given through His prophet. They might like to find pictures of these stories in the Gospel Art Book (see, for example, nos. 7–8 and 81). Let them share what they know about these stories, including how God’s promises were fulfilled. Read together 3 Nephi 1:20, and share your own witness of these truths.

    The Red Crystal

    3 Nephi 2-4

    Forgetting spiritual experiences makes me vulnerable to Satan’s temptations.

    3 Nephi 1:22; 2:1–3

    The Nephites started to fall into wickedness as they let themselves forget the signs of the birth of Jesus Christ and the miracles they had seen. Similarly, if we forget our spiritual experiences, it will be easier for us to drift away from the gospel. Ensign September 2020 “Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon—Support Articles and Activities September 7–13”

    Ask the children if any of them would like to share a spiritual experience they have had. Ideas could include answers to prayers, warm feelings when reading the scriptures, etc.

    What can you do to better remember the past spiritual experiences you have had? Consider writing them down. You could also share them with your family (Sharing your experience can bring back the Spirit. It can also help the other person to feel the Spirit). Ensign September 2020 “How can we keep from forgetting spiritual experiences?”

    “Jared’s Journal.” In this Friend story, Jared learns he can color in a journal to remember important things.

    “Scripture Journal.” This activity idea from the Friend can help your children start writing what they learn from the scriptures. Includes a doorknob tag to print and cut out.

    Ensign September 2020 “Family Study Fun: Remembering Jar”

    Read 3 Nephi 2:1–3 together and talk about how some people “began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard.” Then play an activity to help your family remember God all week.

    1. Label a jar “God loves me.”
    2. Give each family member a small piece of paper and ask them to write down a blessing God has given them. Put the papers in the jar.
    3. Encourage family members to add more papers to the jar as they notice blessings during the week.
    4. At the end of the week, pick a handful of papers to read out loud and talk about.

    Discussion: Why do you think the adversary wants us to forget the spiritual “wonders” we notice in our lives? How can we remember God every day?.

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer”

    To help your family learn how Satan can deceive us, draw a body, and as your family reads 3 Nephi 2:1–3 and 6:15–17, mark the different parts of the body mentioned. According to these verses, what are some of the ways Satan tempts us to forget God and turn to sin?

    We are stronger when we gather together.

    3 Nephi 2:11–12; 3:13–14, 24–26

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 1-7”

    • Help your children discover why the Nephites gathered together and the blessings that came to them in 3 Nephi 2:11–12 and 3:13–14, 24–26. Why is it important for us to gather today in our families and at church? (How can gathering make us spiritually stronger?)

    “The giant redwood trees that grow in northern California [USA] … have a very shallow root system. But when they are surrounded by other redwood trees, the strongest, fiercest wind cannot blow them over. The roots of the giant redwood trees intertwine and strengthen each other. When a storm comes, they actually hold each other up” (Conference Report, Oct. 1994, p. 103; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, p. 78).

    Draw on the chalkboard several trees with their root systems intertwined (see illustration). Ask the children to suggest strengths and spiritual qualities they see in others. Label some of the roots with their ideas, and discuss how each individual’s strengths can help strengthen the whole group.

    Help the children understand that when we stand together and support each other, as members of families or members of the Church, it is easier for us to remain firm in our beliefs and do the right things.

    • Do you know of an object lesson that teaches about the strength of unity? Maybe your children could try breaking one stick and then a bundle of sticks or tearing one piece of paper and then a stack of papers. How are we like the sticks or the papers?

    Ensign April 2021“Family Study Fun” United as One We are encouraged to be one that we “might escape the power of the enemy” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:31).

    1. Stand together in the center of the room.
    2. Choose one person to walk through the middle of the group.
    3. Repeat the exercise but this time as a group stand closer together, linking arms and hands if possible.

    Discussion: How are we more protected from outside influences as we stand stronger and closer together? How does greater unity protect us?

    Come Follow Me for Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7

    • Explain that Jesus is gathering His people into the Church today through missionary work (see 3 Nephi 5:24–26). Invite a full-time missionary or ward missionary to share experiences showing how people have been strengthened by being gathered into the Church.

    Friend September 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Gathering Game”

    • Jesus Christ promised He would gather all His children because He loves everyone and wants them to have the gospel (see 3 Nephi 5:24). Play a game about gathering. Have players stand in a circle. One person in the middle says a fact about themself, like their favorite color. If that fact is true for anyone else, they come to the middle too. Keep going till everyone is gathered in the middle.
    • For younger children: Play hide and seek with your little ones. Give them a big hug when you find them. Talk about how Jesus Christ promises He’ll gather us no matter where we are.

    Friend September 2024 “Jesus Gathers Us Like a Hen Gathers Her Chicks”

    Fortifying Our Homes

    3 Nephi 3:13–14, 25–26

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7

    • What did the Nephites do to protect themselves from the enemy they faced? What are we doing to make our home a place of safety and protection from the evil in the world?

    Turn to the Lord for Help

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7

    3 Nephi 4:7–12, 30–33

    • What did the Nephites do when they saw the Gadianton robbers coming? What can our family learn from the Nephites when we face difficult situations? What can we learn from the Nephites’ words after the Lord helped them in their time of difficulty?

