Book of Mormon Studies

For your first time through

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Book of Mormon Study Guide

 

 

By Heather Martinson

Ó 2003

 

Introduction

 

 

As the title indicates, this study guide is for your first independent study of the Book of Mormon. You might be a primary child who is ready to read more than the Book of Mormon Reader that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has provided us with. You might be a new convert to the church, or maybe you've been a member for a long time, but would like to use a simple guide in your studies.

 

When my oldest son was nine, he had a desire to read the Book of Mormon, but the book was too difficult for him. For two years I kept my eyes open for a Book of Mormon study guide for children, but I was unable to find one. Then, when he was eleven years old, I started writing this for him. I would give him one day’s worth of study at a time. He used this study guide until he started seminary.

 

Often people, especially children, are intimidated by the thought of reading through the Book of Mormon, afraid that they won’t understand it, or that it is boring. Sometimes the thought of reading such a big book is overwhelming. Yet, we are all expected to read and re-read this precious book, even if you are a child.

 

Children, know that you are a royal generation. More is expected of you today than at any previous time in history. My hope is that this guide can help you (or anyone else) create scripture-reading habits by giving you the Book of Mormon in small, easy-to-understand pieces.

 

By using this study guide, you will get ideas for how you can expand your studies, and you will see how these scriptures, written so long ago, apply to you personally, to your own situation. This will provide a pattern for you to liken the scriptures unto yourself (see 1 Nephi 19:23).

 

Enjoy this special time with these Holy Scriptures. Learn to recognize the spirit in your life regularly. Learn to draw nearer to Jesus Christ as you learn of him and read these stories of faith and courage.

 

            -Heather Martinson

 

How To Use This Guide

 

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your personal scripture study:

 

1.      Schedule a time that you will read each day and stick with it. Beware of other events that interfere with that time.

2.      Pray before you read. Invite the Holy Ghost to teach you what you need to learn.

3.      Mark in your scriptures. Have a scripture marker pencil with you so when you read something that you particularly enjoy, or something that you learn, mark that scripture. It is also appropriate for you to write your own thoughts in the margin.

4.      Ponder. As you read, ask yourself how the scripture can apply to your life.

5.      Write in your journal. Have your journal nearby when you read so that you can write down the things that are meaningful to you.

6.      Have your Bible handy for cross-referencing.

7.      Reflect. During your studies and throughout the day, think about the things you have read.

8.      Share what you have learned with your family and friends.

 

Here are some additional resources that you might want to have on hand to reinforce what you read:

 

·         Sing Songs. From time to time the guide will suggest that you sing a particular song from the Hymns book or Children’s Songbook (CS), both available through Church Distribution.

·        Watch a Video. Through Church Distribution, you can get a video entitled, “Book of Mormon Video Presentations.” You can watch the segments of this video that go along with the corresponding scripture stories.

·        Post Pictures: As you read, you might enjoy viewing the pictures from the Gospel Art Picture Kit, also available through Church Distribution.

 

There are many approaches to use as you study a book of scripture (see the epilogue). For practical purposes, this study guide will take you from the front of the book to the back of the book in your studies.

 

The study guide is broken down into 364 bite-sized pieces. Each of these pieces can be used as one day's worth of study. There are also 52 sections, each seven pieces long. If you read one section a week, you will finish your reading in one year.

 

These pieces and sections are for your convenience, but it is not necessary to have a strict regimen of how much you accomplish each day. Let your interest and the Spirit guide you to know what you need. Some days you might read more, some days less. Make the study personal to you.

 

Features in the back of the study guide:

 

-          Map: It is a blank map. From time to time, you will be prompted to put some of the major lands and cities of the Book of Mormon on the map. There are many more lands and cities in the Book of Mormon, which you are welcome to add if you like. Having the map as a visual, it is easier to imagine how these places relate to each other.

-         Timeline:  Adding people and events to the timeline will help you gain a sense of when things actually happened, since a cover-to-cover study is not a chronological study of these events.

-         Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart: This serves to help you remember who the main protagonists and antagonists of the book are.

-         Golden Plates Progression Chart: This is a chart that you can fill in as you read to help you see how the plates were passed from one person to another throughout the course of the entire book.

 

Each of these features can help you get more meaning out of your studies and aid in your understanding how the different people, events, and places relate to each other. Your studies can be deeper and more meaningful by using these features. However, do not let them distract you from your study. If any or all of these features are a distraction for you, then do not use them. Most important is the text of the book itself and how you can apply it to your life.

 

You will notice that the questions asked in the study guide have no answers. There is no answer key. The questions are left for you explore and find your own answers, however it applies in your life.

