Tag Archives: Book of Mormon

Jan 30 2016

Lesson 5 – The Liahona

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Lesson 5
The Liahona

Preparation

  • Items needed: tape, chalk.
  • Print and cut out the scripture story pictures.
  •  Print the signs, game board, and Liahona onto cardstock. (Print the Liahona onto gold cardstock, or color it with a crayon.)  Cut out the signs.
  • Cut out the Liahona and the Liahona strips. Glue the Liahona to a heavy piece of paper. With an exacto/utility knife, cut along the two dotted lines on the Liahona. Tape the two Liahona strips together at a tab to make one long strip. Make sure the strip is in numerical order. Coming from the back, insert one end of the combined strip through the top cut out line on the Liahona. Then push it through the bottom cut out line, going toward the back. Pull the strip through until only the first block of words is showing in the front of the Liahona. Tape together the ends of the strip in the back so they form a loop.
  • Laminate the game board, or put it into a page protector and tape the top closed. Cut apart the square game pieces. Cover each  star square on the game board with a blank square. (Leave the start square uncovered.) Put the Lose a Turn squares face down on all the squares that don’t have stars. Use rolled pieces of tape to hold the cutout game piece squares in place.
  • Draw a large version of the map found at the end of the lesson onto the chalkboard.

 

Attention Activity
Tape the sign “Eternal Life” on a wall. On an opposite wall put the sign “Mortal Birth.” Ask for a volunteer. Blindfold that person, and tell them they need to get from the sign that says “Mortal Birth” to the sign that says “Eternal Life.” Tell them there will be obstacles in the way but you will provide someone to help them get safely around the obstacles.

Quickly set up some obstacles between the two signs such as chairs, books, people, etc. Ask for another volunteer. Have that person give verbal directions to the blindfolded person on how to get safely from one end of the room to the other. Stay next to the blindfolded person in case they need additional assistance.

  •  What might have happened if the blindfolded person hadn’t listened to the person giving directions? The blindfolded person might have gotten hurt because he or she couldn’t see the obstacles in the way. The person also might have gone the wrong way and not accomplished the goal of getting to the sign that says “Eternal Life”.

Ask the children if they think it would be nice to have someone guiding them in life so they always know the right way to go and the right things to do. Tell them we do have that guidance. In this lesson we learn where that guidance comes from and what happens when we don’t follow that guidance.

Scripture Story
Using the scripture story pictures and the large drawing of the map, tell the following story. As you tell the story, tape the pictures on the map according to where they took place.

Nephi and his brothers were again instructed to return to Jerusalem. This time they were sent to get Ishmael and his family. Nephi and his brothers would need wives in the Promised Land, and Ishmael had many daughters. Ishmael agreed to go with them. Nephi and his brothers married the daughters of Ishmael when they returned to their father’s tent in the Valley of Lemuel. Lehi was then instructed by the Lord that it was time to take their journey to the Promised Land.

On the morning their journey was to begin, Lehi found a brass ball of curious workmanship outside his tent door. Inside the ball were two spindles; one spindle pointed the way they should go in the wilderness. They gathered their provisions and departed. They followed the directions on the ball which led them through the more fertile parts of the wilderness, which was near the borders of the Red Sea. They hunted for food as they went. After traveling for many days, Nephi’s steel bow broke and his brother’s wood bows lost their spring.

Because of the loss of their bows, the sons of Lehi weren’t able to provide food for their family. Many of them began to murmur against the Lord, including Lehi. Instead of complaining, Nephi worked to resolve the problem. He went and made a new bow out of wood. After Nephi made the bow, he went and asked his father where he should go to obtain food.

  •  Why did Nephi approach his father for help? Lehi was the head of the family, and he was a prophet of the Lord.

Because of Nephi’s actions, Lehi was reminded of his duty and he repented. Lehi was chastened by the Lord for his murmuring, and then he was instructed to look at the brass ball. He saw there was writing inside the ball. Nephi went up to the top of the mountain according to the directions given in the ball, and he obtained food for the family.

During their travels in the wilderness, Ishmael died at a place called Nahom. The daughters of Ishmael mourned for their father and murmured because of their afflictions in the wilderness. They, along with Laman and Lemuel, wanted to return to Jerusalem. Laman and Lemuel plotted to kill their father and Nephi. The love in their hearts had waxed cold because of their wickedness. The voice of the Lord spoke to the two brothers, and they repented for a time.

The family traveled in the wilderness for eight years. Many children were born as they were traveling. The Lord strengthened them, and they were able to bear all hardships. They eventually arrived at a place they called Bountiful.

Chalk Board Discussion

After asking each question below, write a shortened version of the answers on the board. (See example diagram for layout of answers.)

• What was the ball of brass called that Lehi found outside his tent? (See Alma 37:38) The Liahona – meaning director or compass
• The Liahona was prepared by the Lord to show Lehi and his family the way they should go in the wilderness. How did it direct Lehi and his family? Through spindles that pointed the way, and through words that taught them the ways of the Lord.
• What is the Liahona a spiritual representation of? (See Alma 37:45) The words of Christ
• Where are the words of Christ found? In the scriptures, in the words of the prophet, in revelation through the Holy Ghost.
• Where was the Lord leading Lehi and his family with the Liahona? To the promised land
• Where do the words of Christ lead people to? Eternal Life
• What things caused the Liahona to cease working? (See Alma 37: 40-41 and 1 Nephi 16:28) It ceased to work when their faith in God wavered, when they murmured and complained, or when they were slothful and lazy and didn’t give diligent heed to the directing compass provided by the Lord.

• What things interfere with the words of Christ leading people to eternal life? People’s lack of faith in God. People’s lack of heed and diligence in studying, seeking for, and obeying the words of Christ.
• What difficulties did Lehi and his family suffer when the Liahona ceased to work? (See Alma 37:42) They did not prosper or progress in their journey; they were afflicted with hunger and thirst, they tarried in the wilderness, or did not travel a direct course.
• What difficulties can people suffer if they don’t give heed to the words of Christ? Answers might include the following: Without guidance, temptations become harder to resist, and sin causes suffering. If we linger in the “wilderness” we may not reach our goal of eternal life.

Game

Put the game board and the Liahona on a display board for everyone to see. Choose a volunteer. Tell the volunteer that the object of the game is to get from the starting square to a square that says “The Promised Land.” There are two ways they can do this: they can try and guess which way to go, or they can check the Liahona for directions. Tell them it will take a little diligence and effort to get directions from the Liahona. They will have to look up a scripture and find the directions in the scripture. But if they try to guess which way to go, and it is the wrong guess, they will lose their next turn.

The volunteer then decides whether to guess which way to go or to check the Liahona for directions. If they decide to guess, they can choose any square that is touching the starting square including the ones going diagonally. If they choose to check the Liahona, it will give a scripture reference. The class will need to look up that scripture. They will look for the following words in the scripture: up, down, right or left. Display the sign that has those words written on it to help remind the children of what they are looking for. In the scripture there may be combinations of two of those words to indicate which way to go diagonally. The class can look for the words, but the person whose turn it is makes the final decision on which way to go.

When the volunteer decides where to go, he or she takes off one of the square coverings. If there is no star under the covering, they have chosen the wrong way to go and must take the covering which says “Lose a Turn”. They turn that square in on their next turn, but they can’t play again until the following turn. The next person whose turn it is has the same choice of whether to guess or consult the Liahona. They would move from the last star square the person before them was on.

Continue playing in this manner, with the children taking turns choosing what to do, until they reach the square marked “The Promised Land.” The Liahona word strip will need to be rotated down at each turn. To do this, reach under the page and pull down on the strip.

Conclusion
Explain to the children that the words of Christ will always lead them in the right direction. They help us know which way to go when we have choices to make. But if we don’t exercise faith and diligence, and we rely on our own judgment instead of seeking for and obeying the words of Christ, we may go the wrong ways and not progress in our journey towards Eternal Life.

Weekly Reading Assignment
Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week – 1 Nephi 16:1-39 and Alma 37:38-46.

Resources: Scripture story pictures –  “Book of Mormon Stories” chapter five.

Jan 29 2016

Lesson 4 – Tree of Life Vision

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Lesson 4
Tree of Life Vision


Preparation

  • Print and cut out the Tree of Life Vision Pictures. Cut off the vertical edge of one side of the river. Glue the edges of the two river pieces together. Cut out and glue a “Temptation” to the back of each “Mist of Darkness.”
  • Also print and cut out the story figures of Lehi and his family found in the Friend, February 2008, For Little Friends, “Lehi and Nephi Obey God”.
  • Items needed: a Book of Mormon for each child, a bag of white Lifesaver mints (don’t remove the mints from their clear individual wrappers), chalk, and tape.

Scripture Story
Tell the following story using the Tree of Life Vision pictures and the pictures from “Lehi and Nephi Obey God.” Tape the pictures to the chalk board as you tell the story.

As Lehi and his family prepared for their journey to the promised land, Lehi had a vision. In the vision he was in a dark and dreary wasteland. He prayed to the Lord for mercy. He then saw a large and spacious field and a tree whose fruit was white to exceed all whiteness. The fruit was very desirable to make one happy. He partook of the fruit, and it was sweet above all others ever tasted. It filled him with joy, and he was desirous that his family partake of it also. As he looked around for his family he saw a river near the tree. At the head of the river he saw his wife Sariah and his sons Nephi and Sam. They looked as if they didn’t know where to go, so Lehi called and beckoned to them and they came and partook of the fruit. Lehi also wanted Laman and Lemuel to partake of the fruit. He looked and saw them at the head of the river. He beckoned to them, but they would not come.

As Lehi looked around some more he saw a rod of iron that led to the tree. The rod of iron extended along the bank of the river. There was also a strait and narrow path which went along side the rod of iron. He saw many people, and some were trying to get to the path. When they came and started on the path, a mist of darkness arose and they lost their way and wandered off. Others came forward and caught hold of the rod of iron, and they pressed forward until they partook of the fruit of the tree. Then Lehi saw on the other side of the river a great and spacious building, and it seemed to be floating in the air. The building was filled with a multitude of people whose clothes were very fine. They were mocking those who had partaken of the tree. Some who had partaken of the tree were ashamed because of the scoffing, and they fell away onto other paths and were lost. But there were some who did not heed the scorning of those in the building.