    Friend March 1988 “Scriptural Giants” Lachoneus and Gidggidoni

    3 Nephi 5-7

    I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.

    3 Nephi 5:12–26; 6:14; 7:15–26

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 1-7”

    Come Follow Me for Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7“

    • What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? (see Doctrine and Covenants 41:5).
    • Teach the children that a disciple of Jesus Christ tries to follow Him. Share a few things Mormon did to be like Jesus, such as teaching God’s word and obeying God’s commandments (see 3 Nephi 5:13–18). Help the children think of ways they can be disciples.

    Friend August 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus Christ”

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023
    • On a piece of paper, help your children trace their hand and cut the tracing out. Write “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ” on one side, and invite them to draw something they can do to be a disciple on the other side.(you might need to help them think of ideas)

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7

    • Maybe family members could talk about times when they noticed each other being disciples. If you have small children, you might make a badge that says, “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ,” and let them wear the badge whenever you notice them following the Savior.

    Latter Day Kids “I Am a Disciple of Jesus Christ” Includes Lesson ideas

    Additional Resources

    The Cozy Red Cottage Lesson ideas

    The Red Crystal

    Aug 30 2020

    Helaman 13-16

    Posted on by

    Table of Contents

    Helaman CHAPTER 13 Samuel the Lamanite prophesies the destruction of the Nephites unless they repent—They and their riches are cursed—They reject and stone the prophets, are encircled about by demons, and seek for happiness in doing iniquity. About 6 B.C.

    Helaman CHAPTER 14 Samuel predicts light during the night and a new star at Christ’s birth—Christ redeems men from temporal and spiritual death—The signs of His death include three days of darkness, the rending of the rocks, and great upheavals of nature. About 6 B.C.

    Helaman CHAPTER 15 The Lord chastened the Nephites because He loved them—Converted Lamanites are firm and steadfast in the faith—The Lord will be merciful unto the Lamanites in the latter days. About 6 B.C.

    Helaman CHAPTER 16 The Nephites who believe Samuel are baptized by Nephi—Samuel cannot be slain with the arrows and stones of the unrepentant Nephites—Some harden their hearts, and others see angels—The unbelievers say it is not reasonable to believe in Christ and His coming in Jerusalem. About 6–1 B.C.

    Samuel the Lamanite

    Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 40: Samuel the Lamanite Tells about Jesus Christ” Images and Video

    Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers “Samuel Teaches about Jesus”

    Helaman 13

    God can speak to me in my heart.

    Helaman 13:2–5

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Helaman 13-16”

    • How can you teach your children that God can speak to our heart, as He did for Samuel? Perhaps you could ask them to show you different ways to communicate without words (such as gestures or facial expressions). This could lead to a discussion about different ways that Heavenly Father communicates with us. As part of this discussion, you and your children could look at a picture of Samuel the Lamanite (this outline has two) and read Helaman 13:2–5 as your children listen for how God told Samuel what to say.

    Friend March 2020 “How Does Heavenly Father Speak to Us?”

    When Samuel the Lamanite was commanded to preach to the Nephites, Heavenly Father helped him know in his heart what he should say.

    A Lamanite prophet named Samuel went to teach the Nephites in Zarahemla. He taught about repentance. The Nephites would not listen and threw him out of the city.

    Samuel was about to go back to his people. But the Lord told him to return to teach the Nephites.

    The Lord told Samuel He would tell him what to say. Samuel obeyed the Lord. He returned to Zarahemla. But the Nephites would not let him into the city.

    Samuel climbed the city wall. He said the things the Lord put into his heart. He warned the people they would be destroyed because they were doing bad things. He said that only repentance and faith in Jesus Christ could save them. He said Jesus, the Son of God, would be born in five years.

    • Many of us—especially children—need help learning to recognize how and when God is speaking to us. You might tell your children about a time when the Holy Ghost helped you know in your heart what God wanted you to do or say. Explain how you knew that God was communicating with you. Perhaps your children could also share any similar experiences they have had.

    Friend January 2021 “The Bread Loaf Prayer” “How do you know when the Holy Ghost is talking to you?” Carver asked his parents. They decide to practice listening for the Holy Ghost. Carver’s mom bakes some bread and each person prays to know who to take it to. Carver thought of Sister Smith and he even listened and said the words to her that popped into his mind when he gave her the bread. He knew it was from the Holy Ghost.

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 13–16: Glad Tidings of Great Joy”

    • Teach the children that while we speak to each other using words, the Holy Ghost can communicate through feelings in our hearts. Invite them to hold their hands over their hearts each time you read the word “heart” in Helaman 13:2–5. Help them decorate heart-shaped pieces of paper that say, “The Spirit speaks to me in my heart.”

    Friend November 2023 “More than a Good Practice Day” Ismael saw a woman weeding the whole time he and his dad were playing soccer. He felt strongly that he should go over and tell her she was doing a good job. She seemed unhappy and tired until Ismael told her thank you for taking care of the park, and then she got a big smile and thanked him.

    • Show a picture of the living prophet speaking in general conference. Tell the children that God tells the prophet what to say to us, just as He told Samuel what to say to the Nephites. Talk together about things the prophet has said that have been inspiring to you or the children.

