Post # 260 -- Come Follow Me -- Week # 43-- November 2–8 -- Mormon 7–9 -- “I Speak unto You As If Ye Were Present”

Dear Family and Friends

Do you guys know just how fun it is to have a  Halloween Party with 3-5 year old children??? They are amazing to watch and have fun with! And to listen to them talk you would think that this nasty old virus has had any effect on them at all. Which is good, so they don't worry. 

There are some little ones who seem to carry the burden of the whole world. They talk about where they are going or what kind of party they are going to have at their house because of the virus their moms said they needed to stay home.  These little ones are so good to wear their masks. They just roll with the changes:)

There are so many children in our society these days that have been traumatized in one way or another. Some I guess are even being diagnosed at a young age with P.T.S.D. If you do not know that refers to post traumatic stress disorder. Back in the day this was something that the soldiers  were diagnosed with.

Which was caused  by the things which they had seen and gone through during their tour of service. Nowadays they say you can get this from watching bad television shows:( There seems to be a disorder for every problem in this age that we are living in.  it is very sad but true.  

I have seen this in my children and my grandchildren and with the students with whom I have thought throughout the years.  I guess we should get on to our lesson for this week. This first part comes to you directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

Mormon and Moroni had faith that their record would inspire those living in the latter days. As you read Mormon 7–9, write the impressions that come to you about how you can apply what you are learning.

Mormon and Moroni knew what it felt like to be alone in a wicked world. For Moroni the loneliness must have been especially severe after his father died in battle and the Nephites were destroyed. “I even remain alone,” he wrote. “I have not friends nor whither to go” (Mormon 8:3, 5). Things may have seemed hopeless, but Moroni found hope in his testimony of the Savior and his knowledge that “the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on” (Mormon 8:22). And Moroni knew that a key role in those eternal purposes would be played by the Book of Mormon—the record he was now diligently completing, the record that would one day “shine forth out of darkness” and bring many people “to the knowledge of Christ” (Mormon 8:16; 9:36). Moroni’s faith in these promises made it possible for him to declare to the future readers of this book, “I speak unto you as if ye were present” and “I know that ye shall have my words” (Mormon 8:35; 9:30). Now we do have his words, and the Lord’s work is rolling forth, in part because Mormon and Moroni stayed true to their mission, even when they were alone.

It is always good to have a review of the past week’s study to keep it fresh in your mind as well as having another opportunity to share with your family members and friends what you have recorded from your own personal study of Mormon 7–9 

Remember that when you swallow your family members and friends to share or talk about what they have learned each week you are helping them to develop study techniques that will also help them in their studies at school. 

I know that I was asked to summarize this or give my opinion about something that was in our required reading for a class. So be sure to give your family members time to prepare for this sharing each week. Be encouraging but not demanding.

 For this week, encourage your family members and friends to look over Mormon 7–9, where they can share something -- maybe even a sentence or two or a verse from their personal or family study that they might be grateful to Mormon or Moroni in that they chose to include in their record in the plates.

It seems as though Moroni has quite a lot to teach us from the dust he said ‘I speak unto you as if you were present’.  This  part comes to you directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Mormon 7

I must believe in Jesus Christ and “lay hold” upon His gospel.

Mormon’s last recorded words, found in Mormon 7, are addressed to the latter-day descendants of the Lamanites, but they contain truths that are for all of us. What does Mormon’s message teach you about Jesus Christ and His gospel? Why might Mormon have chosen this message to conclude his writings?

 

Mormon 7:8–10; 8:12–22; 9:31–37

The Book of Mormon is of great worth.

How do you tell the value of something? You may want to broach this question with your daily and friends which should lead you into a discussion where you can share with them the great worth of the Book of Mormon. You can talk about  how we usually determine the worth or value of something.

 Here is another question for your discussion: How does knowing the value of something change the way we use it? You and your family members and friends can search through these verses Mormon 8:12–22and share just what Moroni has said about the value of the Book of Mormon which he refers to as “this record.”

You and your family members and friends could then share any personal experiences that you have had that have shown you / them the value of the Book of Mormon. And here is your last question for this section: How can we show that we value the Book of Mormon?

As you study from the Book Of Mormon you will find references back to the Bible many times. These books of scripture go hand in hand. The Book of Mormon clarifies doctrine taught in the Bible. This  part comes to you directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Mormon 7:8–10; 8:12–22; 9:31–37

The Book of Mormon is of great worth.

President Russell M. Nelson asked: “If you were offered diamonds or rubies or the Book of Mormon, which would you choose? Honestly, which is of greater worth to you?” (“The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 61).