 

There is no written test at the end. The real test is how you lead your life, based on the truths found in the Book of Mormon. Remember, this is a spiritual study, not an academic one.

 

You will notice that not all the gems of truth found in the Book of Mormon are pointed out or discussed in this study guide. This is intentional. There are many gems left for you, the reader, to discover and enjoy on your own. Watch for them!

 

Don't be afraid to deviate from the study guide to follow something that you would like to learn more about. Remember that you, not this study guide, are in charge of your spiritual welfare. Remember to ponder what you read and pray for understanding. May your life be blessed for the righteous desires of your heart.

 

[Names in brackets indicate who is speaking – an illustrator of this person should alongside the text.]

 

- I -

Introductory Material

 

As you begin your feast on the word of God, let this introductory material serve as your hors d’oeuvres (pre-meal snack).

 

1. Read the cover.

This book is "Another Testament of Christ" along with what other testaments?

[Moroni]

 

Read the Title Page.

The title page is the one that says, “The Hand of Mormon” on it. This is believed to have been written by Moroni, who is Mormon’s son and the last prophet to write in the Book of Mormon. Moroni is also the angel that delivered the plates to Joseph Smith. Here Moroni lists the reasons for having the Book of Mormon. Underline them. What is an abridgement?

 

[Joseph Smith]

2. Read the Introduction.

Sixth paragraph: Underline what Joseph Smith said about the Book of Mormon.

Eighth paragraph: Read Moroni 10:4-5. This is in the last chapter in the Book of Mormon. This is Moroni’s challenge to us to read the Book of Mormon and to pray to know that it is true. As you read the Book of Mormon, try to remember this challenge and pray every day as you study.

 

[three & eight witnesses]

3. Read The Testimony of Three Witnesses and The Testimony of  Eight Witnesses.

The Three Witnesses heard and saw some things that the Eight Witnesses did not. What are they? Notice that Joseph Smith's father and two of his brothers were among the Eight Witnesses.

 

[Joseph Smith]

4. Read the first part of the Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith (to the stars).

Moroni was the last prophet to write in the Book of Mormon. He was also the one who buried the plates in the hill Cumorah. Sing "The Golden Plates", CS p. 86.

 

5. Read the second part of the Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Why do you think Moroni visited Joseph Smith four times, repeating the same message? What do you think it would be like to receive teaching from an angel?

 

6. Read the last part of the Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Do you believe that the Book of Mormon is true scripture? Write your own testimony.

 

7. Read A Brief Explanation About the Book of Mormon.

Why do you think this book is called the Book of Mormon?

Read the Names and Order of the Books in the Book of Mormon.

Sing “The Books in the Book of Mormon”, CS p. 119.

Read the Abbreviations and Designations in Footnotes and Index

Remember that if you’re ever unsure of what an abbreviation in the footnotes mean you can refer to this page.

Turn to the back of the Book of Mormon.

Pronunciation Guide: There are many strange names in the Book of Mormon. Remember to refer to the pronunciation guide for the official pronunciations.

Index: You can use the Index to do a study by subject. This study guide does not have an index. Use the Index in the Book of Mormon to help you find what you need. For more complete studies, use the Topical Guide at the back of the Bible.

 

- II -

Nephi Obeys

 

[Nephi]

Read 1 Nephi 1.

Read the introductory paragraph. These are the events you will read about over the next few weeks. The stories of Nephi and his family are a great way to start your feast on the Word of God. Notice the date (at the bottom of the page). Put “Lehi’s family in Jerusalem” on the timeline. Where in the world is Jerusalem?

Verse 1: Sing the first verse of “We’ll Bring the World His Truth”, CS p. 172.

Verse 20: When you hear the truth, do you get angry with the person who tells you, or do you repent and choose to be true to the truth?

 

2. Read 1 Nephi 2.

Verse 4: Notice all the things they left behind. Would you be able to leave all your precious things behind? The Lord, in a way, does expect us to leave those things behind right now. They are not the most important things. Our hearts and minds should be focused on the Lord and his kingdom.

Verse 7: What do you think Lehi gave thanks for?

Verses 9-18: Are you more like Nephi or Laman and Lemuel? Do you listen to and believe the words of the prophet?

 

3. Read 1 Nephi 3.

Verse 7: Sound familiar? The first verse of the song, “Nephi’s Courage” is based on this story. Sing the first verse of “Nephi’s Courage”, CS, p. 120.

Verse 27: Now they failed twice. According to 1 Nephi 3:7, the Lord would prepare a way for them to accomplish this. Why haven’t their attempts been successful?

