Post # 259 -- Come, Follow Me -- Week # 42 -- October 26–November 1  -- Mormon 1–6 -- “I Would That I Could Persuade All … to Repent”

Dear Family and Friends

I am sitting here at the Cancer Center, I am here to receive my chemotherapy treatment. I have probably mentioned to you before that i come here for my treatments every three weeks. Rain or shine, sleet, hail, snow, sun ever on a bright sunny day. 

This is my new normal -- every three weeks, just like clockwork:) I am so grateful for the opportunity to give the option of this being my new normal! I would not want to trade it for the other alternative, which would not be an alternative at all. I would probably not be here at all and that's no fun:)

You know i think about all of the things that have happened during my lifetime and i wonder sometimes if  we really understood all of the bad things that we would have to go through during our earthly life, and yet we still agreed to leave our heavenly home where we all lived with our heavenly parents??? 

Have you ever really thought about this or am I the only one who has ever explored this question?? I told one of my students to save her drama for her mama. Another student piped up to say, no she can't save her drama for her dad or her mom, cause they don’t want to hear it either!!!t 

These young ones are so very smart and they understand so much more than we give them credit for:) This next part comes to you directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:

As you read Mormon 1–6, ponder what you learn from Mormon’s example. Record what you feel inspired to do.

Another thing, while you are reading through Mormon 1–6, make sure to look for those truths that can help you and your family members and friends to remain faithful in these times of uncertainty, and wickedness, just as Mormon did. It is so important for each of us to hold onto our faith and our love for the Savior!!! This next part comes to you directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:

Mormon spared us the “full account” of the “awful scene” of wickedness and bloodshed that he saw among the Nephites (Mormon 2:18; 5:8). But what he did record in Mormon 1–6 is enough to remind us how far righteous people can fall. Amid such pervasive wickedness, no one could blame Mormon for becoming weary and even discouraged. Yet through all that he saw and experienced, he never lost his sense of God’s great mercy and his conviction that repentance is the way to receive it. And although Mormon’s own people rejected his pleading invitations to repent, he knew that he had a larger audience to persuade. “Behold,” he declared, “I write unto all the ends of the earth.” In other words, he wrote to you (see Mormon 3:17–20). And his message to you, today, is the same message that could have saved the Nephites in their day: “Believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. … Repent and prepare to stand before the judgment-seat of Christ” (Mormon 3:21–22).

What happens when you ask one of your family members and / or friends  to share what they have learned from the lesson?  If they seem  a bit shy or seem like they really don't want to share. It could be because they need some time to put their thoughts into words. 

Something that might help would be to let them know that they will have plenty of time to write their thoughts down so that they will feel comfortable sharing what they have learned:) With this said, ask them if they would write down their thoughts which they have gained from their study of the following chapters in the Book of Mormon during this week: Mormon 1–6 

Mormon 1–6

We can live righteously despite the wickedness around us.

 Now would be a good time for you to ask your family members and friends to share what they have learned from Mormon’s experience with striving to live righteously in a wicked world. What have you learned from Mormon’s example? It is now time for you to get out another piece of poster board:)

With your poster board in hand, ask your family members and friends if they can find some verses that can identify Mormon’s qualities? After you and they have found them you should make a list of some of those qualities and write them on your poster board. If they are struggling you may need to give some guidance.

You can find some examples in the following verses: Mormon 1:2–3, 15–16; 2:1, 23–24; 3:1–3, 12, 17–22.  It’s time for a couple of questions for you and your family members and friends to answer. How would these qualities have helped Mormon remain spiritually strong? How can they help us be more like Mormon?

You can write at the top of your poster board or you can ask your family members and friends a sheet of paper with the following title at the top of the page: “Mormon’s Counsel to Us”. Encourage your family study group to find the messages within these verses that are very relevant for our time.

As you can tell from your study, Mormon has frequently written directly to the people in our day and time. So, what can your family members and friends learn from his words to the people of our time in the following passages: Mormon 3:17–22 and 5:10–24? 