Mormon and Moroni knew the record they were keeping would be of great worth in our day, so they made great sacrifices to prepare and protect it. As you read Mormon 7:8–10; 8:12–22; and 9:31–37, consider why the record is so valuable in our day. You may find additional insights in 1 Nephi 13:38–41; 2 Nephi 3:11–12; and Doctrine and Covenants 33:16; 42:12–13. What experiences have helped you know that the Book of Mormon is of great worth?

 

The writings of Book of Mormon prophets apply to us.

Mormon 8:1–11

We can be faithful even when we are alone.

You know there are many times throughout the years during my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I have felt alone, very alone. Though I was feeling alone, I was still faithful in living the gospel to the best of my ability. I know there are others who have felt the same way. 

Some of them have stayed faithful while others have strayed. Why don't you read together with your family members and friends to answer the following question: What can they learn from the example of Moroni that could help you and/ or them? 

With this sadness maybe you and your family could read together the following scripture verses:  Mormon 8:1–11 And here is another question for you: What inspires them about his example? Then you could share with your family and friends any personal experiences that you have had or know about from another’s example of remaining faithful. 

You could also encourage your family and friends to share their thoughts as well. Be sure to encourage your family members and friends to share their thoughts and their personal experiences when it was that they or someone they know has felt alone in living the gospel. 

During this time they or the person whom they know of have remained faithful through their struggles. Find out how the Lord helped them. This  part comes to you directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Mormon 8:26–41; 9:1–30

The Book of Mormon was written for our day.

Jesus Christ showed Moroni what would be happening when the Book of Mormon came forth (see Mormon 8:34–35), and what Moroni saw led him to give bold warnings for our day. As you read Mormon 8:26–41 and 9:1–30, ponder whether there are any signs of these attitudes and actions in your life. What could you do differently?

For example, Mormon 9:1–30 contains Moroni’s message in response to the widespread lack of belief in Jesus Christ he foresaw in our day. Consider recording what you learn from his words about the following:

• The consequences of not believing in Christ (verses 1–6, 26)

• The importance of believing in a God of revelation and miracles (verses 7–20)

• Moroni’s counsel for us (verses 21–30)

What do you learn from Moroni that can help you bring others closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

Mormon 8:26–41; 9:1–30

The Book of Mormon was written for our day.

Here we are soon to be finished with this year's study of the Book of Mormon. Now might be a good time for you and your family to think about the Book of Mormon and share your thoughts with one another about why you think that way.Why do you and/ or they feel this book even the Book of Mormon was written for our day? 

You and your family members and friends would then apply the questions from President Benson to the following scripture passage Mormon 8:26–41.

The Book of Mormon was written for our day.

President Ezra Taft Benson said:

“The Nephites never had the book; neither did the Lamanites of ancient times. It was meant for us. …

“Each of the major writers of the Book of Mormon testified that he wrote for future generations [see 2 Nephi 25:21; Jacob 1:3; Mormon 7:1; 8:34–35]. …

“If they saw our day, and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon? We should constantly ask ourselves, ‘Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record? What lesson can I learn from that to help me live in this day and age?’” (“The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 6).

And now here are some questions for you and your family members to answer together: Why did the Lord inspire Moroni to include these words in the record? How do they help us in our day? I think knowing that the words shared in this sacred book were all given by the Holy Ghost is helpful.

if you will now look in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. You will find it is taught  Mormon 9:1–30 which contains Moroni’s message in response to the lack of belief in Jesus Christ in our day. I believe this is something that is going on in our world today, if it is conducive for your family and friends you might consider fixing them into three groups. 

Then ask each group to search the following scripture passages to find the counsel that is helpful to them. Group #1 -- verses: 1–6 -- the consequences of bt believing in Christ, Group #2 -- verses: 7–20 the importance of believing in a God of revelation and miracles, and 21–30 Moroni’s counsel to us. 

If this does not work well for your family study group you can take one passage at a time and discuss it together, writing down on a poster board  the three groups and under each group you can write down what you and your family members have found.

Looking back through Mormon 9:1-5 you may realize that even though Mormon 9:1–6 was written to “those who do not believe in Christ,” it is helpful for all of us to imagine standing before God one day to be judged. You might consider at this time to ask your family members and friends to review these verses and be looking for any words and/or phrases that describe just how the wicked may feel on the day when the stand before their Savior?

What can we do to avoid these feelings?you and your family members and friends may find some helpful insights in the story below which is told by President Boyd K. Packer 

We can be spotless.

President Boyd K. Packer told of traveling for six days as a young man with a military crew in a hot, smoky freight train, with no way to bathe or change clothes. At a train stop, the hungry crew went to a restaurant.

“It was crowded, and so we joined a long line waiting to be seated. I was first, just behind some well-dressed women. Even without turning around, the stately woman in front of me soon became aware that we were there.