Verse 31: Isn’t it amazing how quickly Laman and Lemuel lose hope? Remember that any time you complain against God, your parents, or your church leaders, you are murmuring.

 

4. Read 1 Nephi 4:1-18.

Verse 6: Nephi was lead by the spirit. For the other two attempts they used their own knowledge, not the Lord’s.

Verse 10: “Thou shalt not kill” is a commandment, yet the Lord wanted Nephi to kill Laban. How can it be “good” for Nephi to kill?

 

5. Read 1 Nephi 4:19-38.

Verse 35: Zoram will later marry. His posterity becomes known as the Zoramites.

Tell someone the story of Nephi getting the brass plates.

 

6. Read 1 Nephi 5.

Verses 2 & 3: Sariah complained because she lacked faith.

Verses 10-19: What was written on the Brass Plates? What book of scripture do we have that is similar to the Brass Plates?

Verse 21: Lehi and Nephi did not simply read the scriptures, but they searched them.

Read 1 Nephi 6.

What is Nephi’s intention by keeping a record of his family? How might this record be different if Nephi had written to please the world?

 

7. Read 1 Nephi 7.

Verse 1: Why did Ishmael’s family need to go with them?

Verse 21: Laman and Lemuel wanted to kill Nephi, yet it seems like it was easy for Nephi to forgive them. Do you think you would be able to forgive that easily?

 

- III -

Visions and Dreams

 

[Lehi]

1. Read 1 Nephi 8:1-18.

Can you figure out how this dream represents your life on earth? Draw a picture of what you think Lehi's vision looked like. [leave space for drawing]

 

2. Read 1 Nephi 8:19-38.

This is the rest of Lehi's dream. Remember to notice how this dream represents your life on earth. As you read, complete your drawing of what Lehi saw in his dream.

Verse 20: What is the meaning of the large and spacious field? Write this on your drawing.

Verses 26 – 33: These verses describe different groups of people. With which group do you identify with most?

 

[Nephi]

3. Read 1 Nephi 9.

Why did Nephi make two records?

 

4. Read 1 Nephi 10:1-10

Verses 4: Who is this “prophet”?

Verses 7-10: Who is this prophet?

 

5. Read 1 Nephi 10:11-22.

Verse 14: Grafting is when a branch from one tree is planted into another tree. In this verse, the Gospel is the olive tree and the lost tribes of Israel are the branches. This verse describes how in the last days, the lost tribes will accept the gospel.

Verse 17: Nephi did not doubt what his father said, but he wanted to gain his own testimony of those things. Nephi was blessed with visions of his own. Heavenly Father desires to bless all of His children with knowledge of His mysteries. He will reveal this to anyone who will diligently seek.

Verse 21: Probation is a set time of testing of a person, giving them the chance to prove themselves before being judged.  In this verse, our time on this earth is our probation.

 

6. Read 1 Nephi 11:1-23.

Verses 1-6: Nephi believed his father’s words, but he did not understand them. He prayed in faith that he would receive the knowledge he wanted. When you don’t understand something, you can pray in faith. The Holy Ghost will teach you.

Verses 21 & 22: What is the meaning of the tree? Mark this on your drawing.

 

7. Read 1 Nephi 11:21-36.

Verse 25: What do the iron rod and the fountain of living waters represent? Add these to your picture. Sing “The Iron Rod” (Hymns, #374)

Verse 27: Who is this prophet?

Verse 36: What is the meaning of the great and spacious building? Write this on your picture of what Lehi saw.

Isn’t it interesting that the angel didn’t tell Nephi what the meanings are? Instead he showed Nephi the life of Jesus and Nephi was able to figure out the interpretations.

 

- IV -

Visions and Dreams, Continued

 

[Nephi]

1. Read 1 Nephi 12.

In this chapter the angel shows Nephi what will happen to his posterity (the Nephites) and his brothers’ posterity (the Lamanites).

Verses 4-12: The angel told Nephi about the events before, during, and after Jesus’ visit to the Nephites. Nephi saw it about 600 years before it actually happened.

Verses 16-18: The angel told Nephi what the fountain of filthy water, the mists of darkness, and the large and spacious building represent. Write these on your picture of what Lehi saw.

 

2. Read 1 Nephi 13:1-19.

This is more of Nephi’s vision.

Verses 4-9: Who is the founder of the great and abominable church? What are the desires of the great and abominable church? What kinds of people do you think belong to the great and abominable church?

Verse 12: What man is this talking about? Sing, “Book of Mormon Stories”, CS, p. 118, verse 2.