    Iniquity does not lead to Happiness

    Helaman 13:38

    The idea that happiness can be found “in doing iniquity” is common in our day. In what ways has living the gospel brought us true happiness?

    Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024)

    • Imagine some friends are trying to find a high mountain lake they have heard about but never visited. As they travel through the wilderness, they meet a man who says he has lived in the area for years. He warns them that the path they are on does not lead to the lake and is dangerous in places. He counsels them to turn around and retrace their steps to a different path that will lead them safely there.
    • Like the man in the story, at times, prophets may warn us of choices that will not lead to happiness, progression, and a return to Heavenly Father. They may urge us to repent and change our lives.

    One truth we learn from these passages is that the Lord mercifully warns people of the consequences of sin and forgives those who repent.

    Helaman 14

    Prophets teach about Jesus Christ.

    Helaman 14:2–7, 20–25

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Helaman 13-16”

    Samuel said there would be signs of Jesus’s birth. He told the people to look for the signs. One sign would be a night with no darkness. Other signs would be that a new star and many wonderful things would appear in the sky.

    Samuel wanted people to have faith in Jesus. He said Jesus would die and be resurrected so that all people can be saved if they repent.

    Samuel said there would be signs of Jesus’s death. People would not be able to see the sun, moon, or stars. There would be no light for three days.

    There would be thunder and lightning. Earthquakes would come, and cities would be destroyed.

    The purpose of Samuel’s message was to testify of Jesus Christ and invite the people to repent and come unto Him. Our prophets today have the same role.

    Friend September 2020 “Cover”

    Lesson 31 “Samuel the Lamanite”

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 13–16: Glad Tidings of Great Joy”

    • Junior: Hide pictures around the room that represent the signs that Samuel prophesied of in Helaman 14:2–7 and 20–25. Read a phrase that describes one of the signs, and ask the children to find the picture of that sign. Explain that these signs helped the Nephites know about Jesus Christ. Testify that, like Samuel, all prophets testify of Jesus Christ.

    Friend July 1988

    Friend July 1988

    • Senior: Invite half of the children to read Helaman 14:2–6 and draw pictures of the signs of Jesus’s birth. Invite the other half of the class to read Helaman 14:20–28 and draw pictures of the signs of Jesus’s death. Then ask each group to share what they drew. Read together Helaman 14:11–12, and ask the children to listen for why Samuel prophesied about these signs. How do we learn about Jesus Christ today?

    The purpose of Samuel’s message was to testify of Jesus Christ and invite the people to repent and come unto Him. Our prophets today have the same role.

    The prophet points us to Jesus Christ.

    • Explain that just as Samuel the Lamanite taught about Jesus Christ, living prophets do the same today. Share a statement from a recent conference message in which the living prophet testified of Christ. Ask the children to share what the prophet has taught them about Jesus Christ.

    Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 31: Samuel the Lamanite”

    • Explain that not only did Samuel the prophet prophesy 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?” 

    Lesson 31 “Samuel the Lamanite”

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 13–16: Glad Tidings of Great Joy”

    • Display a picture of the Savior, and ask a child to represent the prophet and lead the other children around the room while they sing a few verses of “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11) or another song about prophets. Then ask the child representing the prophet to lead the children to the picture of the Savior. Testify that if we follow the prophet, he will lead us to Jesus Christ. Share some things our prophet has taught about Jesus recently. How can we follow his counsel?

    Friend December 2020 “I Can Play It: Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus” Printed song and Sing-Along Video

    Helaman 16

    I am blessed as I follow the prophet.

    Helaman 16:1–6

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Helaman 13-16”

    • You can build your children’s trust in the prophet by showing them examples of people who were faithful. Some of these are found in Helaman 16:1, 5. As you read, your children could stand up when they hear something the people did when they believed Samuel’s words. Then, as you read verses 2 and 6, your children could sit down when they hear something the people did when they did not believe. How can we show that we believe the words of the living prophet? Tell the children how you are blessed as you follow the Lord’s counsel through His prophets.

    The Red Crystal For younger children you can put these two prophet pictures on opposite sides of the room, and read the scriptures Helaman 16:1-5 having the children stand under the prophet that is happy when they made good choices and sad when they made sad choices.

    Ensign September 2020 “Family Study Fun: Go Forth”

    Read Helaman 16:1–3 together. Those who believed Samuel “went forth” to do what he taught. Talk about how we should follow our Church leaders today.

    1. Invite each family member to find a quote from general conference. (Perhaps browse “Inspirational Picture Quotes” at ChurchofJesusChrist.org/media-library/images.)
    2. Take turns standing on a chair or stool, like Samuel on the wall, and reading these quotes to the group.
    3. After each quote, talk about what your family can do to “go forth” and do what was taught.

    Discussion: What could we do to get ready for general conference next month? What would help us listen to and act on the teachings of our Church leaders?

    Friend June 2022 “I Will Follow the Prophet”

    Additional Resources

    Sing together the seventh verse of “Book of Mormon Stories” (Children’s Songbook, 118–19). Share something you admire about Samuel, and let the children share what they like about his story.