How can we apply Mormon’s counsel to help us stay spiritually strong in today’s world? If the children in your family study group are youth, you can use Mormon’s example to begin your discussion about them to better understand that it is they who can be righteous leaders when they are young:)

If your family study group has more young adults that you are teaching, then you may want to teach them of the opportunities that are there for them to be good leaders as well:) you could ask your family members and friends what they can do to become a righteous leader for those around them?

You might consider dividing your family study group into two groups and asking one group to review Mormon 1 and the other group to review Mormon 2. When they have finished their reading you should talk about those opportunities which Mormon had been given to lead during his early years.

What qualities did he have that made him a great leader? Your family members and friends could then share examples which they have seen of the  very powerful influence of righteous children and youth. Like when they walk up to you and tell you just how God can help you:)

Your family members and friends could also discuss opportunities they—or young people they know—have to be leaders with qualities like Mormon had. This next part comes to you directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Mormon 1

I can live righteously despite the wickedness around me.

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

As you read Mormon 2–6, continue to look for how Mormon demonstrated his faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ despite the evil influences around him.

Mormon 2:10–15

Repentance requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

Can your and / or your family members and friends explain to me what it means to have a broken heart and a contrite spirit?  What about the difference between sorrow that leads one to repentance and sorrow that does not? In this section your family study group will learn this difference  about sorrow.

You and your family members and friends might consider reading Mormon 2:10–15 together so that they can learn about the difference between the sorrow that leads to repentance and the sorrow that does not. Then it will be time for your family study group to work together to answer questions.

 You begin by discussing questions like these: What is the role of “sorrowing” in repentance? What is the difference between “sorrowing … unto repentance” and the “sorrowing of the damned”? What attitudes and behaviors can help us have “broken hearts and contrite spirits”? 

This next part comes to you directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

]Mormon 2:10–15

Godly sorrow leads to true and lasting change.

When Mormon saw his people’s sorrow, he hoped they would repent. But “their sorrowing was not unto repentance” (Mormon 2:13)—it was not the kind of godly sorrow that leads to real change (see 2 Corinthians 7:8–11). Instead, the Nephites felt worldly sorrow (see Mormon 2:10–11). To understand the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow, consider making a chart where you can record what you learn from Mormon 2:10–15 about these two types of sorrow. Your chart might look something like this:

Godly sorrow Worldly sorrow

Comes to Jesus (verse 14)

Curses God (verse 14)

As you reflect on what you learn, consider how it can influence your efforts to overcome sin and become more like Heavenly Father and the Savior.

See also Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “You Can Do It Now!” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 55–57.

Mormon 3:12

We can love others, even if we don’t agree with their choices.

In our daily life members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are like Mormon, in the fact that many of them associate very closely with people who do not share their beliefs. How might you use Mormon’s experience to teach your family members and friends about loving others despite their differences? 

At this time you may want to consider reading Mormon 3:12 together with your family members and friends. Then talking with them about  the times when Mormon showed love for those who rejected his message. Those who openly rejected Mormon’s message, also willfully rebelled against God.

 For instance, you can check out the following verses: Mormon 1:16–17; 2:12. What experiences can class members share from their own lives of loving those who did not share their beliefs or values? The statement by President Dallin H. Oaks  gives additional counsel.

Loving others who believe differently.

President Dallin H. Oaks explained:

“We should all follow the gospel teachings to love our neighbor and avoid contention. Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable. Our stands and communications on controversial topics should not be contentious. We should be wise in explaining and pursuing our positions and in exercising our influence. In doing so, we ask that others not be offended by our sincere religious beliefs and the free exercise of our religion. We encourage all of us to practice the Savior’s Golden Rule: ‘Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them’ (Matthew 7:12).

“When our positions do not prevail, we should accept unfavorable results graciously and practice civility with our adversaries” (“Loving Others and Living with Differences,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 27).

i believe that President Dallin H. Oaks gives us each some very good counsel in such a small amount of space:)The following comes to you directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and families manual:

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Mormon 3:3, 9

I should always acknowledge God’s hand in my life.

Mormon recorded a weakness he saw in the Nephites: they failed to acknowledge the ways the Lord had blessed them. President Henry B. Eyring urged us “to find ways to recognize and remember God’s kindness. … Pray and ponder, asking the questions: Did God send a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life or the lives of my children? … I testify that He loves us and blesses us, more than most of us have yet recognized” (“O Remember, Remember,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 67, 69).