Verse 17: What war in American history might this refer to?

 

3. Read 1 Nephi 13:20-42.

Verses 20-34: What book is this talking about? Recite the eighth Article of Faith.

Verse 35: These writings are now in a book. What book?

Verse 41: Review – What book is the angel talking about when he says, “the record of thy seed”? What book is the angel talking about when he says, “the records of the twelve apostles of the Lamb”? What does it mean that, “they shall be established in one”?

 

4. Read 1 Nephi 14:1-12.

The angel showed Nephi our days.

Verses 10-12: A whore is a woman who will break the commandments in exchange for money. What church do you belong to?

 

5. Read 1 Nephi 14:13-30.

Verses 18-27: Who is this man that Nephi saw? Clues are in verses 20, 22, 23, & 27. We have the things that this man wrote. What is the name of his “book” (clue – it’s a book in the bible)?

 

6. Read 1 Nephi 15:1-18.

Verses 1-11: Nephi’s brothers argued about what Lehi had said. Why didn’t Nephi argue? How did Nephi gain his understanding? When you hear truth, do you argue about it, or do you seek for further understanding.

 

7. Read 1 Nephi 15:19-36.

Verses 21-29: What are the meanings of the tree, the river of water, and the awful gulf? Write these on your of what Lehi saw.

Verse 36: What does this verse say that the fruit is? Look at the d by the word gifts. Look at the corresponding footnote below. Look up D&C 14:7. What is the greatest of all the gifts of God? This is what the fruit represents. Write this on your picture of the things that Lehi saw.

 

- V -

The Liahona, the Bow, and the Boat

 

[Nephi]

1. Read 1 Nephi 16:1-16.

Verses 1-2: Do you ever get angry when someone tells you how you can do better? “The guilty taketh the truth to be hard”.

Verse 7: Here is a big reason why Ishmael’s family needed to come.

Verse 10: What do we call the thing that Lehi found? If you need help, look up the scriptures suggested in footnote 10a.

 

2. Read 1 Nephi 16:17-32.

Laman and Lemuel are complaining again! Ishmael’s daughters complain, and even Lehi complains! Yes, they were in difficult circumstances, but they were blessed when they stopped complaining and humbled themselves. Fortunately, Nephi didn’t complain, but he continued to have faith. Because of Nephi’s faithfulness, everyone was saved.

Verse 28: The Liahona worked according to their faith. We can also receive revelation according to our faith.

Tell the story of Nephi and his bow.

 

3. Read 1 Nephi 16:33-39.

Verses 35-38: Isn’t it amazing how soon they forget how the Lord has blessed them? Do you ever forget to be thankful for the things the Lord does for you?

 

4. Read 1 Nephi 17:1-16.

Verse 3: Notice how the author said, “Thus we see….” These statements are found throughout the book of Mormon and were likely inserted by Mormon himself to point out the lessons we can learn from what we are reading.

Verses 17-19: Sing verse 2 of “Nephi’s Courage” (CS, p. 120)

Verse 22: Lehi said that the people in Jerusalem were wicked. Laman and Lemuel said that they were righteous. Laman and Lemuel wanted to believe that their friends in Jerusalem were good. They confused what was popular with what was right. Can you give examples of how that happens today?

 

5. Read 1 Nephi 17: 23-43.

Since his brothers were lacking faith, Nephi preached to them. Nephi reminds his brothers of the many great things the Lord has done for the Israelites. Notice how Nephi was able to use his understanding of history to teach a lesson to his brothers. Why is it important to remember these things?

Verse 37: The Lord does have a hand in creating and destroying nations. It is interesting how Nephi was able to use his understanding of history to teach his brothers.

 

6. Read 1 Nephi 17:44-55.

Verse 45: What does it mean to be “past feeling”? Laman and Lemuel heard the Lord’s words, but did not feel his words. Apparently, it is more important to feel the spirit of the Lord than it is to hear his words. What can you do to feel the spirit more in your life?

Sing verse two of Nephi’s Courage (CS, p. 120).

 

7. Read 1 Nephi 18.

Verses 1-4: Under the direction of the Lord, Nephi was able to accomplish a great thing. You can also accomplish great things as you do the things that the Lord expects you to do.

Verses 9-15: Lehi’s whole family suffered great afflictions because some of them were rude. Remember that any time you are rude toward one person, you are also showing disrespect for everyone around you.

Verse 16: Nephi was in a horrible situation, yet he did not complain. Instead, he continued to praise God.

Verse 23: Where is the promised land?