Discussion
• What did Lehi see in the large and spacious field? A tree with fruit on it.
• How did Lehi describe the fruit? (See 1 Nephi 8:10-12) Write on the display board the following descriptions:

It was white to exceed all whiteness.
It was most sweet above all others.
It was desirable to make one happy.
It filled him with joy.

The Lord frequently uses symbolism to teach important lessons. Sometimes it is difficult to understand what the symbolism means. After Nephi listened to his father tell about the dream, he wanted to know what the interpretation was, so he prayed to know its meaning. Because of his faith he was shown the same vision, and he was shown its meaning. Nephi learned that the fruit was the greatest of all the gifts of God.

• What is the greatest of all the gifts of God? (See D&C 14:7) What is eternal life? It is the highest degree in the celestial kingdom, and it is the kind of life Heavenly Father has. (Put the “Eternal Life” label next to the fruit.)

The purpose of Lehi’s vision is to teach us how to gain eternal life. Without the atonement of Jesus Christ we could not attain eternal life, regardless of how good we are on earth, because all men sin and no unclean thing can enter into the kingdom of God. Jesus paid the price for our sins. The tree represents the love of God demonstrated in the sacrifice and the atonement of his son Jesus Christ. (Put up the “Love of God, Atonement of Jesus Christ” label next to the tree.)

• What did the strait and narrow path represent? The strait and narrow path represents following Christ’s way of life such as praying, being honest, giving service, etc. (Put the “Christ’s Way of Life” label next to the path.)

We have been given aids to help us stay on the strait and narrow path. Lehi saw an iron rod that people could hold on to to help them stay on the path.

• What did the rod of iron represent? (See 1 Nephi 15:23–24) (Put the “Word of God” label next to the rod of iron.)

• Where can we find the word of God? In the scriptures, in the teachings of latter-day prophets, and in the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

• In Lehi’s vision some people started on the path but then became lost in mists of darkness. What did the mists of darkness represent? (See 1 Nephi 12:17) (Put the “Temptations of the Devil” label next to the mists of darkness.)

• What are some temptations of the devil? (Place a mist of darkness over the path for each answer given.)

The temptations of the devil blind us. We can’t see the right way to go and we can become lost.

• In the vision, some people made it through the mists of darkness. What did those people use to help guide them? The iron rod which is the word of God. The word of God can help us know the right way to go.

Game

Inform the children they are going to play a game that shows how the word of God helps them know the right way to go.

Tape a mint to each piece of fruit on the tree of life. Cover the rod of iron and the path with the remaining mists of darkness. Direct a volunteer to choose a mist of darkness and read the situation that is on the back. Instruct the children to look in the bible topical guide for the temptation’s subject and find a scripture that would help them avoid and resist that temptation. Have the volunteer read the scripture the children chose. The volunteer can then take a fruit (mint) off the tree. Have another child pick a mist of darkness and do the same process again. Continue until each child has had a turn. After the game is finished, remind the children that if we use the word of God to guide us, it will lead us to eternal life.

• How do we hold onto the word of God? By making it part of our life. We do this by studying and abiding by the teachings found in the scriptures and the words of the latter day prophets, and by seeking for and listening to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Heeding and obeying the word of God will help us avoid the deceptions and temptations of Satan so that we can avoid going astray.

• In the vision, Lehi’s mind was so occupied with other things that he did not notice that the water in the river was filthy. What did the river or fountain of filthy water represent? (See 1 Nephi 12:16 & 15:26–29) (Put the “Depths of Hell” label next to the river.) How do people end up engulfed in the depths of hell? They get lost in Satan’s temptations, go astray, and fall into the depths of hell.

In Lehi’s vision there were some people who held onto the rod until they reached the tree and partook of the fruit, and then they became ashamed and fell away because the world mocked them. These people represent those who accept the gospel and the ordinances necessary for eternal life, such as baptism and temple ordinances, but then they yield to the tauntings and temptations to be like the people of the world.

• The people of the world who were mocking those who partook of the fruit were in a great and spacious building that appeared to be floating in the air. What did the great and spacious building represent? (See 1 Nephi 11:36) (Put the “Pride of the World” label next to the building.)

Pride and feelings of superiority because of possessions, physical abilities, or accomplishments are empty and have nothing to hold them up because everything we have comes from God. Like the building floating in the air, people lifted up in pride eventually will fall. They do not realize that the things the world values such as wealth, honors, physical beauty, and physical ability have no value after death. The only thing of value will be the relationships and the righteous characteristics we develop while on the earth. If we spend our time seeking after worldly things, we may miss the opportunity to develop the things that will be important in the eternities.

In the vision there were those who fell away, but there were also people who partook of the fruit and then remained faithful. The people who remained faithful are those who endured by continuing to seek for and obey the word of God. Because of their study and prayers they have a clear understanding of what has lasting value, and they ignore the world’s empty offerings. They know that eternal life is better than anything that the world has to offer because it is the greatest of all God’s gifts.

Weekly Reading Assignment

  • Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week – 1 Nephi 8:1-38, 1 Nephi 11:1-36 and 1 Nephi 15:1-36.
Dec 23 2015

Lesson 2 – Lehi and his Family Leave Jerusalem

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Lesson 2
Lehi and his Family Leave Jerusalem

Preparation

  • Items needed: a small container of water, one piece of paper, envelopes, and a picture of the living prophet (this can be found at www.lds.org/church leaders).
  • Print  the scripture story visual aids onto heavy paper. Cut apart each picture and each word strip on the dividing lines.  Glue each numbered word strip to the back of its corresponding picture. Also print the sign “Eternal Salvation.”
  • Print and cut out the game items.  Lightly tape the small game pieces to an 8 ½-by-11-inch piece of paper with rolled pieces of tape. Be prepared to display the two category titles on a display board (see tips).
  • Prepare the following for the activity: Draw a map of the room where you will teach the lesson onto a sheet of paper. Label the different parts of the room on the map such as the windows, doors, tables, chairs, etc. Draw a dot on each of the locations you will hide clues. You will need to hide at least one clue per each child. Choose a wall where you will place the sign “Eternal Salvation”. That will be the end of the hunt. Mark that as X on your map. Starting at the X, connect the dots with a line. Do not crisscross the line. Number each dot in order, ending at the X. Cut the map up into a puzzle having one numbered dot on each piece. Put each piece into an envelope, and number the upper outer corner of each envelope with the puzzle piece number. On the front of each envelope paste a quote from the living prophet of something he has asked us to do. These can be found in the Ensigns at www.lds.org/general conference Hide the envelopes sometime before the lesson, leaving out envelope number one. Number one would be the first clue and it should lead to where clue number two is hid. Each following clue should also lead to its next numbered clue.

Introduction
Ask the children if they remember what is being studied this year. Hold up a copy of the Book of Mormon as a reminder.

The Book of Mormon tells about three groups of people the Lord led to the Americas. The beginning of the Book of Mormon tells of one of these groups. We learn about the other two groups later.

Direct the children to open their scriptures to chapter one in “The First Book of Nephi.” Explain that a prophet named Nephi wrote the “The First Book of Nephi.”  Nephi informs us that he engraved his history onto plates made of ore (1 Nephi 19:1). The plates were like a book, but each page was a thin sheet made of metal. The words were written by pushing a sharp tool into the metal.

  • Why were some ancient records written on metal plates? (Take a piece of paper, tear it, and pour a little water on it.) Explain that during ancient times, the people used other materials than paper for written communications, but those materials could also be easily damaged and could decompose and disintegrates over time. Some ancient historians used metal if they had an important message that they wanted to endure for a long period of time.

Have the children find the date on the bottom right hand side of the first page of “The First Book of Nephi.” Explain that this date tells the approximate time period the events on that page occurred. Have them flip through other pages so that they will see that the date is on the bottom of each page. Explain that B.C. means before Christ’s birth.

In the “First Book of Nephi” we learn that Nephi’s father was a prophet. When Nephi was a youth, his father Lehi was commanded of the Lord to take his family and leave the city Jerusalem.

Scripture Story
Teach the following scripture story of the prophet Lehi and his family leaving Jerusalem. Show the numbered picture that corresponds with each part.

1. In Jerusalem 600 B.C. the people were wicked. They were dishonest, they worshiped idols, and they did many other evil things. Prophets were sent to tell the people to repent or be destroyed. The people were so wicked that they imprisoned, cast out, or killed the prophets that were sent to warn them.

2. Lehi was concerned and prayed for the people. A pillar of fire appeared as Lehi prayed, and God told and showed Lehi many things.

3. Lehi returned home and collapsed on his bed overcome with what he had seen. As he was lying on his bed, Lehi was shown a vision. One of the things he saw was that Jerusalem would be destroyed.

4. Lehi told the people what he had seen and heard. He told them that Jerusalem would be destroyed. He also preached and testified of Jesus whom he had seen in his vision. Lehi preached to the people even though he knew it was dangerous.

  • Why do you think Lehi preached to the people even though he knew it was dangerous?

5. The people wouldn’t listen to Lehi’s warnings. They mocked him and made fun of him. They didn’t believe that Jerusalem would be   destroyed. They thought they were God’s chosen people.

  • Were the people in Jerusalem God’s chosen people? When a people become wicked they are no longer a select people.

6. The people became angry and wanted to kill Lehi because of his preachings.

7. In a dream, the Lord warned Lehi of the danger and told him to take his family and leave Jerusalem.

8. Lehi and his family packed provisions for the journey. They left their house and their possessions behind. They traveled three days past the Red Sea, which is about a two week journey from Jerusalem.

Game
Display the two category titles “Trip Provisions” and “Items Left Behind” on a display board. Show the children the list of items that are taped to the 8 ½-by-11 paper. Have them take turns choosing an item and then deciding if the item would be something Lehi and his family would have taken with them or something they would have left behind. Have them place the item under the category they think it belongs in. Ask the children to explain their reason. Answers might include: item not needed for the journey, item too bulky, or item too heavy to carry, etc.

  • Do you think it was hard for Nephi and his family to leave behind their home and most of their possessions? If you had to leave your home and only take a few necessary items, what things would you have a hard time leaving behind? (Have the children take turns sharing their ideas.)