As you read Mormon 3:3, 9, you might ponder how you are acknowledging God’s influence in your life. What blessings come when you acknowledge His influence? What are the consequences of not acknowledging Him? (see Mormon 2:26).

Mormon 6:17

Jesus Christ stands with open arms to receive us.

You know sometimes a person feels as if there is no hope for them because they have made too many wrong choices in their lives. This is when a person feels like there is no way for them to be forgiven:(  I was in this place many years ago, before I allowed the missionaries to come to teach my oldest daughter.

As i have mentioned before, they came to teach her about Jesus Christ and His gospel. I was not familiar with the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so I sat i n on her lessons. I wanted to know just exactly what they were teaching her:)

I know as for me and for each and every person who comes to the Savior after they have repented it is the same as it is for anyone who feels like there is no hope for them, that they can be forgiven of their sins. Mormon’s description of the Savior standing “with open arms to receive you” could provide reassurance.

Providing reassurance to your family members and / or friends who are not yet baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as for anyone that you share the gospel with:) you might also show them a picture of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms [which is one of my favorite pictures:)].

You may want to consider reading  Mormon 6:17 together with your family members and friends as you are showing this picture of Jesus Christ:) You should ask your family study group the following question: What does this verse teach about the Savior’s eagerness to help us? 

Another thing you might consider doing is to sing a hymn together with your family members and friends, like the following: “Come unto Jesus” (Hymns, no. 117).You could also find another hymn that you could sing together that has the same message. 

The last thing you may want to do for this section is to share with your family members and friends  President Russell M. Nelson’s experience. After you have shared this experience with your family study group you can ask them to discuss how we can help others recognize that repentance is possible.

Repentance is possible.

President Russell M. Nelson shared the following experience:

“Last year while Elder David S. Baxter and I were driving to a stake conference, we stopped at a restaurant. Later when returning to our car, we were approached by a woman who called out to us. … She asked if we were elders in the Church. We said yes. Almost unrestrained, she told the story of her tragic life, swamped in sin. Now, only 28 years old, she was miserable. She felt worthless, with nothing to live for. As she spoke, the sweetness of her soul began to emerge. Pleading tearfully, she asked if there was any hope for her, any way up and out of her hopelessness.

“‘Yes,’ we responded, ‘there is hope. Hope is linked to repentance. You can change. You can “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him”’ [Moroni 10:32]. We urged her not to procrastinate [see Alma 13:27; 34:33]. She sobbed humbly and thanked us sincerely.

“As Elder Baxter and I continued our journey, we pondered that experience. We recalled the counsel given to a hopeless soul by Aaron, who said, ‘If thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, … then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest’ [Alma 22:16]. …

“… To the 28-year-old woman mired in the swamp of sin, and to each one of us, I declare that the sweet blessing of repentance is possible. It comes through complete conversion to the Lord and His holy work.”

In addition, President Nelson observed: “We also remember the sinful people under the care of their concerned leader, Mormon, who wrote, ‘I was without hope, for I knew the judgments of the Lord which should come upon them; for they repented not of their iniquities, but did struggle for their lives without calling upon that Being who created them’ (Mormon 5:2)” (“Repentance and Conversion,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 102, 104).

I loved what President Nelson said especially the part about hope. ‘He said that hope is linked to repentance.’ He also said that you can change and “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him”. This next part comes to you directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual:

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Mormon 5:8–24; 6:16–22

Jesus Christ stands with open arms to receive me.

The Nephites rejected Mormon’s teachings, but he had hope that his record would influence you. As you read Mormon 5:8–24 and 6:16–22, what do you learn about the consequences of sin? What do you learn from these passages about Heavenly Father’s and Jesus’s feelings toward you, even when you sin? How have you felt Jesus Christ reaching out to you with open arms? What do you feel inspired to do as a result?

What would you write in a letter to the people of the future? In our scripture reading for our lesson next we will be reading and studying from Mormon Chapters 7-9. Ask your family members and friends what they would put in a letter to the future?  