    Friend December 2020 “Samuel and the Star”

    Friend September 2020 “Family Night Fun”

    New Era October 2020 “Standing Firm with Samuel”

    Friend September 2024 “Samuel on the Wall”Samuel was a prophet who taught about Jesus Christ on top of a city wall (see Helaman 13:4). Make the craft to help you tell Samuel’s story. Cut out the pieces. Then carefully cut the dotted lines on the wall to make two slits. Slide the long strip through the slits. Now you can make Samuel climb up and down the wall as you tell the story!

    For younger children: Hold your little ones while they stand on a chair and share what they know about Jesus Christ, like Samuel did.

    Friend September 2024 “The Signs of Christ’s Coming”

    Friend August 2016

    Friend August 2016

    Book of Mormon Scripture Figures: “Samuel the Lamanite” (August 2012 Liahona and Friend)

    Scripture Figures: “Samuel the Lamanite” (September 1992 Friend)

    Gospel Art Picture: “Book of Mormon: Samuel the Lamanite on the Wall”

    Image: Mormonad, “Popularity”

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 13–16: Glad Tidings of Great Joy”

    • Help the children build a small wall with blocks or books. Using a small toy or doll to represent Samuel, let the children take turns helping “Samuel” climb the wall to teach the people about Jesus Christ.

    Friend September 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

    • Read Helaman 14:11–12 together. Show your little ones a picture of Samuel standing on the wall and teaching people about Jesus. (You could use page FJ4 or the cover.) Then help them take turns standing on a chair or couch—like Samuel on the wall—and saying simple sentences about Jesus, like, “Jesus was born in Bethlehem,” “Jesus is the Son of God,” and “Jesus loves me.”

    News with Naylors (See more ideas at link)

    • The Amazing Arrow Trick from The Kids Should See This. I like that this object lesson has to do with arrows! Talk about prophets and the importance of following a prophet. When we obey, we see things clearly (show the clear glass with arrows facing the same direction) and we are protected. When we don’t obey the prophet (add water into the glass, so it only covers the bottom arrow), we don’t see things as clearly. 

    Latter Day Kids “Prophets” Lesson ideas

    Come Follow Me Kid

    The Cozy Red Cottage

    The Red Crystal

    May 10 2020

    Mosiah 11-17

    Posted on by

    Table of Contents

    Mosiah CHAPTER 11 King Noah rules in wickedness—He revels in riotous living with his wives and concubines—Abinadi prophesies that the people will be taken into bondage—His life is sought by King Noah. About 160–150 B.C.

    Mosiah CHAPTER 12 Abinadi is imprisoned for prophesying the destruction of the people and the death of King Noah—The false priests quote the scriptures and pretend to keep the law of Moses—Abinadi begins to teach them the Ten Commandments. About 148 B.C.

    Mosiah CHAPTER 13 Abinadi is protected by divine power—He teaches the Ten Commandments—Salvation does not come by the law of Moses alone—God Himself will make an atonement and redeem His people. About 148 B.C.

    Mosiah CHAPTER 14 Isaiah speaks messianically—The Messiah’s humiliation and sufferings are set forth—He makes His soul an offering for sin and makes intercession for transgressors—Compare Isaiah 53. About 148 B.C.

    Mosiah CHAPTER 15 How Christ is both the Father and the Son—He will make intercession and bear the transgressions of His people—They and all the holy prophets are His seed—He brings to pass the Resurrection—Little children have eternal life. About 148 B.C.

    Mosiah CHAPTER 16 God redeems men from their lost and fallen state—Those who are carnal remain as though there were no redemption—Christ brings to pass a resurrection to endless life or to endless damnation. About 148 B.C.

    Mosiah CHAPTER 17 Alma believes and writes the words of Abinadi—Abinadi suffers death by fire—He prophesies disease and death by fire upon his murderers. About 148 B.C.

    Book of Mormon Stories “Abinadi and King Noah” Images and Video

    King Noah rules in wickedness. Abinadi preaches repentance.

    Mosiah 11

    Mosiah 12-13

    We usually try to warn people we love about decisions that could bring pain and suffering. The Lord sent Abinadi with the message for King Noah and his people to repent and avoid the suffering that could come because of their sinful behaviors. (Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024)

    I can stand for Jesus Christ, even when I stand alone.

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 11-17”

    At some time in our lives, we all face pressure to make choices that go against our faith in Jesus Christ. What can your children learn from Abinadi about standing as a witness of Jesus Christ, even when it is unpopular? Ask them what they like about Abinadi.

    Your children might enjoy acting out parts of Abinadi’s story. Then they could act out real-life scenarios to practice what they might do if others want them to do something wrong. (For example, what could they do when someone tries to get them to watch an inappropriate movie or when their friends don’t want to include someone in a game they are playing?)

    Come Follow Me Kid

    Friend April 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Try explaining why it’s important to you. Even if others don’t understand your reasons, ask them to be respectful.

    Friend November 2015 Take turns acting out standing for truth using the provided scenarios. Link also includes other lesson ideas and a story.

    Friend November 2015

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 11-17” Or they could share experiences when they were brave in following Jesus Christ. (Help the children think of times when they stood up for what’s right.) How did Abinadi follow Jesus Christ? (see Mosiah 13:2–9; 17:7–10). Why didn’t King Noah do what he knew was right? (see Mosiah 17:11–12).