9. After traveling for about two weeks in the wilderness, Lehi and his family came to a valley that had a river running through it. They set up their tents and camped there. Lehi built an altar of stones and gave thanks to the Lord.

10. Lehi had four sons; their names were Laman, Lemuel, Sam, and Nephi. The two older brothers, Laman and Lemuel, murmured and complained about leaving Jerusalem and leaving behind their possessions. They didn’t believe Jerusalem would be destroyed. They were wicked like the people in Jerusalem.

  • The Lord told Lehi that he and his family were to travel to a promised land (the American Continent). Why do you think that Laman and Lemuel were spared from the destruction of Jerusalem and allowed to go to the promised land if they were so rebellious and wicked? (See 1 Nephi 2:22-24)

11. Nephi, the youngest brother, instead of complaining, decided to find out for himself if the things his father had seen were true. He prayed and the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him. He learned that his father’s words were true.

12. Nephi told his brothers what he had learned. Sam believed him, but Nephi could not convince Laman and Lemuel.

  • Why is it important to listen to and obey the prophet? The prophet tells us what Heavenly Father wants us to know and do. Heavenly Father wants us to know and do the things that will help us be happy in this life and throughout all eternity.

The people in Jerusalem would not listen to the warnings of the prophets. They would not do the things that would help keep them safe and happy. Because of their wickedness, they had to suffer the results and consequences of their sins and choices, and they were eventually destroyed by the Babylonians.

  • Show the picture of the living prophet and ask, “Who is this person?”

Activity
Inform the children that they are going to read some quotes from the living prophet concerning things he has asked us to do. Show the envelope that is labeled number one. Reveal that there are several other envelopes hidden around the room, and on the front of each envelope is a statement from our current prophet. On the inside of the envelope is a puzzle clue that will help them locate the next envelope. If all the directions are followed correctly, they will end up at the sign that says “Eternal Salvation.” (Put the sign on the wall.)

Give the first clue to a volunteer. That person then reads the prophet’s statement out loud to the class. Have the volunteer tell how they can follow the prophet’s direction regarding the statement they read. After they do that, they can open the envelope and follow the clue’s directions to the next envelope.

After the next clue has been found, have another volunteer follow the same pattern. Putting the puzzle pieces together will help each volunteer locate the clues. Continue on until all the clues have been found. Tell the children that when we follow the prophet’s directions we are guided down the pathway to eternal salvation (eternal life- the kind of life Heavenly Father lives).

Weekly Reading Assignment
Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week – 1 Nephi 1:1-20 and 1 Nephi 2:1-24.

Resources: Scripture story visual aids – Book of Mormon Stories.

Dec 23 2015

Lesson One: Introduction to the Book of Mormon

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Lesson One: Introduction to the Book of Mormon

Preparation
• Items needed: pencils, a Book of Mormon, and a piece of paper for each child. You will also need the picture of “Mormon Abridging the Plates” from the Gospel Art Picture Kit, the Book of Mormon Stories video DVD, a television, and a DVD player. (Note: The picture and the video are available online, or they can be checked out from your meetinghouse library).  Optional item needed: foil star stickers for the children’s reading charts
•  Print one copy of the worksheet PDF or Word and the reading chart PDF or Word for each child. Print one copy of the Arch and one copy of the French words for Book of Mormon. Optional: Print scripture stickers – set one.
• If possible, obtain a children’s nonfiction book. Read its preface before class, and be prepared to explain its contents to the children.

Lesson Introduction
Inform the children they will be learning about the Book of Mormon this year. Instruct them to bring their scriptures each week. Make sure each child has a copy of the Book of Mormon to use for today’s lesson.

• How did we get the Book of Mormon? In ancient America two groups of people, the Nephites and the Lamanites, lived on the continent. A great battle occurred between these two groups of people. The Nephites were destroyed in this battle. The last of the Nephites, a prophet named Moroni, was directed by the Lord to bury a record of these ancient American people. About 1,400 years later Moroni, as a resurrected being, visited a boy named Joseph Smith. Moroni told Joseph Smith about the buried record.

Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith
Direct the children to turn to the “Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith” found in the front of the Book of Mormon. Explain that the “Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith” tells about Moroni’s visit. Watch chapter one of the Book of Mormon Stories DVD which tells of this account. Start at the section where the angel Moroni appears.

• What does translate mean? Translate means to change from one language to another.

Show the paper with the words “Le Livre De Mormon” written on it. Tell the children that the words are French. The English version of these words is “The Book of Mormon”. Show this paper. Both sets of words mean the same thing, but they are different languages.

The gold plates were written in an ancient language that needed to be translated into a language others could read.

Title Page
Instruct the children to turn to the title page found in the front of the Book of Mormon. Point out that underneath the title is a preface. Show the children the preface of the nonfiction book that you brought. Present a brief explanation of what the preface of that book contains.

• What do you think a preface is for? The preface explains the purpose and content of the book.

The preface in the Book of Mormon was written on the last leaf of a collection of books in the gold plates and is considered to have been written by Moroni. The preface tells us that the contents of the book are a record of the Nephites, Lamanites, and Jaredites. It also tells us that the purpose of the Book of Mormon is to testify of Christ.

Much of the world today rejects the divinity of Christ. They think that he was a great teacher but could not have done the miracles we read about in the New Testament. The Book of Mormon is another testament that those things happened. Jesus Christ is the Son of God; he atoned for our sins, and he was resurrected.

Introduction
Have the children turn the page in their scriptures to the “Introduction”. Tell them the “Introduction” provides more detailed information about the origin and the contents of the book.

Worksheet – Instruct the children to fill in the blanks in Section A on the worksheet, using paragraphs one and two of the “Introduction” for reference. After they are done, go over the answers together.

SECTION A: Worksheet Answers – The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the America’s and contains, as does the Bible, the fullness of the everlasting gospel. The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation, and was abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon.

• What does abridged mean? It means that Mormon studied records other prophets had written, and then he took important parts from each of their records and wrote them on the gold plates. The Book of Mormon is named after Mormon because he compiled the record. (Show the picture of “Mormon Abridging the Plates” to the children.)

Now have the children fill in the blanks in section B on the worksheet using paragraph six of the “Introduction” for reference. Go over the answers together after they are done.

SECTION B: Worksheet Answers- Joseph Smith told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on the earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.

• What did Joseph Smith mean when he said the Book of Mormon is the most correct book on the earth? The Book of Mormon is of God. Books produced by men may contain errors in understanding, perception, and translation.

• What did Joseph Smith mean when he said the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion? Show the picture of the arch. Explain that the keystone is the central supporting stone at the top of the arch. The stones would fall without the keystone holding them in place. The Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion because it supports and explains doctrines and principles that are necessary for salvation. Another reason it is the keystone is that when we receive a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon we will know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, that the church of Jesus Christ is restored on the earth again, and that Jesus is the Christ.

• What did Joseph Smith mean when he said, “A man could get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book”? Abide means to accept or act in accordance with, and precepts are commandments or principles. So, if we accept or act in accordance with God’s will and obey the commandments and principles found in the Book of Mormon, we will grow nearer to God.

The Testimony of the Witnesses
Have the children turn the page to “The Testimony of the Witnesses”. Show the picture of “Mormon Abridging the Plates” to the children once again. Give them a few seconds to study it. Afterwards put the picture face down on a table. Give each child a paper and a pencil. Ask some of the following questions, and have them write down their answers:

• What was on the shelf and the table behind Mormon?
• What was covering the bench Mormon was sitting on?
• What items were on the table Mormon was working on?
• What was on Mormon’s lap, and was there anything on the floor?
• What colors were Mormon’s clothes, and what decorations did they have on them?
• What was Mormon wearing on his arm, on his head, and on his feet?

Go over the answers together. When several of the children’s answers are the same on any of the questions, ask the children if they think those answers are most likely to be true. Why?

• If a person witnessed an event, would only their testimony about the incident be sufficient in a court of law? No, because they might not remember everything accurately, or they might not be telling the truth.

• Would that person’s version be believed if other witnesses told the same account?

• In 2 Corinthians 13:1 it says, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established”. Why do you think this law of witnesses is important? It helps establish truth.

Point out the witness’s page, and tell the children that God chose men to be witnesses of the Book of Mormon to fulfill the law of the witnesses and to testify of his work.

 The three witnesses testified that an angel showed them the gold plates, and that they heard the voice of God declaring the divinity of the record.
 The eight witnesses testified Joseph Smith showed them the gold plates and that they handled them.

• What are the three things we need to do to gain our own witness of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon? Direct the children to look in paragraph eight in the “Introduction” for the answer. Write the following answers on the board:

1) Read the Book of Mormon.
2) Ponder its message.
3) Ask God if it is true.

If we do these things, the Holy Ghost can testify to us that the Book of Mormon is true.

Though the Three Witnesses were privileged to see an angel and feel the plates, the real power of their witness came through the Holy Ghost. Joseph Fielding Smith said, “Personal visitations might become dim as time goes on, but this guidance of the Holy Ghost is renewed and continued, day after day, year after year, if we live to be worthy of it.” (Doctrines of Salvation 1:44) (D&C Student Manual pg 33)

Weekly Reading Assignment Hand out the reading chart, and remind the children that in order to gain a witness for themselves of the truthfulness and divinity of the Book of Mormon they need to read the Book of Mormon. To help them with this you will be giving them a reading assignment to do each week. The reading assignment will be on what was studied during the lesson. This week’s reading assignment is “The Testimony of Joseph Smith”, which is found in the front of the Book of Mormon.

Tell the children to hang their chart on a wall in their bedroom, in a location that is highly visible, so it will help remind them to read. After they complete each reading assignment, they can put a sticker or the date of completion in the square. (You may wish to provide some form of appropriate reward for when a child completes a reading chart, such as scripture stickers.)

Conclusion
Bear testimony that if the children will read the Book of Mormon, they will grow closer to God and learn the things they must do to gain eternal salvation. And, if they follow the guidelines on how to gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon, they will receive a witness of its truthfulness. Because of this witness they will also know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, that the church of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth, and that Jesus is the Christ.

Dec 1 2015

Book of Mormon: Activities & Games

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Table of Contents

Activity pages can be printed and made into quiet books.