It is here in these chapters that you and your family members will discover that in Mormon 7–9 your little study group will read just what Mormon and Moroni wrote, centuries ago, to people in our day. I have included the following to help you improve your teaching, I hope it is as helpful for you as it was for me.

Improving Our Teaching

Teach clear and simple doctrine. The Lord’s gospel is beautiful in its simplicity (see Doctrine and Covenants 133:57). Rather than trying to entertain your family members and friends with extravagant lessons, make sure that what you teach is centered on pure and simple doctrine.

Improving Our Teaching

Spiritual growth occurs at home. Your family members and friends spend 165 hours each week outside of church. During that time, they have their own spiritual experiences that teach them about the gospel. Ask questions that encourage learners to share the things they have learned during the week and with their families (see Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 18).

I have included more ways to improve our teaching. I understand that some of you are brewery good teachers and this is good, but there are some of us who still need an idea or two to get us over the humps and through the bumps of a lesson:)  I know that I can always use some fresh ideas in my preschool class.

Even though I have been teaching preschool off and on since I was 17 years old :)First of all I need to keep up with the new rules and regulations, because they really do change:) Also I have to take into consideration each child and what their needs are. How i can help each child individually as well as when they are in a group.

Oh, but I am rambling aren't i? Well, as you can tell we are at the end of our lesson for this week. As always, I hope and I pray that I have shared something with each of you that has uplifted you in some small way and possibly made your day a little brighter. 

Make sure that you remember just who you are -- A Child of God!!! Also please remember that your Heavenly Father loves each one of you so much that He gave His Only Begotten Son. to die for us on the cross. His Son, Jesus Christ freely gave up His life so that each one of us can return to our heavenly home again:)

Remember to say your prayers each day, at least morning and night:) Continue to study your scriptures every day and do your best to apply what you have learned into your daily lives:) -Please continue to study the Book of Mormon with me and all of our cyber study buddies out there in cyberspace.

I believe I have learned so much this time through my study of the Book of Mormon and I pray that you and each one learned a lot as well:) Until my next post, do all you can do to keep safe in our ever changing world. Stay close to your family and friends. Keep learning about our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ:)

 Post # 258 -- Come, Follow Me -- Week # 41 -- October 19–25 -- 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi -- “There Could Not Be a Happier People”

Dear Family and Friends

Hello everyone!!! I pray that you are each one having a wonderful Fall day. Here it is a little chilly, but nice. Things may change before I get off work, but that’s how it is for now:) you probably already know this, but i want to share it with all of you just in case you have forgotten:) 

I have an idea to share with you, if your child struggles in learning add music to what you're learning. Even if you need to make up silly songs! You might be surprised by the progress that your child makes:) The following comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

The Lrd commanded His disciples to write the things they experienced (see 3 Nephi 27:23–24). As you study, write down the spiritual experiences you have.

Whenever you are preparing to teach these lessons to your family members and friends. … The best way for you to prepare to teach -- you begin with prayer and by personally studying the following chapters 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi ,  from the Book of Mormon. 

Make sure that you have your scripture study journal so that you can jot down the spiritual impressions you receive as you are studying. The doctrines and the ideas that are in the outline from our lesson manual may help you to respond to the spiritual promptings you will receive as you are studying:)

It’s so important for each one of us to get into the habit of journaling, especially scripture journals and a separate journal for spiritual impressions from the Holy Ghost. The following comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

 

The teachings of Jesus Christ are not just a beautiful philosophy to ponder. They are much more than that—they are meant to change our lives. The book of 4 Nephi provides a stunning example of this, illustrating just how thoroughly the Savior’s gospel can transform a people. Following Jesus’s brief ministry, centuries of contention between the Nephites and Lamanites came to an end. Two nations known for dissension and pride became “one, the children of Christ” (4 Nephi 1:17), and they began to have “all things common among them” (4 Nephi 1:3). The “love of God … did dwell in the hearts of the people,” and “there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God” (4 Nephi 1:15–16). This is how the Savior’s teachings changed the Nephites and the Lamanites. How are they changing you?

 When your family members and friends are not wanting to share what they have learned from their study it would be a good time to encourage them to do so. You might challenge them to find a hymn or primary song that is related to our study this week. 