Sing verse 1 of “Book of Mormon Stories” (CS, p. 118). Tell the story of Lehi’s family crossing the ocean.

 

- VI -

Nephi Teaches

 

[Nephi]

1. Read 1 Nephi 19:1-12.

Verses 1-6: Nephi talks about two sets of plates. Why did Nephi make two sets of plates? The “other plates” were passed down from king to king and were a historical record of the Nephite people. “These plates” are the record that is now in the Book of Mormon and were passed down from prophet to prophet. These contain the more spiritual record of the events.

Verse 10: Who were Zenock, Neum, and Zenos? Look at footnote 10g for a clue. Why don’t we have these books?

 

2. Read 1 Nephi 19:13-24.

Verse 23: Nephi said, “I did liken all scriptures unto us….” What does that mean? How can you liken the scriptures to your life? When you’re reading the scriptures, you might want to ask yourself, “What is so important about this scripture that the prophet bothered to include it?” Or, “How can I apply this scripture to my life?”

 

[Isaiah]

3. Read 1 Nephi 20.

Chapters 20 and 21 are the words of Isaiah, from the brass plates. This is almost exactly the same as Isaiah’s words are recorded in the Bible. Nephi quoted Isaiah to his brothers so that they could more fully believe in the Lord. Isaiah prophesied many things, but wrote in a way that is difficult for many people to understand. It is possible for you to understand Isaiah better if you pray and ask for guidance. Isaiah speaks Messianically. That means that, as a prophet, Isiah did not just write quotes from the Messiah, but he wrote the Messiah’s words directly. As you learn the meaning of some of the hidden truths that Isaiah taught, remember to write the meanings in your scriptures.

Verse 4: These things describe pride.

Verse 14: Babylon is representative of the world. Leaving Babylon is like us today leaving worldly things.

Verse 20: Avoid the things of the world.

Verse 21: This is about Moses.

Why do you think Nephi read this chapter to his brothers?

 

4. Read 1 Nephi 21:1-16.

Verse 1: The Lord knew Isiah before he was born.

Verses 14-16: Do you ever feel like the Lord has forgotten you? What does the Lord mean when he says, “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands”?

 

5. Read 1 Nephi 21:17-26

Verse 25: The Lord fights for the righteous.

Why do you think that Nephi read this chapter to his brothers?

 

[Nephi]

6. Read 1 Nephi 22:1-19.

This chapter is Nephi’s explanation of the Isaiah chapters.

Verse 1: Nephi’s brothers ask Nephi to explain the scriptures. It seems like they want to know if the things described by Isaiah will happen just like he said, or if it is all just figuratively speaking. What do you think?

Verses 5 & 6: The Israelites will be scattered all over the world and will grow physically and spiritually in the Gentile nations where they live.

Verse 7: What nation is Nephi talking about?

Verse 8: What is the marvelous work? See footnote 8a.

Verses 9-19: This is about the last days

 

7. Read 1 Nephi 22:20-31.

Verses 20 & 21: This is about Jesus.

Verses 24 & 25: This is about the gathering of Israel.

Verse 30: Nephi bears his testimony about the scriptures.

Write a summary of the major events of 1 Nephi. You can use chapter headings to help you remember.

Using the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart (on page []), put the names of the main people from first Nephi in the correct columns. Your page should look something like this:

Heroes

 

Lehi

Nephi

Sam

Joseph

Jacob

Anti-Heroes

 

Laman

Lemuel

 

- VII -

Lehi’s Final Words

 

[Lehi]

1. Read 2 Nephi 1

Verse 13: What do the chains represent? What is Lehi telling them to do?

Verse 14: Why did Lehi give so much council to his family at this time?

Verses 21 & 23: The world might teach young men that they need to prove their manliness by doing something foolish. Lehi taught what a real man is. Lehi expects them to be brave. He wants them to rise up and fight for righteousness.

 

2. Read 2 Nephi 2.

Verse 4: Do you think Jacob saw Jesus? See footnote 4a.

Verse 11: This is why we have our agency.

Verse 13: Do you ever wish that there were no laws? Why does God allow both good and evil in the world?

Verse 14: Sing, “All Things Bright and Beautiful” (CS, pg. 231).

Verse 25: Why does Heavenly Father want you to obey His commandments? Sing, “Men Are That They Might Have Joy” (Hymns, #275).

Verse 27: How can you obtain more freedom? Sing, “Choose the Right” (Hymns, #239).

Skim through 2 Nephi 2. Underline the words free, act, and choose.

 

3. Read 2 Nephi 3.

In this chapter, Lehi will tell his son Joseph about a couple other Josephs.