    Friend September 2023 “Building Respect” When Noah’s sister and her friends walked by, a friend of Noah’s said mean things about girls, and that they didn’t want to play with them. Noah stood up for his sister and asked his friend not to say things like that.

    Friend February 2024 “Margo and Paulo” Margo refuses to go along with her friends plan to cheat on a test.

    Show the video “Dare to Stand Alone” How was President Thomas S. Monson like Abinadi?

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17”

    March in place with the children as they sing a song that inspires courage, such as “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162). Read the words of the song together, and help the children identify what a valiant or courageous person does. Select a few verses from Mosiah 11–13 and 17 to read to the children to show how Abinadi and Alma were valiant (for example, see Mosiah 13:1–4, 9).

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17”
    Friend March 2016

    Teaching Children the Gospel: Stand for the Right Stories, activities, and song ideas.

    I should obey the Ten Commandments.

    Mosiah 12:33–36; 13:11–24

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 11-17”

    • King Noah’s priests knew the commandments but did not have them “written in [their] hearts” (Mosiah 13:11). How will you help your children know the commandments and love them? Maybe they could write the commandments from Mosiah 12:33–36 and 13:11–24 on heart-shaped pieces of paper. As they do, talk with them about what these commandments mean and how to follow them. How do we write these commandments in our hearts?

    Old Testament Coloring Book “The Ten Commandments”

    • You could also sing together a song about commandments, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47). What blessings come from keeping the commandments?

    Friend May 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Print or draw some road signs that help you stay safe, like stop signs, speed limits, and other warnings. Take turns holding up the signs and having people follow them in pretend cars! What would driving be like without those signs?

    Abinadi taught about the Ten Commandments (see Mosiah 13:12–24). How does following the commandments keep you safe and happy?

    Friend May 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17”

    King Noah’s priests knew the commandments but did not follow them.

    Show a picture of Moses with the Ten Commandments and briefly explain how Moses received the commandments from God (see Exodus 19–20).Then show a picture of Abinadi (see this week’s outline. Abinadi reminded King Noah and his priests about the Ten Commandments.

    Gospel Art Book, no.14

    Give the children heart-shaped pieces of paper, and invite them to write one or more of the Ten Commandments on their hearts (see Mosiah 13:11)—perhaps one they feel they should try harder to obey. Assign each child to read one of the commandments in Mosiah 12:35 and 13:11–24. Help the children think of creative ways to help each other remember each commandment (such as a rhyming phrase, an action, or an acronym). The song “The Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 112–13) can also help.

    Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon “Abinadi and King Noah”

    Teaching Children the Gospel: Obedience, Commandments

    Friend May 2024

    Abinadi Testifies of Christ

    Mosiah 14-15

    Prophets bravely testify of Jesus Christ.

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17” Share with the children some of the things Abinadi taught about Jesus Christ in Mosiah 14:5 and 15:7–9. Help the children understand that Abinadi wanted King Noah and his people to follow Jesus so they could be happy. In our day, living prophets teach us about the Savior. Watch the below video. (Start at 5:20 for a shorter version.)

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17”Show or draw pictures of chains, a jail, and a fire. Teach the children that Abinadi was willing to be tied up, put in jail, and even burned by fire to share his testimony of Jesus Christ. Even though we will probably never face these dangers, how can we be courageous like Abinadi in sharing our testimonies with both our words and our choices?

    Come Follow Me Kid

    Heavenly Father sent Jesus Christ to lead me back to Him.

    When I sin, I become lost; because of Jesus Christ, I can be found.

    Mosiah 14; 16:4–9

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 11-17”

    • Though it’s a short chapter, Mosiah 14 has several words and phrases that describe Jesus Christ. Maybe you and your children could list them as you read the chapter together. Then you could talk about how you feel about the Savior as you study these words and phrases.

    Come Follow Me Kid

    • To teach about Jesus Christ, Abinadi quoted the prophet Isaiah, who compared us to lost sheep. Perhaps your children could share experiences when they lost something or were lost themselves. How did they feel? What did they do? Then you could read together Mosiah 14:6 and 16:4–9. How are we like sheep who wander from God? How does Jesus Christ help us come back?

    The Red Crystal After teaching this principal, think it would be fun for the students to find their sheep with their names on it. Prep them if they find someone else’s sheep to not say anything, but keep looking.

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17”

    Read together Mosiah 14:6 and 16:4–9. How do we sometimes go “astray” from God? How does Jesus Christ help us come back?

    Invite the children to imagine a herd of sheep. What are some reasons one of the sheep might get lost? List their answers on the board. How are we like sheep who wander? How might Heavenly Father feel when we are “found” through repentance and the Savior’s Atonement? (see Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–13). Share your testimony of the Savior and of repentance.

    How is Jesus Christ both the Father and the Son?

    Mosiah 15:1–12

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 11-17”

    Jesus Christ is also the Father in the sense that when we accept His redemption, we become “his seed” and “heirs of the kingdom of God” (Mosiah 15:11–12). In other words, we become spiritually reborn through Him (see Mosiah 5:7).

    A father is someone who gives life. Jesus Christ is like a father to us because He can give us immortality and eternal life.