Introduction

Friend November 2016 Find the answers to the below quiz in Elder Stevenson conference address “Look to the Book, Look to the Lord.”

Friend November 2016

Lehi

Friend March 1988 “Name this Prophet” Read the clues and name this Book of Mormon prophet. (Lehi)

Friend March 1988
Friend March 1988

Friend January 2024 “Lehi’s Family”

Friend January 1986 “Lehi and Sariah’s Family” Arrange the names of Lehi, Sariah, and their six sons on this crossword puzzle.

Friend January 2016

 Friend November 2015 “Leaving Jerusalem” Unscramble the names and then match with the description.

Friend November 2015

Brass Plates

Friend January 2024 “Connect the Scriptures” Number the sentences below in the order they happened in the story. Then find the matching colors and number the dots. Draw lines from dot to dot in number order to complete the picture.

Scripture Stories Coloring Book: Book of Mormon

Lehi’s Vision

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “1 Nephi 6-10”

Friend September 1989 “Lehi’s Vision” Match the things that Lehi saw in his vision with what they stand for. Answers: (1) d, (2) g, (3) f, (4) e, (5) j, (6) h, (7) b, (8) c, (9) a, (10) i.

For the Strength of Youth January 2024 “Fun Stop”

Friend January 2019 “Book of Mormon Puzzler: Funstuff” Find the blocks of Book of Mormon symbols that match the numbered blocks below. Write the letters in the numbered spaces to find the name of the vision Nephi and Lehi saw.

Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon Draw your family eating the fruit of the tree.

Liahona

Friend February 2024 “Color by Number” What object did Lehi find in 1 Nephi 16:10? (See also Alma 37:38.) Finish the picture to see what it might have looked like! Use the guide below to color the squares.

Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon Draw what you think the Liahona looks like. How did the Liahona work?

Friend June 1987 “Compass of Faith” Liahona dot-to-dot and story figures.

Nephi

Nephi’s Bow

For the Strength of Youth “Fun Stop”

Nephi Builds a Ship

Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon  Connect the dots to help Nephi build the ship. How did Nephi know how to build a ship?

Friend March 1988 “Nephi Builds a Ship” When the Lord told Nephi to build a ship, Nephi made his own tools. Circle the tools Nephi might have made in those days, then color.

Friend March 1988

Friend February 2024 “Boat Building” Find the hidden objects.

Coloring Page: “Nephi was blessed for choosing the right.” (February 2012 Liahona and Friend)

Friend October 2017

Crossing the Sea

Friend January 2024 “I Can Follow Jesus by Reading the Scriptures”

Nephites Separate from the Lamanites

For the Strength of Youth February 2024 “Fun Stop”Uh, oh! The Lord has warned Nephi to take whoever will go with him and find a new place to live, away from Laman and Lemuel (see 2 Nephi 5:5–8). Can you help Nephi and his group get to safety?

Nephites Buid a Temple

Friend March 2024 “A Temple in the Promised Land”

Review of Lehi and Nephi

Friend February 2020 “Funstuff: Book of Mormon Puzzle” Fill in the empty squares so that all six pictures are in each row (across), each column (up and down), and each blue box. What do these symbols remind you of in the story of Nephi and his family?

Game Questions to review the stories “Lehi Leaves Jerusalem” through “Crossing the Sea”

Friend November 2000
Friend November 2000
Friend November 2000
Friend November 2000
Friend January 1996
Friend January 1996
Friend January 1996
Friend January 1996

Jacob

Friend March 1988

Friend March 1988

Enos

Friend October 2018
Friend April 1988
Friend April 1988
Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon “Enos’s Praying”

King Benjamin

Friend May 1988

Friend May 1988
Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon

Friend April 2024 “Hearing King Benjamin” The Nephites gathered with their families to hear King Benjamin speak (see Mosiah 2:5–8). Can you find the hidden objects? Where does your family gather to listen to the prophet speak today?

Friend October 2018

For the Strength of Youth April 2024 “Fun Stop” Connect the dots to see this group of people waiting to hear King Benjamin speak on the tower

Abinadi

Friend May 2024 “Abinadi Teaches the Gospel” The prophet Abinadi taught King Noah and his priests about Jesus Christ and His commandments (see Mosiah 12–17). Can you find all the hidden objects?

Friend November 2020 “Funstuff: Puzzle Page”

Alma the Younger

Friend May 1988

Friend May 1988

Alma and Amulek

Friend June 2024 “Alma and Amulek Teach Together”

Ammon

Friend January 2020 “Find It” For family night, Maria hid stuffed animals around the room to represent the animals that Ammon helped find and protect (see Alma 17:27–33). Can you find all 12 stuffed animals? Then find the other hidden objects.

Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon “Ammon and the King’s Sheep”

Friend June 1988
Friend June 1988

For the Strength of Youth July 2024 “Fun Stop” Can you help Ammon gather the king’s sheep? Don’t worry—no need to cut off anyone’s arms. (For Ammon’s story, see Alma 17.)

Organize the sheep so they all fit perfectly in the pen. You can do this by cutting out the puzzle pieces on page 29 (after you’ve read the article on the next page) and arranging them, or you can draw them in instead.

Abish

Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon “Abish Gathered the People”

Friend June 2018 Abish

Alma

Faith is Like a Seed

For the Strength of Youth July 2024 “Fun Stop” In Alma 32, the word of God is compared unto a seed that is “planted in your heart.” Can you “plant” each of the nine different seeds by filling out the grid? You must have one (and only one!) of every type of seed in each row, column, and colored box.

Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon “Alma Compared the Word to a Seed”

Moroni

The Title of Liberty

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Moroni’s Title of Liberty”

Friend July 1987
Friend July 1987

Friend August 2024 “Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty”

Two Thousand Stripling Warriors

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “The Stripling Warriors”

  • “Stripling-Warrior Search” (August 2019 Friend)
    Find eight letters hidden in this picture of the stripling warriors, and unscramble them to decode a hidden message.

Samuel the Lamanite

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Samuel the Lamanite”

Friend January 2013 “Funstuff: Samuel the Lamanite Prophesies”

Signs of Jesus Birth

Friend September 2024 “A New Star” People in the Book of Mormon saw the star that showed that Jesus Christ had been born far away! Can you find the hidden objects?

Friend December 1988

Friend December 1988

Jesus Christ Appears to the Nephites

For the Strength of Youth September 2024 “Fun Stop” The Savior is about to visit the land of the Nephites. But right now, there is lots of destruction. Can you find all 10 hidden objects in the ruins? (See 3 Nephi 8–11 for the story!)

Friend August 1988

Friend August 1988

Friend August 1988

Friend August 1988
Friend August 1988

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Jesus Blessed the Children”

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.

The Nephites Live in Peace

Friend September 1988 Review of Story

Friend September 1988

Jaradites

Friend January 1987

Friend January 1987

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “The Jaredite Barges”

Friend November 2024 “The Jaredite Barges” Find the hidden objects.

  • “Brothers of Faith” (May 1971 Friend) Crossword puzzle Complete the blanks in the story (See story at link)

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Ether 1-5” Help the brother of Jared find 16 hidden stones.

 Friend November 1988

Additional Resources

Moroni

Friend October 1988
Friend October 1988

Review

Review of the Book of Alma

Friend June 2020 “Who Am I” Review game for the Book of Alma. Guess who the mystery person is.

Friend November 1988

Book of Mormon Review

For the Strength of Youth January 2024 “Fun Stop”

Friend August 1988 “Family Reunion”

Friend August 1988

Friend November 2016 “Scripture Hero Search”

Friend November 2016
Friend October 2018
Friend June 2018
Friend February 2018
Friend January 2024
Friend February 2024
Friend March 2024
Friend April 2024
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Friend July 2024
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Friend November 2024
Friend December 2024
July, August, May 2024 Friends
Friend October 2024
Friend December 2024

Friend November 1988

Friend October 1988

Friend October 1988

Friend August 1987 “Book of Mormon Crossword Puzzle”

Friend August 1987

Friend July 1988 “Book of Mormon ABC’s” Each player in turn picks letter from pile, reads clue, and has two minutes to find answer that begins with that letter in the Book of Mormon. Person

Friend November 1981 “Book of Mormon Quiz” Match the Book of Mormon terms in the numbered column with the appropriate identification in the lettered column.

Friend Aug/Sept 1981 “Book of Mormon ABC’s”

Friend May 1987

Friend May 1987
Friend June 1986
Friend June 1986

Just for Fun

Friend August 2024 “Fruit Fun”

Dec 22 2014

Book of Mormon: Music & Songs

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Table of Contents

The Book of Mormon Tells of Christ

Friend January 2020 “The Book of Mormon Tells of Christ” Song

1. When Lehi listened to the Lord, And his family left their home and riches, His sons returned back home again So they could get the scriptures.

2. So Lehi’s people knew the Lord, As the plates of brass helped them remember. When they obeyed the prophet’s voice, They prospered all together.

3. The Savior visited their land After He had risen in His glory. He blessed the children just like me; I love to read their story.

Chorus: The Book of Mormon tells of Christ And helps me feel the Holy Spirit. Heavenly Father’s voice is calling me, And the scriptures help me hear it.

Nephi’s Courage

Children’s Songbook, Nephi’s Courage, 120

Verse One Visual Aids and Teaching Ideas

Lord commanded Nephi to go and get the plates
From the wicked Laban inside the city gates.
Laman and Lemuel were both afraid to try.
Nephi was courageous. This was his reply:

“I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.
I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.”

Verse Three Visual Aids and Teaching Ideas

The Lord gives us commandments and asks us to obey.
Sometimes I am tempted to choose another way.
When I’m discouraged, and think I cannot try,
I will be courageous, and I will reply:

“I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.
I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.”

Words and music: Bill N. Hansen Jr., b. 1952, and Lisa T. Hansen, b. 1958.