Verse 4: Do you remember Joseph that was sold into Egypt?

Verses 5 & 6: In these verses, Lehi is telling his son Joseph that the Joseph who was sold into Egypt prophesied that among his own posterity would be a great seer. That seer is Joseph Smith. Underline the word seer in verse six and write Joseph Smith in the margin.

Verse 12: The fruit of the loins (or descendants) of Joseph wrote the Book of Mormon. The fruit of the loins (descendants) of Judah wrote the Bible. These two books have now grown together.

Verse 15: Joseph Smith was named Joseph after his own father, also after the Joseph who was sold into Egypt.

 

4. Read 2 Nephi 4:1-12.

Verses 3-9: Lehi spoke to his grandchildren.

 

[Nephi]

5. Read 2 Nephi 4:13-35.

Verses 15-35: These verses are known as the psalm (or song) of Nephi. Read it aloud to get a feel for it.

Verses 17-19: Nephi talks about his sins. We don’t know what these sins were, but this shows that everyone, including great men, has a need to repent.

Verse 29: Nephi prays that he will not be angry with his enemies. You can do this, too. When someone does something you don’t like, you don’t need to get angry with them. Heavenly Father can help you be more loving.

Nephi’s psalm is an example of how we can gain our own peace of mind and spiritual power. Try writing a psalm of your own. Write the things that show that God is with you and will help you.

 

6. Read 2 Nephi 5:1-18.

Verses 7 & 8: The land where Lehi and his family lived was called Lehi. Nephi took his family and everyone else who had a desire to be righteous into another land, which they called Nephi. Put the “Lehi” in space 1 of the map in the back of this study guide and “Nephi” in space 2.

Verse 9: From now on, Nephi and his people are called Nephites.

Verses 10 & 11: The people were obedient to the Lord so they were blessed.

Verse 16: They had a temple!

Verse 18: Why should they have no king?

 

7. Read 2 Nephi 5:19-34.

Verse 27: What do you think it is like to live “after the manner of happiness”?

Verse 34: The Nephtes were several days journey away, yet the Lamanites had already caused problems for the Nephites.

 

- VIII -

Three Witnesses: Nephi, Jacob, and Isaiah

 

[Jacob]

1. Read 2 Nephi 6.

Jacob is writing now. Do you remember who Jacob is? See verse one.

Verses 4 & 5: Jacob reads from the book of Isaiah. In our scriptures, Isaiah is in the Old Testament. Jacob said that the scriptures should be “likened unto you”. What does that mean?

Verses 14-18: These are things that are still going to happen.

 

[Isaiah]

2. Read 2 Nephi 7.

This chapter is almost identical to Isaiah, chapter 50. Jacob thought it was so important that he copied it straight from the brass plates. There are small differences between this version and the version we have in the Bible. Why do you think there are different at all? You might want to read Isaiah 50 at the same time to notice what is different.

Verse 1: The Israelites have separated themselves from the Lord and the Lord asks why. The answer is also in this verse.

Verse 2: When Jesus lived on the earth, people did not believe he was the Messiah.

Verse 11: Light is truth. If someone lights their own fire, it’s like making their own truth, rather than turning to the Lord. That’s why these people will lie down in sorrow.

 

3. Read 2 Nephi 8.

This chapter is comparable to Isaiah 51.

Verse 6: The sky and the earth might be temporary, but God is forever. We should trust God more than anything or anyone else.

Verse 10: This is about when the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea.

 

[Jacob]

4. Read 2 Nephi 9:1-26.

These are Jacob’s comments on the Isaiah chapters. He talks about the atonement and how it works with the plan of salvation.

Verse 4: This means we will be resurrected after we die.

Verse 6: “The fall” happened when Adam ate the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

Verses 8-20: Underline each time Jacob praises God.

Verse 10: Look up “death” in the Bible Dictionary.

 

5. Read 2 Nephi 9:27-54.

Jacob uses the word “wo” many times in verses 27-38. The modern-day equivalent to wo is woe. The dictionary defines woe as misfortune, affliction, or grief. Mark each “wo” in this section. How many are there?

Verses 28 & 29: What does Jacob mean when he says, “When they are learned they think they are wise”? Remember that even if you study and learn your whole life, that you will not be smarter than God. Remember to listen to and obey the counsels of God as you study any subject.

Verse 30: We need to be careful that we don’t make our “stuff” more important to us than God.

Verse 31 & 32: Obviously this isn’t really talking about people who really are deaf and blind, but it is figurative. People make themselves deaf and blind to God because they don’t want to have to repent.