    Why we need a Savior

    Mosiah 15:26–27; 16:1–13

    These verses describe what would happen to God’s children if Jesus had “not come into the world” (Mosiah 16:6) or if they did not follow Him. What are the good things that have happened because He came and atoned for us? See also the video “Why We Need a Savior” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

    Mosiah 16

    Jesus is a light that can never darkened

    Friend May 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Abinadi taught that Jesus Christ is “a light that is endless, that can never be darkened” (Mosiah 16:9). Hide an object in the house. Turn off the lights and have everyone try to find it in the dark. Then hide the object and try to find it with the lights on or with flashlights. Which way was easier? How does Jesus help us like the light helped you?

    For younger children: Sing “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11) with your kids. Every time you sing the word prophet, point to a picture of the prophet.

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 11-17”

    Large fires can start from a single spark. Abinadi was only one man testifying against a powerful king and his court. His words were rejected for the most part, and he was sentenced to death. Yet his testimony of Jesus Christ, who is the “light … that can never be darkened” (Mosiah 16:9), sparked something inside the young priest Alma. And that spark of conversion slowly grew as Alma brought many others to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The flames that killed Abinadi eventually died out, but the fire of faith that his words created would have a lasting influence on the Nephites—and on people who read his words today. Most of us will never face quite what Abinadi did because of our testimonies, but we all have moments when following Jesus Christ is a test of our courage and faith. Perhaps studying Abinadi’s testimony will fan the flames of testimony and courage in your heart as well.

    Abinadi Suffers Death for his Faith

    Mosiah 17

    Additional Resources

    Media Library “Abinadi before King Noah (Abinadi Appearing before King Noah)“

    Teaching Children the Gospel “Lesson 11: Abinadi and King Noah”

    Invite the children to draw pictures of different parts of the account of Abinadi, King Noah, and Alma found in Mosiah 11–13 and 17. Help them use their pictures to retell the story.

    Primary 4 Manual “Lesson 11- Abinadi and King Noah” Put the following objects in a sack or bag. Have each child pick one of the objects and have them explain what it represents when you come to that part of the story.

    A paper mustache (see the illustration at the end of the lesson)
    A flashlight or lightbulb
    A paper replica of the Ten Commandments (see the illustration at the end of the lesson)
    A picture of Christ
    A piece of rope or string
    A match

    Mustache:Abinadi came back in disguise (Mosiah 12:1).
    Lightbulb or flashlight:Abinadi’s face shone with luster (Mosiah 13:5).
    Ten Commandments:Abinadi taught the Ten Commandments (Mosiah 13:11–24).
    Picture of Christ:Abinadi boldly testified of Jesus Christ (Mosiah 15; 16; 17:8).
    Rope or string:Abinadi was bound (Mosiah 17:13).
    Match:Abinadi was killed by fire (Mosiah 17:20).

    Have the children take the parts of the characters in the story of Abinadi and King Noah, and have a reporter interview them. Make a list of questions for the reporter to ask the characters, such as:

    Reporter to Noah:How did you pay for your fancy buildings?
    Reporter to priests:Why are you holding Abinadi prisoner?
    Reporter to Alma:What do you think about the teachings of Abinadi?
    Reporter to Abinadi:Why do these people want to kill you? Why won’t you deny what you have said to these people?

    Teaching the Scripture Readers

    Teaching the Scripture Readers
    image

    Latter Day Kids “Standing for Truth” Lesson ideas

    The Red Crystal 2024

    Mar 23 2020

    Enos, Jarom, Omni, & Words of Mormon

    Posted on by

    Table of Contents

    Enos CHAPTER 1 Enos prays mightily and gains a remission of his sins—The voice of the Lord comes into his mind, promising salvation for the Lamanites in a future day—The Nephites sought to reclaim the Lamanites—Enos rejoices in his Redeemer. About 420 B.C.

    Jarom

    Enos

    Book of Mormon Stories “Enos” Images and Video

    Friend April 2024 “Enos’s Prayer”

    Friend March 2020 “Enos Prayed” Video and Images

    Friend March 2020

    Friend July 2003 “Enos Prays”

    Friend September 2000

    Friend May 1988 “Sharing Time: Seeking Guidance through Prayer”

    image

    Friend January 1988 “Scriptural Giants: Enos Prays”

    I can talk to Heavenly Father through prayer.

    Enos 1:1–5

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Enos-Words of Mormon”

    • How can you help your children make their prayers more meaningful? Consider showing them a picture of Enos praying; let them describe what they see. They could then close their eyes and imagine they are talking to Heavenly Father face-to-face. What would they like to talk about? What might He want to say to them? [Invite the children to think about talking face-to-face with Heavenly Father each time they pray.]

    The Red Crystal

    • As you read aloud Enos 1:1–5, younger children could pretend to be Enos by acting out hunting, kneeling to pray, and so on. Older children could listen for a word or phrase that describes Enos’s prayers. What do these words tell us about Enos’s prayers? Share an experience when your soul “hungered” and you “cried unto” the Lord (Enos 1:4).

    Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.