Friend January 2024 “Nephi’s Courage: I Can Play It” Simplified version

The Iron Rod

Song:  “Hold to the Rod“

Book of Mormon Stories

The Book of Mormon Teaches Me

Friend January 1988 “The Book of Mormon Teaches Me”

1. The Book of Mormon teaches me That Jesus is the Christ. He lived and died for you and me; With love He sacrificed. It says I must have faith, repent, And live the Savior’s word. It is another testament Of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

2. The Book of Mormon helps me see That truth has been restored, That Joseph Smith was called to be A prophet of the Lord. The book reveals God’s covenant, The fulness of His word. It is another testament Of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

3. I’ll read the Book of Mormon, then; I’ll pray and ponder too. I’ll put my faith in Jesus when I ask if it is true. And when I pray with pure intent, I’ll hear the Spirit’s word: It is another testament Of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Jesus Appears to the Nephites

Had I Been a Child

Friend September 2016 “Had I Been a Child” Video and Music. What it might have been like to have been a child when Jesus appeared to the Nephites and blessed the children.

Had I been a child when Jesus came Unto the Nephites that blessed day And showed them the wounds in His hands and His feet And knelt with them to pray.

Then He might have held me safe in his arms; He might have looked in my eyes and said A word, with His blessing of kindness and love, His hands placed upon my head.

Someday, when the Savior comes again, Oh, how I hope that my heart will be As pure as the hearts of the children that day Who gathered around His knee.

Music Game

Friend October 1988 “Sharing Time: Fun with Favorites” print several copies of the Liahono and put a song title and a question about the song on the back. Children can move across the board as they guess the correct song.

Jan 14 2014

Book of Mormon: Clipart

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Table of Contents

Friend December 2017

Friend May 2017

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: Easter

Liahona

Friend January 2016

Friend January 2016

Lehi’s Dream

Friend March 2018 cover

King Benjamin

Friend February 2024

Alma at the Waters of Mormon

Friend April 2020

Alma the Younger

Friend Sept 2019 Alma praying for his son

Abish

Friend June 2020 Abish

Helaman and Shiblon

Friend June 2017

The Stripling Warriors

Friend November 1988

Ammon

Friend October 1988

Samuel the Lamanite

Friend December 2016

Friend December 2016

Book of Mormon Heroes

Friend July 2016
Friend July 2016
Friend May 2016
Friend May 2016
Friend January 2016
Friend January 2016
Friend February 2016
Friend February 2016
Friend March 2016
Friend March 2016
Friend April 2016
Friend April 2016

Reading the Book of Mormon

Friend December 2020

Friend December 2020 “Coloring Page: The Book of Mormon Is for Me!”

Nov 10 2012

Lesson 40: The Jaredites Are Led to the Promised Land

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Lesson 40: The Jaredites Are Led to the Promised Land

Preparation
• Items needed: a cellphone GPS (or print the clipart picture of a GPS device), chalk and eraser, tape or sticky tack, pencils.
• Print the scripture story visual aids, and cut them in half so one picture is on each half. Number the back of the pictures in the order they were printed. (Scripture story pictures are from chapters 50 & 51 of Book of Mormon Stories.)
• Print the activity visual aids and the French and English instruction cards. (Optional: Print the pages on colored paper.) Cut out the individual signs and cards.
• Make enough copies of the game handout for each child to have one. (Half a page is one handout.)
• Pre-class prep: Draw the timeline on the board using the provided timeline as the example (do not include the events or names). Tape the “Jaredite’s Journey” activity pages on a side wall (or on the chalkboard)  in the order shown in the above picture. Tape the sign “Jaredite’s Journey” above the pages.  Tape each of the individual signs under the classroom chairs (except for the Tower of Babel sign).

Attention Activity
Show the children the cellphone GPS (or the picture of a GPS). Explain that a GPS is a device that helps a person get to a place they wish to go to. It gives voice directions and diagram directions on the screen. (Demonstrate this if possible by entering a location so they can hear the voice and see the screen.)

• What would happen if you desired to get to a certain destination and you needed help to get there but you didn’t use your GPS to get directions–or you used your GPS but you didn’t follow the directions it gave? You might not find your desired destination.

• Explain that in life we have been given a spiritual GPS to help us reach a wonderful destination called eternal life. What is this spiritual GPS we have been given? The guidance of the Lord throughly the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost can show us the way to eternal life but we must seek for, listen to, and follow the guidance given.

Tell the children that in today’s lesson they will learn of a group of people who followed the guidance of the Lord and were led to a promised land.

Chalkboard Presentation
Remind the children that the Book of Mormon tells of three separate groups of people who were led by the Lord to the Americas. Remind the children that Lehi and his family were one group, and they left Jerusalem at approximately 600 BC. (Write in Lehi by the date 600 B.C. on the timeline.) A group of people called the Mulekites were another group. Mulek and his people escaped the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem at approximately 587 BC. (Write in Mulekites next to Lehi.) Mulek was the son of King Zedekiah. The Nephites eventually found and joined with the Mulekites. (Omni 1:14-19)

The final group that came to the Americas was called the Jaredites. This group actually came to the continent many years before Lehi and his family, sometime between 2500 BC and 2200 BC. (Write in Jaredites between the date 2500 BC and 2200 BC.) The Jaredites eventually completely destroyed themselves sometime around 580 BC during a bloody civil war. (Point out when this happened on the timeline.) The Nephites discovered the ruins of the Jaredite civilization and also found some of the Jaredite records amongst the ruins. (Mosiah 21:25-28) Moroni included an abridged portion of the Jaredite records at the end of the Book of Mormon. This abridged section includes the story of the Jaredite’s journey to the Americas.

The Jaredite’s story begins at the Tower of Babel. (Put the Tower of Babel sign on the first page of the activity “Jaredite’s Journey.”) Ask if any of the children knows and can tell the story of the Tower of Babel. (Following the Flood in Noah’s day, many descendants of those who had been spared became wicked. One group of people attempted to build a tower “whose top may reach unto heaven” (Genesis 11:4). The Lord dealt with the widespread wickedness by confounding (meaning changed or confused).the common language and by scattering the people across the face of the earth. (Ether 1:33; Genesis 11:5–8)

Object Lesson
Have a volunteer stand in front of the class. Give the child the card with the French words on it. Tell the other children that there are directions on the card. Explain that when the volunteer reads the directions, the class needs to follow them. After the child reads the card, give the class a few moments and then ask the children why they didn’t follow the directions. Have the child then read the card with the directions written in English. After the children follow the directions, ask what it would be like if they weren’t able to understand the people around them. Tell the children to hold onto the card the found under their chair. Explain that they will use them later on in the lesson.

Scripture Story
(Show the scripture story visual aids as you tell the following story.)
Explain that a man named Jared and his family lived during the time period when the languages were confounded (meaning changed or confused). Jared had a brother who was highly favored of the Lord. Jared asked his brother to cry unto the Lord to beg of him not to confound the language of their family and friends.

• What is the difference between “crying unto the Lord” and merely saying your prayers? When you cry unto the Lord you are praying with deep feelings and emotions. Sometimes our prayers can become repetitive, where we are just repeating a list and we don’t have strong feelings concerning what we are praying about. When we “cry unto the Lord” our emotions and needs are strong, and we may put more effort into trying to communicate with the Lord and into hearing his responses.

1) The brother of Jared pled with the Lord to preserve the language of his friends and family, and the Lord had compassion upon them, and their language was not confounded.

Jared asked his brother to cry unto the Lord again concerning whether they should leave the land, and if so where should they go. The Lord told them to gather their family, friends, flocks, and seeds and he would lead them to a land choice about all others.

Activity
Point out the pages on the wall and explain that they represent the Jaredite’s journey. Explain that the children are going to fill in the spaces with the things the brother of Jared did to help receive the guidance of the Lord. Point out the first space of the journey and ask the following question:

• If you were starting a journey and needed direction and had access to a GPS, what would you need to do first in order to access the help and information that is available through the GPS? (You would first have to input and communicate with the device the direction information that is needed.)

Similarly, when we are need of help and direction in order to find our way through the wilderness of life, we must communicate our needs to Heavenly Father.

•What was the first thing the Brother of Jared did to get help and direction from the Lord?  (He prayed.)

Ask the children which one of them thinks they have the first step to receiving the Lord’s help and guidance. Have the child with the sign “Sincere Prayer” put it on the first space.

• Why did you think the Lord promised the brother of Jared to lead him, his family, and friends to a promised land? (See the last line in the scripture Ether 1:43. “Because this long time ye have cried unto me.”) Explain that the brother of Jared had turned to the Lord regularly and consistently in his life. He was steadfast in his devotion to the Lord.

Ask the children which one of them thinks they have the next item to receiving the Lord’s help and guidance. (“Regular and Consistent Prayers” )

• If you don’t use the GPS often, can it be difficult to remember how to operate it when you need it? Explain that just like a GPS, if a person were to turn to the Lord only during times of dire need, they may become unfamiliar with the ways of the Lord and the workings of the Spirit. It may take time and effort before answers come.

• After the brother of Jared was told to prepare for the journey to the promised land what did he, his friends, and his family do?

2) They went to the valley called Nimrod and did gather and prepare supplies for the journey as the Lord had instructed. (Read Ether 2:1-3)

• What would happen if we inputted our info into the GPS and directions were then supplied, but then we didn’t follow the directions that were given?

If we don’t listen to and follow the direction the Lord gives, we may face great difficulty as we try to go our own way.

• Would the Lord continue to provide direction and help through the Holy Ghost if we do not listen to and obey the direction he gives?

Ask the children which one of them thinks they have the next item to receiving the Lord’s help and guidance. (“Follow the Lord’s Directions”)

After the Jaredites had prepared food and supplies, they began their journey to the promised land.

3) The Lord went before them and talked to them in a cloud and gave them directions where they should go.

4) They were guided to the great sea where they dwelt in tents on the seashore for four years.

5) At the end of four years the Lord did appear to the brother of Jared in a cloud and did talk with him and chasten him because he remembered not to call upon the name of the Lord. (We don’t know how long the brother of Jared was negligent in calling upon the Lord. Sometimes people forget to turn to the Lord when things become nice and easy, and then their progression towards eternal life may become stalled.)

6) The Lord told the brother of Jared that the Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with man unless he continues to petition the Lord in righteousness.

•What happens to a GPS if we don’t maintain it and make sure its battery is charged? We may lose access to the valuable direction and help it could provide in our travels.

• What other things could cause the loss of a GPS signal? Tall buildings, forests, and mountains could block the satellite signal.