Verse 36: Whoredoms are sexual sins.

Verse 42: What does “puffed up” mean?

Verse 44: Jacob takes off some clothes and shakes them. This is symbolic of ridding himself of the Nephites’ sins. Now that Jacob had warned them, he was no longer responsible for their sins.

Verse 50: Jacob isn’t talking about food to eat, but food for the soul.

Verse 51: Think about the things you spend your money and your time on. What are you supposed to feast on?

Verse 54: Jacob will talk to them again tomorrow, but something interesting happens to him tonight. You’ll find out what at the beginning of the next chapter.

 

6. Read 2 Nephi 10.

Verse 3: What interesting thing happened to Jacob last night?

Verse 9: England (a gentile country with a king) established Israel in these last days.

Verses 10 & 11: This is about the American Continent. In all of North and South America, there are no kings.

Verse 16: Do you remember who this great whore is? See footnote 16e for a clue. So are you for or against God?

Verse 23: Sing, “Know This, That Every Soul Is Free” (Hymns, #240).

Verse 24: How do you reconcile yourself to the will of God?

 

[Nephi]

7. Read 2 Nephi 11.

This is Nephi talking now. Nephi says, “my soul delighteth” five times in this chapter. Mark these five times and notice what things Nephi was delighted by. What things are you delighted by?

Verses 2 & 3: What three witnesses saw the Redeemer?

Verse 4: The law of Moses consisted of religious observances that served to remind the people of the future coming of the Savior.

Verse 8: Nephi wrote the words of Isaiah. Why? He copied them from the brass plates. The next thirteen chapters are what Nephi copied from Isaiah. Why do you think he bothered to copy for us all these chapters of scripture that we already have?

 

- IX -

Isaiah

 

[Isaiah]

1. Read 2 Nephi 12.

Isaiah tells about our days and of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Can you tell which verses talk about our days and which verses talk about the Second Coming?

 

2. Read 2 Nephi 13

Isaiah wrote this before the Jews were scattered and persecuted. This chapter explains the things that the Jews were doing that brought upon them their scattering and persecutions. We need to be careful not to duplicate their sins, or else we may be in danger of receiving punishments.

Verse 5: This verse mentions children who talk back or are rude to their parents or other adults. This used to be unheard of, but seems so common today. This is a wicked practice.

Verses 18-23: Does any of this sound like the styles in our days?

 

3. Read 2 Nephi 14.

This chapter describes some of the things that will happen during the Millennium.

Verse 5: What do you think a dwelling-place of mount Zion might be? Why would it need a defense of cloud and fire?

 

4. Read 2 Nephi 15:1-17.

Verses 1-7: What’s all this talk about vineyards and grapes? To find out what the vineyards and grapes represent, read verse seven. The wild grapes are oppression and a cry. What could have been done to avoid the destruction? Remember that this applies to us as well.

Verses 8-17 (also verses 18-23): Here Isaiah pronounces wo on the evil people of the world. These are the punishments that will come upon them.

Verse 10: The land will not produce much.

Verse 11: This is about alcoholics.

Verse 12: Because of all the loud music and partying, they can’t feel the spirit.

 

5. Read 2 Nephi 15:18-30.

Verse 18: They fall to iniquity because they are vain, meaning that they would rather look good than actually be good. Their sins are a heavy burden.

Verse 19: Since these people are wicked, they are unable to feel the Spirit of the Lord and recognize His work. They want to see some big sign or miracle before they will believe the Lord is near. Unfortunately, when someone is seeking for a sign, they often get one in the form of a punishment.

Verse 20: You can probably give examples of people who call evil good and good evil.

Verse 21: This is about people who make up their own version of wisdom, which is contrary to true wisdom, or the Lord’s way. A good example of this is the people who think it is wise to live together before they marry.

Verse 24: It sounds like these people will lose their posterity (stubble produces no fruit, and chaff is what is left over after the fruit is taken away) and their ancestors (root). Without any link to their family, they cannot have Eternal Life.

Verse 26: An ensign is a flag, banner, or emblem. Two days after Brigham Young arrived in Salt Lake Valley, he and some of the apostles climbed a bluff overlooking the valley. From this peak, Brigham Young prophesied that this is the place that would fulfill the prophecy of this verse. He said that all nations of the world would be welcome in this place and that here the saints would enjoy prosperity and peace. This has already come to pass, when people from all over the world have settled in that valley.

Verses 28 & 29: Many people think these verses describe planes and trains. What do you think?