So after they have each individually studied 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi you can then give them this challenge and now ask them to share the hymn or hymns  or even primary songs they found and maybe how the hymn [s] is related to these chapters and the scriptural truths found within them also.

3 Nephi 27:1–22

The Church of Jesus Christ is called in His name and is built upon His gospel.

Something that might  deepen your family member’s and friends' appreciation for their membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints might be discussing the name of the Church. If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a discussion about the name of His church.

Having a good discussion about the name of Jesus Christ’s Church here on the earth might also be helpful for you and your family members to understand why He has named His church in this way:) you might consider asking your family members and friends to list the names of some of the various organizations;

These would be those organizations within the Church that you are making a list of and then have them describe what the names tell us about all of those organizations. You should have your family members and friends read through 3 Nephi 27:1–12. It might be helpful for you to read these verses together.

As you read through these verses have your family members and friends be looking for what the Savior has taught about the name of His Church. You could share or have them share just what it means to be members of Christ’s Church. What does it mean for us to take upon us His name?

Get out your poster board and be ready to write!  Write the name of the church on the poster board: ‘The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ and have it ready. Now you can begin your discussion about the importance of the name of the Savior’s Church. You may want to read through 3 Nephi 27:1–22 together.

Again, together with your family members and friends discuss the truths that you have found in these verses. Now let each one of your family study group choose a word or words from the name of the church which you have written upon your poster board.

You may want to write the word or words they choose down along the left hand of your poster board. Then you can write their answers beside the word[s] they choose:) ask your family members and friends how each word[s] helps us to know who we are and / or what we believe:)

President M. Russell Ballard’s statement may be beneficial for you to read with your family members and friends:

The name of Christ’s Church.

President M. Russell Ballard said:

“I have thought a lot about why the Savior gave the nine-word name to His restored Church. It may seem long, but if we think of it as a descriptive overview of what the Church is, it suddenly becomes wonderfully brief, candid, and straightforward. How could any description be more direct and clear and yet expressed in such few words?

“Every word is clarifying and indispensable. The word The indicates the unique position of the restored Church among the religions of the world.

“The words Church of Jesus Christ declare that it is His Church [see 3 Nephi 27:8]. …“Of Latter-day explains that it is the same Church as the Church that Jesus Christ established during His mortal ministry but restored in these latter days. We know there was a falling away, or an apostasy, necessitating the Restoration of His true and complete Church in our time.

“Saints means that its members follow Him and strive to do His will, keep His commandments, and prepare once again to live with Him and our Heavenly Father in the future. Saint simply refers to those who seek to make their lives holy by covenanting to follow Christ” (“The Importance of a Name,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 80).

I have included the most recent statements regarding the name of the Savior's Church here on the earth that i thought i would share with you:

1.

“The Lord has impressed upon my mind the importance of the name He has revealed for His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We have work before us to bring ourselves in harmony with His will. In recent weeks, various Church leaders and departments have initiated the necessary steps to do so. Additional information about this important matter will be made available in the coming months” (Russell  M. Nelson, in “The Name of the Church” [official statement, Aug. 16, 2018], mormonnewsroom.org).

2.

Preceding Presidents of the Church have made similar requests. For example, President George Albert Smith said: “Don’t let the Lord down by calling this the Mormon Church. He didn’t call it the Mormon Church” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1948, 160).

Now it is time for you and your family members and friends to answer the following question: Why is it important to use the name of the Church as we share our beliefs with others? The Savior described what His gospel plan is, which He did after He explained that His Church must be  “built upon [His] gospel” as we find in 3 Nephi 27:10.

10 And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it.

How could you describe or explain  to a neighbor or a friend what the gospel is? It might be helpful to ask your family members and friends this same question. Then list all of your responses on your poster board for all to see and discuss together. You could then search together the following verses:3 Nephi 27:13–22.

In these verses you will be looking for how it was that the Savior defined His gospel. Once you have found out the way He defined His gospel, you may want to compare what the Savior said and what you and your family members and friends said about what the gospel is.