Just as certain things can cause interfere with a GPS signal, so does disobedience and sin cause us to lose the guidance of the Holy Ghost. But just as a GPS will recalculate and provide ways to get back on track when mistakes are made (or after wandering into areas that can block the signal), so does the Lord provide a way for us to get back on track if we wander into sinful paths.

• What way has the Lord provided for us to get back on track? (Repentance) Part of the repentance process involves moving away from the thing that is causing interference in living a righteous life (just as a person must move away from the item that is blocking the GPS signal in order to get back on track).

• What did the brother of Jared do after the Lord chastised him? (See Ether 2:15.) The brother of Jared did repent.

Ask the children which one of them thinks they have the next item to receiving the Lord’s help and guidance. (“Repent of Wrong Doings”)

The Lord forgave the brother of Jared and told him to sin no more.

7) The Lord then commanded Jared and his brethren to build barges according to His instructions.

The barges were small–the length of a tree– and the top, bottom, and sides were tight like a dish that could hold water. When the door was shut, it was also tight like a dish.

8) When the barges were complete, the brother of Jared talked to the Lord and reported that they had finished the work according to His command, but he also expressed some concerns he had about the barges.

• What concerns do you think the brother of Jared had regarding the barges? (Remind the children that the barges were tight like a dish.) (See Ether 2:19 for the answer) Write the problems on the left side of the board. Then have the children read Ether 2:20–25 to find the Lord’s solutions to the problems. Summarize them on the right side of the board.

Problems
1. When the door was closed tight, no air could get in, so how would they breathe?
2. There was no light in the barges, so how would they be able to see and function in the dark?

Solutions
9) 1. The Lord instructs the brother of Jared to make holes with removable plugs in the top and bottom of the barges to allow air in. (Ether 2:20)
2. It was left up to the brother of Jared to decide what to do about the light problem, but the Lord reminded the brother of Jared that they couldn’t have fire in the barges, and they couldn’t have windows because the barges would be like whales in the midst of the sea, and waves would dash upon them and break the windows.

• Why do you think the Lord revealed solutions for one of the problems but left the brother of Jared to resolve the problem of not having light? The Lord wants us to grow and learn in life, and we can learn many things in life as we strive to figure out solutions to our problems. (Have the children listen for the things the brother of Jared learned as he worked to resolve the problem of no light.)

10) The brother of Jared went up into the mountain and did molten out of rock sixteen small stones. They were white and transparent like glass.

11) He did cry unto the Lord and asked the Lord to touch the stones. He had faith that if the Lord touched them, the Lord could prepare them with His power to shine forth in the darkness.

12) When the brother of Jared told the Lord of his proposed solution to the problem and of his faith in the Lord’s power, the Lord stretched forth his hand and did touch the stones one by one with his finger. The veil was taken from the eyes of the brother of Jared and he did see the finger of the Lord. He saw that it was the finger of a man, and he fell down in fear. The Lord saw that the brother of Jared had fallen and he said unto him, “Arise, why has though fallen?”

• Point out that the Lord knows all things, and yet he still asked the brother of Jared this question and other questions. How might the questions have helped the brother of Jared? The questions might have helped him think about, sort out, comprehend, and respond to the things he was seeing and experiencing.

The brother of Jared told the Lord that he fell to the earth in fear because he saw the finger of the Lord, and he feared lest the Lord would smite him, for he knew not that the Lord had flesh and blood.

The Lord had always been hidden by a veil or cloud as they spoke, so the brother of Jared had not seen the true form of the Lord.

• Why was the brother of Jared able to see the finger of the Lord? (See Ether 3:9-10) Because of the brother of Jared’s exceeding faith.

• What did the brother of Jared ask the Lord to do? (The brother of Jared desired of the Lord to show himself fully and completely.)

Before showing himself, the Lord asked the brother of Jared, “Believest thou the words which I shall speak?”

He answered saying, “Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie.” The brother of Jared expressed and confirmed his faith in the Lord’s words.

13) When the brother of Jared said these words, the Lord showed himself unto him. The Lord explained that he was Jesus Christ who was prepared from the beginning to redeem the people from their sins so they might gain eternal life if they would believe on his name.

Have the children look up and read Ether 3:15-16 to find out what the brother of Jared learned about the body of Jesus Christ. Help the children understand that the brother of Jared saw the spirit body of Jesus Christ which looked very much like the physical body Jesus would receive when he came to earth. He also learned that men are created in the image of God.

Also point out that the Lord told the brother of Jared, “Never have I showed myself unto man whom I have created, for never has man believed in me as thou hast.” (Ether 3:15)

• The scriptures tell us that Adam and Noah walked and talked with God face to face (Moses 7:4 & Genesis 6:8, 9), so why would this scripture say the Lord had never showed himself to man before? There are several possible explanations including the following from Jeffery R. Holland:

An “explanation—and in terms of the brother of Jared’s faith, the most persuasive one—is that 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.’ As a rule, prophets are invited into the presence of the Lord, are bidden to enter his presence by him and only with his sanction. Obviously the Lord himself was linking unprecedented faith with this unprecedented vision.” (Christ and the New Covenant, 21–23). Jeffrey R. Holland

The brother of Jared had great faith in the Lord, and his actions throughout his life demonstrated that faith.

• What things had the brother of Jared done that demonstrated his faith in the Lord? (He had consistently turned to the Lord in prayer. He had obeyed the Lord and left the tower of Babel and travelled across the wilderness. He built the barges the Lord commanded him to build. He made stones, having faith that the Lord’s touch would give them light.)

Call attention to the GPS once again and ask the children if they believe–if everything is in proper working order–that it can provide directions.

• How does someone gain that faith in the GPS’s ability to provide directions? Explain that other’s testimonials of its abilities can lead us to try it out, and then our own experiences using the device also builds that trust. Faith in God works in similar ways: as we listen to the testimonies and teachings concerning God, and as we act on those things, our faith grows. Explain that exercising faith in God and acting upon his words is a necessary part of receiving the Lord’s help and guidance.

Ask the children which one of them thinks they have the next item to receiving the Lord’s help and guidance. (“Exercise Faith”)

After the brother of Jared talked with the Lord, he took the stones which the Lord had touched and he put two in each barge, and they gave light to the vessels.

The Jaredites prepared all manner of food for their voyage, and then they commended themselves to the Lord their God and got aboard the barges and set forth into the sea. By commending themselves to the Lord, they exercised their faith. They had done all the Lord had directed, and then they entrusted their lives into his hands.

14) The Lord God caused a furious wind to blow upon the face of the waters. The wind blew towards the promised land. The barges were tossed upon the waves of the sea, and at times they were buried in the deep from the mighty waves breaking over them, but the water could not hurt the Jaredites because their vessels were tight like a dish.

15) As they journeyed, the Jaredites did sing praises to the Lord.

• Why is expressing gratitude to the Lord important? (One reason is that our faith in the Lord grows as we think about and focus on all he does for us, which also provides peace and courage to our souls. The Lord is also more likely to provide help to those who appreciate it and value it.)

Ask the children which one of them thinks they have the next item to receiving the Lord’s help and guidance. (“Express Gratitude”)

• How long did you think it took for the Jaredites to cross the ocean? (Almost a year.) (See Ether 6:11) They were three hundred and forty four days upon the water.

Have the child with the sign “Promised Land” put it on the last spot on the activity board.

Ask the children what they think the Jaredites did first when they arrived at the promised land.

16) They did bow down and give thanks to the Lord.

Conclusion
The Lord knew the Jaredite’s journey to the promised land would be difficult and dangerous, so he provided guidance and help. Our journey towards eternal life can also be difficult and filled with many dangers that can harm us spiritually. Just as the Lord gave the Jaredites guidance and direction in their journey, he also blesses us with guidance and direction in our lives through the Holy Ghost.

Remind them that we learn important lessons from the Jaredite story concerning the things we need to do in order to receive the help and guidance of the Lord in our lives.

Review Game
Take the signs off the activity board pages. Explain to the children that they are going to do a memory game to see if they can remember the things they need to do in order to receive the guidance of the Lord in their lives. Give each child a pencil and a copy of the paper labeled “Life’s Journey.” Have the children write down the missing items from the activity board onto their blank spaces. (They don’t have to be in the correct order.) Once they are finished, show the signs one at a time and have them check the item off, or add it to their list if it was missed. Ask the children if any of them remembered all the items. Explain that their game paper will help them remember all the items talked about in the lesson. Have them take it home and post it somewhere visible in their rooms. Bear testimony of the importance of doing those things that help us receive the guidance of the Lord in our lives. Remind them that receiving and following the Lord’s guidance in their life will help lead them to a wonderful place called Eternal Life.

Weekly Reading Assignment
Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week: Ether 1:1–4, 33–43; 2:1-25; 3:1-16; 6:1–13

Aug 22 2012

Lesson 33: The Savior Appears to the Nephites

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Lesson 33: The Savior Appears to the Nephites

Preparation
• Items needed: a small paper bag, a flashlight or a candle, a black marker, a general conference CD, a CD player, tape, magnets, pencils, sticky tack, ten sheets of cardstock or construction paper. Recommended: the items to make a roller box: a large empty cereal box, two long metal skewers or dowel rods, wrapping paper or scrapbook paper.
• Print the game pictures. Cut out the two titles and the scriptures. Attach each scripture to its matching drawing from lesson thirty-one.
• Print the worksheet. Each half of the page is one worksheet. Make one copy of the page per every two children, and then cut the pages in half.
• Print the scripture story pictures. (Do not print the pictures onto heavy paper, and do not laminate them if you are making a roller box.) It is recommended that you make a roller box with the pictures, but the pictures can also be used individually. Note: The scripture story pictures are from chapters forty-two and forty-three of Book of Mormon Stories.
• Roller Box Instructions: Lay the scripture story pictures face down in a vertical row in the order they were printed. Cut a sheet of plain paper in half vertically. Put one half at the top of the row and the other half at the bottom. Butt together the edges and tape them so they form one long row of pictures. Tape the open end of the cereal box closed with packaging tape. With an exacto knife, cut an 8 ½ x 5 inch hole in the front of the box. Cover the box with wrapping paper or scrapbook paper. Be sure to cut out any paper covering the opening in the front of the box. Poke a metal skewer through the top side of the box about one inch down from the top and one inch from the front of the box. Then poke the end of the skewer going out through the other side of the box. Do the same with the other skewer on the bottom of the box. Roll the pictures into a roll, starting at the bottom. Put the roll through the front window of the box. Line the top edge of the roll with tape and then attach it to the top skewer. Roll all the scroll onto the skewer by turning the handle on the skewer. Put a row of tape onto the bottom edge of the roll and attach it to the bottom skewer.
• Print the 4th Article of Faith chart. Tape the edges of the two pieces together so it forms one complete chart. Cut out the scriptures and attach them to the chart according to where they go using sticky tack. (See the picture above to see where each one should be placed.)
• Classroom Prep: 1) Put the flashlight (or candle) into the paper bag. 2) Tape the drawings from lesson thirty-one (of the signs of Jesus’ death) on the left side of the board. Put the title “Samuel’s Prophecy” above the drawings. On the right side of the board put the pictures of the destructions that occurred at Jesus’ death. Put the title “Prophecy Fulfilled” above those pictures. Attach a cover sheet (cardstock or construction paper) over the top of each of the ten pictures using magnets. 3) Play one of the conference talks on the CD as the children enter the classroom.