“She turned and looked at us. Then she turned and looked me over from head to toe. There I stood in that sweaty, dirty, sooty, wrinkled uniform. She said in a tone of disgust, ‘My, what untidy men!’ All eyes turned to us.

“No doubt she wished we were not there; I shared her wish. I felt as dirty as I was, uncomfortable, and ashamed.”

President Packer then quoted Mormon 9:4 and compared his experience to being spiritually unclean in the presence of God. Testifying that the Atonement of Jesus Christ was the only way he could become spiritually clean, he then said:

“Can you imagine how I felt when finally I could see that if I followed whatever conditions the Redeemer had set, I need never endure the agony of being spiritually unclean? Imagine the consoling, liberating, exalting feeling that will come to you when you see the reality of the Atonement and the practical everyday value of it to you individually” (“Washed Clean,” Ensign, May 1997, 9–10).

In the scriptures there are many stories about miracles that happened during the ministry of Jesus Christ and there are so many people who at this time believe that those miracles have stopped. I believe there are miracles happening all around us if we would  but only see!  

I am certain if you were to look for God’s miracles you would find them, And  now for a question or two:) How can you use Moroni’s teachings to help your family members and friends believe in a “God of miracles''? 

Let me see. .. a very good place to start might be by asking your family members and friends  to review Mormon 9:7–26 and have them look for the miracles that Moroni  taught and urged us to believe in. What do you and your family members and friends  learn from these verses about God and His work in our day? 

What must you and your family members and friends do in order for God to work miracles? (see Mormon 9:20–21). What miracles have you and your family members and friends seen?

Do you and your family members and friends ever think about or wonder how you and / or they could increase your and/ or their faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? If you do, then you should search  Ether 1–5 for ways to help their faith grow.

This  part comes to you directly from the 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.

Mormon 7:5–7, 10; 9:11–14

What do these verses teach us about Heavenly Father’s plan and why we need a Savior?

Mormon 7:8–10

What have we learned in our study of the Book of Mormon this year that has helped strengthen our belief in the Bible? To begin a discussion, you could read together some scriptures from the Book of Mormon and the Bible that teach similar truths, such as Alma 7:11–13 and Isaiah 53:3–5 or 3 Nephi 15:16–24 and John 10:16.

Mormon 8:1–9

How might it have felt to be alone like Moroni was? What impresses us about the work he accomplished?

Mormon 8:12, 17–21; 9:31

Consider reading these verses as a family and then reading the following statement by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: “Except in the case of His only perfect Begotten Son, imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with. … When you see imperfection, remember that the limitation is not in the divinity of the work” (“Lord, I Believe,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 94). Why is it dangerous to focus on imperfections in others, including those who wrote the Book of Mormon?

Mormon 8:36–38

What does it mean to take the name of Jesus Christ upon us? Why might someone be ashamed to take upon himself or herself the name of Jesus Christ? How can we be bold in our testimonies of the Savior?

Mormon 9:16–24

Certain ingredients are needed to make a science experiment or recipe work successfully. Consider doing an experiment or making a favorite recipe as a family before reading Mormon 9:16–24. As you read the verses (especially verses 20–21), look for the necessary “ingredients” that make miracles possible. What miracles can we see in the world around us and in our family?

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

Suggested song: “Stand for the Right,” Children’s Songbook, 159.

As always I have included the section on improving your personal study as well as improving your teaching as well, because we are all teachers:) I hope these little selections are helpful for each of you. This  part comes to you directly from the Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual: 

Improving Personal Study

Refer to official Church resources. If you have gospel questions, the best sources for answers are prayer, the scriptures, the words of living prophets, and other official Church publications (see Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 17–18, 23–24).

Improving Our Teaching

Remember that you need to pray for and with your family members and friends every day. Are you and/ir a family member and friends struggling? Just as the Savior prayed for Peter (see Luke 22:31–32), you can pray for those you teach[ your family members and friends]  to be strengthened (see Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 6).

We are yet again here at the bottom of our lesson. I pray that you and your family and friends have enjoyed this lesson and have learned a lot from it as well as I have. I want you to remember that you are each one a child of God. No matter what your age is, you are still His child and He and His Son, Jesus Christ both want us to return to live with  Them in our heavenly home:)

Remember to say your prayers each day,at least morning and night. Your Heavenly Father wants to hear from each and every one of His children on a regular basis. He wants to hear about aloof the little things as well as all of the big things -- good or bad, He truly wants to hear from each one of you! 

If you are a parent you can understand this need, this great desire for a parent to know what is going on in your children’s lives:) As a parent, you want to be there for them and to help them if you are able, or teach them if that opportunity comes to you. Your Heavenly Father is just that way only more so. 

Please continue to study the Book of Mormon with me and continue learning along with me and our cyber study buddies out there in cyberspace:) until my next post please everyone do your best to stay healthy and well and be safe:)