    Enos 1:2–16

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Enos-Words of Mormon”

    • How can you help your children understand that Heavenly Father will hear and answer their prayers? Consider inviting them to list some things they typically pray for. Then you could help them find what Enos prayed for in Enos 1:2, 9, 13–14, and 16 (see also “Chapter 11: Enos,” Book of Mormon Stories, 30–31). [Discuss how the children can follow Enos’s example in their prayers; for instance, you could talk about why Enos was willing to pray for the Lamanites—who were his enemies—and invite the children to pray this week for someone who has been unkind to them. Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Enos-Words of Mormon”]

    Ensign March 2020 “Family Study Fun: Mighty, Meaningful Prayer”

    Enos prayed all day and into the night. Our prayers may not be that long, but they can be that meaningful.

    1. Identify all the things Enos prayed for:
    2. Discuss some modern equivalents of each of these (forgiveness; family, ward members, and the bishop; bullies at school; understanding the scriptures; and so on.)
    3. Kneel together and see if you can give a thoughtful, meaningful prayer for all that you identified.

    Discussion: Why are our prayers more meaningful when we are more specific in our expressions? What else can you do to make your family and personal prayers more thoughtful?

    The Red Crystal

    • What were the results of Enos’s prayers? (see verses 6, 9, 11).What do we learn from Enos’s experience about how to improve our prayers?

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Enos-Words of Mormon”It can be easy for our prayers to become routine or casual. Enos’s experience is a reminder that receiving answers to our prayers sometimes requires a “wrestle” and “many long strugglings” (Enos 1:2, 11).

    Friend April 2024

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Enos-Words of Mormon”Sing together a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13). Perhaps your children could raise their hands every time they hear the word “pray” or “prayer” or another repeated word. Tell your children about some of the ways that Heavenly Father has answered your prayers.

    Teaching Children the Gospel “Enos Prays”

    Friend March 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Enos 1:4–5 together and help your little ones say, “I can pray to Heavenly Father anytime, anywhere.” You could use five fingers to review the parts of prayer: 1) start with “Dear Heavenly Father,” 2) thank Him for blessings, 3) tell Him about your day, 4) ask Him for what you and others need, 5) end “in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” Or create actions for the rhyme, “I close my eyes. I bow my head. I listen while a prayer is said.”

    Friend February 2016
    Friend February 2016

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Enos – Words of Mormon” In the first two boxes, write or draw pictures of some of the things Enos prayed for. In the third box, write or draw something you can pray about.

    Friend March 2020 “Enos Prayed with Faith” Coloring Page: Who Needs Your Prayers Today?

    Friend March 2020 “I Can Pray Like Enos” Make a diorama scene of Enos praying.  Article also outlines what prayers should contain.

    Friend April 1988
    Friend April 1988

    Friend August 2018 “I Pray in Faith” Simplified “I Can Play It”, and a music video.

    Friend September 2019 “A Child’s Prayer” Simplified “I Can Play It” version. Also a music video

    Primary 4 Book of Mormon: Lesson 9 “Enos Prays”Tell the following riddle, and ask the children to raise their hands when they know the answer.

    • 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?

    Write the children’s responses on the chalkboard. When they recognize that the correct answer is prayer, ask if they have any questions about prayer. Summarize their questions on the chalkboard, and ask the children to listen for answers as you share the story of Enos. At the end of the story, refer back to the questions and discuss them.

    For additional ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel: Prayer Lesson Ideas, Prayer Stories & Poems, Prayer Activity & Games.

    Jarom

    Before Enos died, he gave his son Jarom the plates.

    The Lord will bless me when I keep the commandments.

    One of God’s most repeated promises in the Book of Mormon is that if the Nephites kept the commandments, they would prosper. 

    Read Jarom 1:7-9 to see some of the ways the Nephites prospered in the land and were blessed.

    Read Jarom 1:5, 10-12 and have the family make a list of what the Nephites did that enabled them to be blessed and prosper.

    What do you learn from these accounts that can help you “prosper in the land”?

    Omni

    Before dying, Jarom delivered the plates into the hands of his son Omni (Jarom 1:15), who then passed them on to his son Amaron. Amaron tells that the more wicked part of the Nephites had been destroyed. (Omni 1:5)

    6 For the Lord would not suffer, after he had led them out of the land of Jerusalem and kept and preserved them from falling into the hands of their enemies, yea, he would not suffer that the words should not be verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall not prosper in the land.

    7 Wherefore, the Lord did visit them in great judgment; nevertheless, he did spare the righteous that they should not perish, but did deliver them out of the hands of their enemies.

    After Amaron, the record continued to be passed down from father to son, Amaron to Chemish to Abinadom to Amaleki. 

    Amaleki tells of a man called Mosiah, “he being warned of the Lord that he should flee out of the land of Nephi, and as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord should also depart out of the land with him, into the wilderness

    14 And they discovered a people, who were called the people of Zarahemla.

    Book of Mormon Stories “Mosiah and Zeniff” The Nephites and Lamanites had many wars. One day, the Lord told a Nephite named Mosiah to leave the land of Nephi with anyone who would follow the Lord.

    Many Nephites obeyed the Lord and left with Mosiah. The Lord led them to a land that had people living in it. They were called the people of Zarahemla.