Attention Activity
Show the children the bag. Ask a child to reach into the bag without looking and feel the item that is in there. Have the child tell the other children what the item is. Ask another child to do the same.

Ask the children that haven’t felt the item if they know what is in the bag. Ask how they know. (Because the other children who had personal contact with the item told them what was in the bag.) Show the children the flashlight. Ask if the children remember who the light of the world is. (Jesus Christ)

• How can we know of Jesus and that he was resurrected and lives today if we haven’t had personal contact with him? Explain that the experiences recorded in the scriptures are meant to help us know of know of things we have not witnessed for ourselves. As we read the scriptures about Jesus we can gain a witness of their truth through the Holy Ghost. In today’s lesson we learn of an important event recorded in the Book of Mormon concerning Jesus that occurred a long time ago.

Scripture Account
After Jesus’ birth the Nephite people shifted back and forth from righteousness to wickedness. Eventually the people became in such an awful state of wickedness that the more righteous part of the people had nearly all become wicked. The prophets were killed who were sent to testify against the people’s sins. The government was destroyed because of the secret combinations of those who slew the prophets. The people divided up into tribes ruled by their individual leaders. (3 Nephi 6:23 & 3 Nephi 7:6-7)

On the thirty-third year from the birth of Jesus, the people began looking for the sign of Jesus’ death. There was much doubting and disputations concerning the sign even though they had witnessed many other signs come to pass. On the first month of the thirty-fourth year, the signs of Jesus’ death that Samuel the Lamanite had prophesied began to occur.

Game
Point out the two columns of papers on the board and the column titles. Explain that under each paper is a picture. The children will try to find matches by taking turns turning over two pictures, one from the column labeled “Samuel’s Prophecy” and another from the column labeled “Prophecy Fulfilled.” When a match is found, have the children look up and read both scriptures.

After the matches have all been made, explain that the destructive forces lasted for the space of three hours, and after that the three days of darkness began. (3 Nephi 8:19)

Scripture Story Activity
Teach the following scripture story using the roller box. Have the children take turns rolling the pictures down. Read the below numbered captions after a picture is rolled down. Also do any discussion listed below each caption.

1. In the darkness there was great moaning, howling, and weeping. Many were heard to say: “O that we had repented before this great and terrible day”

• Why did the people wish they had repented before the time of destruction? Friends and family who had been lost in the destruction might have been spared if the people had repented and been righteous. (See 3 Nephi 8:25)

• A voice was heard in the darkness among all the inhabitants in the land. What do you think the voice said?

2. The voice said, “Wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent;”

• What does this mean for us and everyone on the earth? We are all spiritually and physically at risk if we do not repent.

• The voice then told of all the destructions that had occurred to the various Nephite cities and the reason for the destructions. What do you think the reason was for the destructions?

3. “And many great destructions have I caused to come upon this land, and upon this people, because of their wickedness and their abominations.”

• The voice then explained why those who were left were spared. Why do you think they were spared?

4. “All ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they.”

(Read 3 Nephi 12:10) “And it was the more righteous part of the people who were saved, and it was they who received the prophets and stoned them not; and it was they who had not shed the blood of the saints, who were spared.”

• The voice then invites the people to come unto him and repent and be healed. The voice then declares who he is. Who do you think it was that was speaking?

5. He said, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God.”

• What does it mean to come unto Christ? The word “come” means to draw close to. How do we draw close to the Savior? By learning of him and by seeking to follow his example and teachings.

6. The Lord then said, “How oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, but you would not.”

The Lord yearns to gather his people into the safety and protection of the gospel. He sought to nourish them and teach them the way of salvation, but on many occasions they chose to forsake him. The Lord lamented (grieved or mourned) for those who were lost because they refused to be gathered.

After the people heard these words, they began to weep and howl again because of the loss of their kindred and friends. Possibly they also grieved for those who could have been gathered and thus spared but had refused to do so.

7. After three days passed, the darkness dispersed and the earth did cease to quake. The mourning, weeping, and wailing did cease and they did give thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ their redeemer. (3 Nephi 10:9-10)

• How difficult would it be to function properly without any light for three days?
• Why was darkness one of the signs of Jesus’ death? The darkness reminds us that we can not function properly on the earth without the light of the world (Jesus Christ). Without Jesus Christ we would be without hope or direction. He makes it possible for us to repent and progress.
• How long did Jesus’ body lay in the tomb? (Three days) On the third day, the day of his resurrection, light came again to the people of America. (Helaman 14:20)

Worksheet
Give each child a worksheet and a pencil. Explain that you want them to listen carefully for the answers to the worksheet questions as you tell the rest of the scripture story. Tell them to write down the answers when they hear them.

8. Sometime after the three days of darkness ended, a great multitude of the people of Nephi gathered around the temple in the land of Bountiful. They were conversing and marveling about all that had occurred. As they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven. They cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard.

Have the children look up 3 Nephi 11:3 and describe the voice the Nephites heard. (It was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.)

9. And they did hear the voice again and they understood it not. And again the third time they did hear the voice and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came. And the third time they did understand the voice which they heard. The voice said “Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.”

10. The people cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them.

11. He stretched forth his hand and said, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.” When they heard these words, the multitude fell to the earth.

12. Jesus Christ told them to arise and come forth and thrust their hands into his side and also feel the prints of the nails in his hands and feet. The multitude went forth one by one and did feel and see the wounds in his body. They did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets that should come.

Worksheet Answers
Discuss the worksheet questions and answers.

1. Where did a large group of people gather? The temple in the land of Bountiful.

2. How many times did the voice speak before the people understood it? Three times

3. How were the people finally able to understand the voice? “They did open their ears to hear it”

• Ask the children if they remember the general conference talk that was playing when they entered the classroom. Ask if any of them knows what topic the speaker was talking about. Ask what they would need to do in order to know what the speaker was saying. (They would have to focus, pay attention, and listen.)

• What can we do to better hear and understand God’s words to us? We need to focus and listen so we might feel or hear the gentle promptings of the Spirit. God speaks to our spirits. The Nephite’s spirits burned when they heard the voice.

4. Whose voice did the people hear speaking to them from heaven? Heavenly Father’s

• Very few people in all of history of the world have heard the actual voice of God the Father. Why did you think the Father addressed the Nephites in this instance? To testify to the world and call attention to the significance of who Jesus Christ is– he is the son of God, and he performed the atonement that was necessary for the plan of salvation. Heavenly Father also tells us that we need to listen to and obey Jesus’ words.
• How do we know the Father’s words were meant for the world? They are available for all to read in the scriptures.

5. After Jesus declared who he was, what was the first thing he did? He had the people feel the wounds he bore from hanging on the cross.

• Why did the Savior have the people feel his wounds? So they might know he was the one whom the prophets testified would come into the world to sacrifice and die for their sins.

Show the final picture on the roller box and read the below caption.

13. And when they had all gone forth and had seen the evidence of his sacrifice for them, they did cry out with one accord saying, “Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God!” and they did fall at his feet and did worship him.

Chart Activity
The word Hosanna means in essence “Oh grant salvation.” The people remembered that only through Jesus Christ could salvation be granted, and they desired the Savior to show them the way to salvation.

• What do you think the Savior taught first concerning gaining salvation? Show the chart with the missing words and explain that each spot where there are scriptures is one of the things Jesus taught. Explain that they are going to look up the scriptures and try and figure out what goes in each spot.

The first thing the Savior did before beginning to teach about salvation was to call his representative amongst the Nephites to come forth– Nephi the prophet.

Have the children look up the chart scripture 3 Nephi 11:21, 33 to discover what the Savior gave to Nephi, and to discover one of the things that is necessary for gaining salvation. (Nephi was given the power to baptize. Baptism is necessary for gaining salvation.) (Have a child take the scripture off the chart and write the word baptism in the spot.)

The Savior also called others and gave them power to baptize. And he gave them specific instructions concerning how to baptize.

• Note: Nephi already had the power to baptize and had performed baptisms earlier. (3 Nephi 7:23-26)  What power did Jesus give him? Nephi had lived through a change of dispensations. The Lord gave Nephi the priesthood keys for the new dispensation. A dispensation is when the gospel is revealed anew. In this new dispensation, Jesus had wrought the atonement, and in D&C 22:1-3 it says old things were done away and all things became new (including baptism). The old covenants were done away and the people were given the new and everlasting covenant (the fullness of the gospel). (Robert J Matthews. Religion A 122 BYU study manual – T. Parker )

Have the children look up 3 Nephi 11:37 to find another of the things Jesus taught the people they must do in order to gain salvation. (Repent) Explain that Jesus repeated these words two times to emphasize their importance. “And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.” (Have a child take the scripture off the chart and write in the word repentance.)

• Do active members of the church have need of repentance? We all need to repent daily, even if we have not committed serious sins. We need to repent of such things as losing our temper, being selfish, being slothful, etc.