Now with all of these things done and said, how about a question or two?  How did you and your family members and friends do with answering the question about what is the gospel? How would you and/ or they summarize what the Savior said?  How can you encourage them with  sharing their responses?

As you and your family members and friends study the Savior’s definition of the gospel, what insights do we gain about how to live the gospel in our daily lives? The following comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

3 Nephi 27:1–12

The Church of Jesus Christ is called in His name.

As the Savior’s disciples began establishing His Church throughout the land, a question arose that, to some, might seem like a minor point—what should be the name of the Church? (see 3 Nephi 27:1–3). What do you learn about the importance of this name from the Savior’s answer in 3 Nephi 27:4–12? In 1838 the Lord revealed the name of His Church today (see Doctrine and Covenants 115:4). Ponder each word in that name. How do these words help us know who we are, what we believe, and how we should act?

See also Russell M. Nelson, “The Correct Name of the Church,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 87–80; M. Russell Ballard, “The Importance of a Name,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 79–82.

3 Nephi 29–30

The Book of Mormon is a sign that God’s latter-day work is being fulfilled.

In this section we will be learning and talking about signs. You may want to take this moment to ask your family members and friends if they can tell you some signs we watch for to know when a storm is coming or signs that tell us that a new season is approaching? This could be a good beginning for your next discussion,

Your next discussion about the following chapters 3 Nephi 29–30. You could read together with your family members and friends the following verses to learn what is signified by the coming forth of the Book of Mormon,  which Mormon called “these sayings” as found in 3 Nephi 29:1–3. 

 In 3 Nephi 21:1–7 you will find added information about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon as well as things pertaining to America.

3 Nephi 29:1–3 

1 And now behold, I say unto you that when the Lord shall see fit, in his wisdom, that these sayings shall come unto the Gentiles according to his word, then ye may know that the covenant which the Father hath made with the children of Israel, concerning their restoration to the lands of their inheritance, is already beginning to be fulfilled.

2 And ye may know that the words of the Lord, which have been spoken by the holy prophets, shall all be fulfilled; and ye need not say that the Lord delays his coming unto the children of Israel.

3 And ye need not imagine in your hearts that the words which have been spoken are vain, for behold, the Lord will remember his covenant which he hath made unto his people of the house of Israel.

 

3 Nephi 21:1–7

Israel will be gathered when the Book of Mormon comes forth—The Gentiles will be established as a free people in America—They will be saved if they believe and obey; otherwise, they will be cut off and destroyed—Israel will build the New Jerusalem, and the lost tribes will return. About A.D. 34.

1 And verily I say unto you, I give unto you a sign, that ye may know the time when these things shall be about to take place—that I shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion;

2 And behold, this is the thing which I will give unto you for a sign—for verily I say unto you that when these things which I declare unto you, and which I shall declare unto you hereafter of myself, and by the power of the Holy Ghost which shall be given unto you of the Father, shall be made known unto the Gentiles that they may know concerning this people who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, and concerning this my people who shall be scattered by them;

3 Verily, verily, I say unto you, when these things shall be made known unto them of the Father, and shall come forth of the Father, from them unto you;

4 For it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in this land, and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father, that these things might come forth from them unto a remnant of your seed, that the covenant of the Father may be fulfilled which he hath covenanted with his people, O house of Israel;

5 Therefore, when these works and the works which shall be wrought among you hereafter shall come forth from the Gentiles, unto your seed which shall dwindle in unbelief because of iniquity;

6 For thus it behooveth the Father that it should come forth from the Gentiles, that he may show forth his power unto the Gentiles, for this cause that the Gentiles, if they will not harden their hearts, that they may repent and come unto me and be baptized in my name and know of the true points of my doctrine, that they may be numbered among my people, O house of Israel;

7 And when these things come to pass that thy seed shall begin to know these things—it shall be a sign unto them, that they may know that the work of the Father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of the covenant which he hath made unto the people who are of the house of Israel.

I believe now is the time for you and your family members and friends to answer some more questions. Are you all ready? Okay then here we go!!  What message did the Lord give in 3 Nephi 29:4–9 to those who would “spurn” or “deny” the work of God in the last days? 