    The people of Zarahemla also came from Jerusalem long ago. They were happy the Lord sent the Nephites with the brass plates. Mosiah’s people joined the people of Zarahemla. All the people chose Mosiah as their king. He taught them about the Lord.

    Who were the people of Zarahemla?

    15 Mosiah discovered that the people of Zarahemla were led by God out from Jerusalem at the time that Zedekiah, king of Judah, was carried away captive into Babylon. Among that group was Mulek, one of the sons of Zedekiah.

    After the people of Zarahemla arrived in the promised land, they met Coriantumr (see Omni 1:21), the last known survivor of the Jaredites, whose story is told in the book of Ether.

    Department of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion “Book of Mormon Chronology Chart”

    Because Amaleki did not have any children Amaleki gave the plates to King Benjamin. Amaleki concluded his record in about 130B.C., about 470 years from the time Lehi left Jerusalem.

    Friend April 1988

    Friend April 1988

    Words of Mormon

    As a historical account, the book serves as a bridge between the small plates of Nephi (1 Nephi–Omni) and Mormon’s abridgment of the large plates of Nephi (Mosiah–4 Nephi).

    I can bless others when I listen to the Holy Ghost.

    As Nephi was writing the record of his people, God directed him to create two sets of plates, called the small plates and the large plates of Nephi. Nephi didn’t know why he was commanded to create two sets of plates, but he trusted that the Lord had “a wise purpose … , which purpose I know not” (1 Nephi 9:5

    Centuries later, as Mormon was abridging Nephi’s large plates, he came across the small plates. The small plates covered many of the same events described in the large plates that Mormon had already abridged, but the small plates focused more on spiritual matters and the ministry and teachings of the prophets. God inspired Mormon to include the small plates of Nephi in his record in addition to the large plates.

    Like Nephi, Mormon didn’t understand God’s purpose for having both sets of plates, but he trusted that it was “for a wise purpose” (Words of Mormon 1:7).

    Gospel Media: Mormon Abridging the Plates

    Today we know what God’s purpose was. In 1828, after Joseph Smith had translated part of Mormon’s abridgment of Nephi’s large plates (116 manuscript pages), Martin Harris lost those pages. God commanded Joseph not to retranslate this portion because evil men would change the words and try to discredit Joseph (see Doctrine and Covenants 10, section heading; Doctrine and Covenants 10:14–19, 30–45).

    Video and Images from Doctrine and Covenants Stories

    Thankfully, God had foreseen this and provided the small plates, which covered the same history that was lost with the 116 pages. The small plates compose the books that come before Words of Mormon, and Mormon’s abridgment of the large plates begins after the Words of Mormon.

    Words of Mormon 1:3–8

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Enos-Words of Mormon” Mormon followed the guidance of the Holy Ghost to include the small plates of Nephi in the Book of Mormon. Everything we’ve studied in the Book of Mormon so far this year has come to us because Mormon made the choice to listen to the Spirit. How can you help your children learn about listening to the Spirit? Invite them to take turns reading the verses from Words of Mormon 1:3–8. You could talk about what they learn from each verse. Your children could then:

    Invite the children to share stories they have learned from the Book of Mormon so far this year (pictures from the Gospel Art Book may help them remember). Explain that we have these stories in the Book of Mormon because Mormon listened when the Holy Ghost told him to include them.

    • Sing together a song about the Holy Ghost, such as “The Still Small Voice” (Children’s Songbook, 106–7).( Sing it several times in different ways, such as fast, slow, or in a whisper. When you whisper the song, open to Words of Mormon 1:7, and point out that Mormon described the Holy Ghost as a whisper.)

    Come Follow Me Kid Hidden Candy- Hide a piece of candy somewhere in the room. Blindfold one person and assign another person to act as the “still small voice.” Have the rest of the family talk loudly while the blindfolded person tries to hear the still small voice’s whispered directions to where the candy is. Talk about how we’re blessed when we listen for the Holy Ghost and heed the Holy Ghost’s promptings. Point out how Words of Mormon 1: 7 explains the Spirit as something that whispers to us. Encourage family members to try to hear the quiet promptings from the Spirit each day.

    Gospel Media “Mormon Compiles Sacred Writings” Coloring Page

    Gospel Media

    Story Ideas

    Share an experience when you followed a prompting from the Holy Ghost (or share the story below). How did your actions bless others? Explain that Heavenly Father wants us to help and bless others, so He sends the Holy Ghost to guide us.

    Friend March 2020 “Check the Kittens” After everyone has gone to bed, a girl kept having the thought to go and check on their kittens. She acted on the prompting and found that a warming light had fallen over onto the kittens cardboard box and would have caught on fire. The Holy Ghost helped keep their family and kittens safe.

    Come Follow Me Kid

    Additional Resources

    Liahona April 2024 “Enos: Receiving Revelation Until Our Faith Becomes Unshaken”

    Friend April 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Family Links”

    People in the Book of Mormon wrote their family history on the plates (see Omni 1:1). You can write your family history too! Write your name on a strip of paper. Tape or glue the ends together to make a ring. Then write the name of a family member on another paper and loop it through the ring. Tape or glue the ends together. Add as many family links as you can!

    The Red Crystal

    The Red Crystal 2020