Have the children look up the scripture 3 Nephi 11:32 to find another of the things Jesus told the people they must do in order to gain salvation. (Believe in Jesus, which is the same thing as “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ” (Have a child take the scripture off the chart and write in the words “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ”.)

Have the children look up and read 3 Nephi 11:35 and see if they know what goes on the last line. (Holy Ghost) See if the children can tell you what the rest of the missing words are on the chart. (They should recite to you the fourth Article of Faith.)

• What does 3 Nephi 11:35 say the Holy Ghost will bear record of? The Father sends the Holy Ghost to bear record of Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost bears record that Jesus lives, that He is the Son of God, and that through His atonement we can repent and be forgiven of our sins.

Remind the children of the bag at the beginning of the lesson and how they knew what was in the bag (because of others personal contact and declarations concerning what was in the bag). Remind the children that we can each gain a personal testimony of Jesus Christ even though we have not seen or talked to him in person. We can gain that testimony through reading the testimony of others in the scriptures and by seeking for the witness of the Holy Ghost concerning Jesus Christ.

Weekly Reading Assignment
Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week: 3 Nephi 8:1-25, 3 Nephi 9:1-2 & 12-22, 3 Nephi 10:1-13, 3 Nephi 11:1-22

Aug 14 2012

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

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Lesson 32

Signs in America of Jesus Christ’s Birth

Preparation

  •  Items needed: scriptures for every child, tape or magnets, chalk and eraser, and pens.
  • Print the scripture story pictures. Trim the first four pages. Cut each of the remaining pages in half so there is one picture on each half. Number the back of these pictures in the order they were printed.
  • Print and cut out the activity visual aids.
  • Print or copy one page of “I will prepare for the Second Coming” for each child.

 

Attention Activity
Show the picture of the fall leaves, the lightening, and the spring buds. Point out that when we see these signs in nature they tell us certain events will soon occur. Ask the children what event each item is a sign of (fall leaves – winter is approaching, lightning – a storm is approaching, spring buds – summer is approaching).

Ask the children what we do to prepare when we see these signs indicating environment changes are coming. (Example: We get the cold weather clothes out. We seek shelter from storms. We prepare our gardens to be planted.)

Show the picture of the star. Remind the children that Samuel the Lamanite prophesied many signs would occur before and at the time of two very important events.

• According to the prophet Samuel what event was the new star a sign of? (Jesus Christ’s birth)

Ask the children if they can remember what the other prophesied signs were of Jesus’ birth. (If needed, show them the drawings from last week’s lesson to help remind them.)

• Why did the Lord reveal these signs to the Nephites? (Helaman 14:12–13, 28) So they might know of His coming, so they might believe in Christ and repent, and so they would have no excuse for not believing.

For the faithful, the appearance of these signs confirmed and strengthened their faith. For those who were not as valiant in their faith as they should have been, or for the wicked, these signs gave them warning and an opportunity to change their ways. They were left without excuse for their nonbelief and would be held accountable for their subsequent actions.

Scripture Story
Tell the following story using the scripture story pictures as visual aids.

1) Many great miracles and signs occurred before the birth of Jesus, but many people still refused to believe. When it came time for the main signs of His birth to occur (a night to be as day and a new star to appear) some said the time had passed for the words of Samuel to be fulfilled. The unbelievers began to make an uproar throughout the land, rejoicing over their brethren who believed saying their joy and faith had been in vain. The unbelievers set apart a day where all those who believed would be put to death except the sign should come to pass.

• Why would the unbelievers wish to persecute and kill the believers? The wicked hearken to Satan’s influence. Satan promotes hate, intolerance, and anger, and he uses those who are under his influence to try and destroy righteousness and belief.

• In spite of the challenges to their faith, what did the believers do? (See 3 Nephi 1:8) They did watch steadfastly for the sign of Christ’s birth that they might know their faith had not been in vain.

2) Nephi was sorrowful for the wickedness of the people. He bowed himself down and cried mightily to God all day in behalf of his people. (3 Nephi 1:12.) (Note: The Nephi in this account is the son of the Nephi who has been discussed in the past few lessons. Nephi had given his son charge of all the records and had then departed out of the land (and was probably translated).

3) The voice of the Lord came unto Nephi as he prayed saying: “Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world.” (3 Nephi 1:13–14.)

4) The words spoken to Nephi were fulfilled. The sun went down that evening, but it was still light as mi-day. There was no darkness in all the night. The sun did rise again in the morning according to its proper order. (3 Nephi 1:15, 19, 21) The sign of a new star did also appear.

• How would you feel if the sun went down but it was still light outside? How do you think the righteous felt when the night did not get dark? (Great joy) The birth of Jesus was something the people had looked forward to for many years. The occurrence of the prophesied signs of Jesus’ birth also confirmed their faith.

• How do you think the unbelievers felt when the sign occurred? (Fear)

5) There were many, who had not believed the words of the prophets, that fell to the earth in astonishment and became as if they were dead. They knew it was the day the Lord should be born. They began to fear because of their iniquity and their unbelief. (3 Nephi 1:18)

• Did Satan give up his efforts to destroy people’s beliefs in Christ once the signs had been given? No. Satan continued in his efforts by sending forth lies among the people to harden their hearts so they might not believe in the signs and wonders they had seen. (3 Nephi 1:22.)

• How did the people respond to Satan’s initial efforts to destroy their belief? For the most part the people did believe in the Lord and there was peace in the land. But after a few years Satan did gain possession of the hearts of the people again.

• What does it mean to “gain possession of the hearts of the people”? Hearts of the people refers to their desires. The people once again desired wickedness

6) The people forgot the signs and wonders and were less astonished when a sign or wonder occurred. They imagined up vain things in their hearts that the signs were wrought by men or by the power of the devil to deceive them. They began to harden their hearts and blind their minds and disbelieve all they had seen and heard. (3 Nephi 2:1–2)

• Why did they wish to rationalize away the signs they had seen? Because their hearts desired wickedness.

• What can we learn about the strength of testimonies that are based solely on signs? As time passes, the importance and value of the signs diminishes in people’s thoughts and priorities, and they are easily influenced by Satan to return to their original sinful ways.

• How does someone develop a strong testimony? By living the teachings of the gospel, and by experiencing the powerful witness of the Holy Ghost testifying to their heart of the truth of those teachings.

• Is building a strong testimony something that happens quickly and effortlessly? A testimony grows gradually through a person’s efforts to learn and know the truth. No one receives a complete testimony all at once.

7) After several years the Nephite people began to again wax strong in wickedness and abominations, and they chose to believe there would be no more signs or wonders given. (3 Nephi 2:3)

• What other signs and wonders were still to come? (The signs of Jesus’ death.) Ask the children if they remember what the signs of Jesus’ death were. (Show them the drawings from last week’s lesson to help remind them.)

• What did Samuel say would happen to the people if they did not change their ways and repent? Great destructions would come upon them. (Helaman13:6)

Activity
Explain to the children that another great event concerning the Savior is prophesied to occur in the latter days. It is also to be preceded by great signs and wonders. Ask the children if they know what this great event is. Give clues if needed. After the children have guessed correctly, put the sign “Jesus Second Coming” on the right side of the board.

Explain that many of the prophesied signs of Jesus’ Second Coming are similar to the signs and happenings that occurred at Jesus’ birth and death. (Put the sign on the left side of the board that says “Jesus Christ’s birth and death.”)

Put the scripture references in random order on the board under the sign that says “Jesus’ Second Coming.” Explain that these scriptures are all prophesied things that will occur before Jesus Christ’s second coming. Put the list of items on the board that occurred before or during the time of Jesus’ birth under the sign that says “Jesus  Christ’s birth and death.” (Explain that many of these things also occured before Jesus’ death.) Have the children look up the first scripture. Have one of the children read it out loud and then draw a chalk line from the scripture to a similar event that occurred before or during Jesus’ birth.

Activity Answers
 Wickedness among the people increased. (D&C 45:27)

 There were many nonbelievers. (2 Peter 3:3-4)

 Many of the Lamanites became righteous (D&C 49:24)

 There were signs and wonders in the heavens. (D&C 45:40)

 The faithful looked forward to the coming of the Lord. (D&C 45:39)

• Why do the faithful look forward to the coming of the Lord? The faithful Nephites looked forward to the coming of the Lord because they knew that through Him and His atonement they could receive forgiveness of their sins. When the Savior comes again upon the earth, he will bring peace for the nations. He will bring safety and joy for all the righteous. The earth will live in peace. Many look forward to that time. They also look forward to the joy of seeing their Savior Jesus Christ.

After all the answers have been made, put the drawings of the signs of Jesus’ death on the board and explain that similar destructions and happenings to the signs depicted in the pictures are also prophesied to occur before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. But we are told that if we are prepared, the righteous need not fear the second coming or the signs that precede it.

Picture Discussion

Once again show the children the pictures of the fall leaves, the lightening, and the spring buds, and ask the children why it is important to prepare for changes in the weather when we see these signs in nature. Our health, safety, and protection may depend on the preparations we make.

Explain that just as we would need to be prepared for upcoming changes in the weather, we also need to be prepared for the Second Coming of the Lord. Only those with strong testimonies will remain steadfast and faithful in the challenging environment of the latter days, and only the righteous will abide the day of the coming of the Lord and be able to live lives of peace and love during the Lord’s millennial reign. (Read D&C 45:57)

Activity
Give each child one of the papers labeled “I will prepare for the Second Coming.” Have them write in each point on the star something they can do to prepare for the second coming. Explain that the signs of light that occurred at Jesus’ birth reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world. He is our shining example. Remind the children of the teachings of Jesus and the examples he set as they think of things they need to do to prepare for his Second Coming. Ideas might include the following: keep the Sabbath day holy, pray, read the scriptures, serve others, forgive others, be humble and meek, share the gospel with others, love one another, etc.

• What is the danger of putting off the day of our preparation? Remind the children that building a strong testimony does not happen instantly overnight; it takes time and effort. If we put off the day of our preparation, the coming of the Lord may come upon us and our time for preparing will be past. (Read Helaman 13:38)

Explain that just as righteous Nephites watched and were prepared for the Savior’s birth, we need to watch and prepare for Jesus’ Second Coming.

Weekly Reading Assignments
Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week: 3 Nephi 1:1-23 & 3 Nephi 2:1-3