How does reading the Book of Mormon daily strengthen our faith in those things that other people “spurn” or “deny” in our day? You may want to ask your family members and friends  to read the Lord’s invitation in 3 Nephi 30 and share how the Book of Mormon has helped them accept this invitation.

The following comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

3 Nephi 28:1–11

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

What would you say if the Savior asked you, as He asked His disciples, “What is it that ye desire of me?” (3 Nephi 28:1). Think about this as you read about the experience of the Savior’s disciples in 3 Nephi 28:1–11. What do you learn about the desires of the disciples’ hearts from their answers to His question? President Dallin H. Oaks taught: “To achieve our eternal destiny, we will desire and work for the qualities required to become an eternal being. … We will desire to become like [Jesus Christ]” (“Desire,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 44–45). What can you do to make the desires of your heart more righteous? (For more information about the “change wrought upon [the] bodies” of the three disciples, see 3 Nephi 28:37 and “Translated Beings,” Guide to the Scriptures, scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)

4 Nephi

Conversion to Jesus Christ and His gospel leads to unity and happiness.

It is time for you to get out your poster board again:) as we read and search through the  account which we find  in 4 Nephi illustrates the great  joy that can come into your lives—as individuals, as families, and as a ward or stake—as we strive to be more fully converted to Jesus Christ. 

If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints you can still strive to be more fully converted to Jesus Christ. You can investigate the church, His Church here on the earth. You can learn more about Jesus Christ and all He has done for you and your family members and friends:)

You can ask your family members and friends to search 4 Nephi 1:1–18 and write on your poster board the blessings that came to the people when they were all converted to the Lord. How did their conversion affect how they treated each other? Maybe you and your family members and friends could share how the gospel has brought similar blessings to their families or their ward. 

Something that might help your family members and friends to better understand how each one of them can live more like the people in 4 Nephi and how they can encourage greater unity and happiness among those around them, you could read the  following statement by Elder D. Todd Christofferson: 

What will it take to build Zion?

Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught:

“Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens [see Moses 7:18]. … If we would establish Zion in our homes, branches, wards, and stakes, we must rise to this standard. It will be necessary (1) to become unified in one heart and one mind; (2) to become, individually and collectively, a holy people; and (3) to care for the poor and needy with such effectiveness that we eliminate poverty among us. We cannot wait until Zion comes for these things to happen—Zion will come only as they happen” (“Come to Zion,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 38).

You and your family members and friends might want to consider it a challenge to assess yours and theirs -- individually and as a family, yours and their personal efforts in the three areas that Elder Christofferson described.

If you remember, the people of the Book of Mormon had distinguished themselves as Neohites and Lamanites -- many other “-ites” -- for centuries, but after the Savior’s ministry among them, these distinctions disappeared. You should read 4 Nephi 1:17 together with your family members and friends.

17 There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in aone, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.

After reading 4 Nephi 1:17 together, maybe you and your family members and friends  could share their thoughts about what kinds of “-ites” or groups exist in our society today. What can we do to overcome such divisions and truly become “one, the children of Christ”?

What can your and your family members and friends learn from the decline of the Zion society described in 4 Nephi? Youmight want to consider having your family study group divide into pairs to search 4 Nephi 1:19–34. Tell them that they are going on another search:)

Can you imagine living in a land of total peace and unity of all those around you? You and your family members and friends will be  looking for what ended the great  happiness and unity that the people had experienced in the nearly 200 years following the Savior’s visit. 

What truths in these verses can help your family study group to identify the attitudes and  the behaviors that need to change in our lives and in our society? The following comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

4 Nephi 1:1–18

Conversion to Jesus Christ and His gospel leads to unity and happiness.

Can you imagine what it would have been like to live in the years following the Savior’s visit? How did the people maintain this divine peace for so long—nearly 200 years? As you study 4 Nephi 1:1–18, consider marking or noting the choices that people made in order to experience this blessed life.

Ponder what you can do to help your family, ward, or community live in greater unity and happiness, as the people in 4 Nephi did. What teachings of Jesus Christ can you live more fully in order to accomplish this goal? What can you do to help others understand and live these teachings?

4 Nephi 1:19–49

Wickedness leads to division and sorrow.

Sadly, the Zion society described in 4 Nephi (see also Moses 7:18) eventually unraveled. As you read 4 Nephi 1:19–49, look for the attitudes and behaviors that caused this society to fall apart. Do you see any signs of these attitudes or behaviors in yourself?

See also “Chapter 18: Beware of Pride,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson (2014), 229–40 

Our lesson for next week covers a lot of destruction and tragedy among the people. It actually teaches of the downfall or destruction of the Nephite people. You and your family members and friends will need to read and study the following chapters of the Book of Mormon -- in Mormon 1–6 you will find our readings for next week. 

As you are studying these chapters --  I challenge you to look for things that you and your family members and friends notice about the Nephites that you can see happening in our day. Are you up for this challenge? The following comes to you directly from our Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening

As you read the scriptures with your family, the Spirit can help you know what principles to emphasize and discuss in order to meet the needs of your family. Here are some ideas.

3 Nephi 27:13–21

These verses can help family members better understand what the Savior meant when He referred to “my gospel.” After reading and discussing these verses, you could ask each family member to summarize what the gospel is in one sentence.

3 Nephi 27:23–26

How are we doing at recording the things we have “seen and heard”—individually or as a family? Why is it important to keep a record of spiritual things?

3 Nephi 27:30–31

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

3 Nephi 28:17–18, 36–40

What can we learn from Mormon’s example when he did not understand everything about the change that happened to the three Nephite disciples? What can we do when we don’t understand everything about a gospel principle? President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught: “God cares about you. He will listen, and He will answer your personal questions. The answers to your prayers will come in His own way and in His own time, and therefore, you need to learn to listen to His voice” (“Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 21).

4 Nephi 1:15

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

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “The Church of Jesus Christ,” Children’s Songbook, 77.

Again I have included the section about improving our personal study. I believe that we can never get too much to keep us on the right track back to our Savior and personal study of the scriptures is building a firm foundation, I think these little tidbits are very helpful reminders.

Improving Personal Study

Seek revelation daily. Revelation often comes “line upon line” (2 Nephi 28:30). As you ponder the verses you are studying, ideas and impressions may come to you throughout the day. Don’t think of gospel study as something you “make time for” but as something you are always doing (see Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 12).

 

I have included the following about improving our teaching, because we are all teachers aren't we? You may already know some of these methods of teaching and others you may not. You can always look up more in the manual ‘Teaching in the Savior’s  Way’.  You can also find teaching methods explained in more depth in this manual.

Improving Our Teaching

Use a variety of methods. It can be easy to get comfortable with one particular style of teaching, but different teaching methods reach different class members. Think about methods you have used recently—have you used stories, object lessons, pictures, and so on? (see Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 7).

Here we are again at the end of our lesson. Thanks to each one of you for hanging in with me all this time. I know that my posts are long, and I pray that you enjoy them as well as are learning from them:) I have enjoyed sharing it with all of you and your family members and your friends as well:)

I pray that something I have shared with you this day, has been uplifting in some way and has given you the strength to make the changes necessary for you to come unto your Savior. You only need to repent of your sins  and accept His help and the Help of your Heavenly Father. They are always there for you!!!

And your Savior, even Jesus Christ, always has His hand ever reaching down for you. He is waiting for each one of you -- you and your family members and friends to reach up and accept His hand. I believe that reaching up and grabbing hold of His hand was best for me!!!

I believe that this action will be what is best for each of you as well!!! Take the courage to repent of any sin that is keeping you from becoming one of His disciples. Remember who you are and let your Savior, Jesus Christ help each one of you.

He can help you and your family members and friends become all He knows that you can become -- With His help. I may not have done such a great job over the years, but I am still trying to get it right and so should each one of you!!!  If you fall short one day when you have done your best --

Please remember that your Heavenly Father only asks that you to do the best you can each day. He knows what your best is and He will accept it. You will never be sorry that you did! I have to believe this or what is it all for? so do your best and do it with an attitude of gratitude:)

And I promise you that none of the things that you are doing that have become habits in your life that take you away from Jesus Christ are worth holding on to. Give them up!!! Until my next post, please be safe and take care:), Please continue studying the Book of Mormon with me.