 

6. Read 2 Nephi 16.

Verse 1: A bride wears a train. It’s the part of her dress that drags on the floor behind her. The Lord’s large train is symbolic of his great power.

Verse 2: Seraphim are the angels that attend the Lord. Their wings are symbolic for their power and the fact that they can fly.

Verse 9: The people are not converted.

 

7. Read 2 Nephi 17.

Verse 1: This verse was written during the time that the Israelite people were divided into two countries. The Northern country was called Israel (also called Ephraim) and the Southern country was called Judah (also called Jerusalem, or house of David). Why would they fight with one another?

Verses 10-13: Ahaz knew it was wrong to ask God for a sign, but in this case, the Lord wanted him to.

Verses 14-16: It is obvious who this child is.

 

- X -

Isaiah Continued

 

[Isaiah]

1. Read 2 Nephi 18.

Verses 13 & 14: The Lord and the truth can be a stumbling block for those who hear the truth but do not heed it.

Verse 19: Those with familiar spirits and wizards that peep and mutter could be people who claim to have mysterious powers, like fortune tellers and others.

 

2. Read 2 Nephi 19.

Isaiah speaks Messianically. This means he speaks the words the Messiah speaks, so this chapter sounds as if the Lord wrote it himself. He also talks about things to come as if they already happened.

Verse 2: People who sit in darkness are unbelievers. The great light can be representative of the gospel, or of the Lord himself.

Verse 3: The harvest is often representative of missionary work.

Verse 4: You could take this to be about Israel (see footnote 4a) or you personally. As you live the gospel, you become free from the oppression of sin.

Verse 6: You know whom this is talking about. Isaiah testified of Christ. All prophets do.

Verses 9-21: This lists Israel’s sins, but emphasizes that the Lord’s hand is still stretched out to them. This means that even though they sin and bring upon themselves so many punishments, the Lord is still there, waiting for them to turn to him and repent and he will help them. It is the same with us. The Lord wants to forgive us of our sins and he will help us if we turn to him.

 

3. Read 2 Nephi 20:1-19.

Verse 1 & 2: It seems that one of the most serious sins that a people can commit is to ignore the poor, the widows, and the fatherless.

Verse 3: A day of visitation refers to a time when the Lord allows enemies or natural disasters to come upon his people to help them remember him. How can we be prepared for these events?

Verse 5: Assyria is the Middle East and an enemy to Israel.

Verses 12-14: The Lord strengthened Israel, yet the king said that Israel was great because of himself.

Verse 15: The king is the tool and the Lord is the one that uses it.

Verses 16-19: These are the punishments to Israel because the king took all the credit for the blessings that the Lord gave them.

 

4. Read 2 Nephi 20:20-34.

Verse 20: A remnant is a part that is left over after the majority of the item is used up.

Verse 21: The remnant returns by joining God’s church.

Verse 27: They shall be free from slavery.

Verse 33: What does this verse mean?

 

5. Read 2 Nephi 21.

Verses 1: Joseph Smith wondered what the stem of Jesse, the rod, and the roots are, so he asked the Lord. Their conversation is recorded in D&C 113:1-6.

Verses 6-9: These are conditions during the Millennium.

Verse 11: The first time the Lord recovered Israel was when he freed them from Egypt. The second time is the restoration of the gospel and the gathering of Israel.

 

6. Read 2 Nephi 22.

This chapter is called Isaiah’s psalm of song. This is a song of praise to the Lord. Songs are a great way to praise God. Remember to participate in the Hymn singing at church. It is also appropriate to praise God in your prayers. Take a moment now to sing a hymn of praise, such as “Glory to God on High” (Hymn 67) or “How Great Thou Art” (Hymn 86).

Read 2 Nephi 23.

This chapter describes the conditions of the Second Coming. Are you ready? Notice the warnings about pride.

 

7. Read 2 Nephi 24

Verses 1-3: The Lord will bless the righteous during the Millennium.

Verses 12-17: This is about Satan during the Millennium.

Verses 18-32: The righteous will triumph over the wicked.

 

- XI -

Nephi’s Prophesies

 

[Nephi]

1. Read 2 Nephi 25:1-11.

Verse 1: You just finished reading a lot of Isaiah’s writings. If you found much of it hard to understand, don’t worry. Many people have difficulty with Isaiah’s writings. As you continue to have a habit of scripture study throughout your life, you will read and re-read Isaiah and each time it will have more meaning for you.

Verse 4: We can learn more from Isaiah by revelation through the Holy Ghost.

Verse 7: When will Isaiah’s prophesies be obvious to people?

Verse 8: For whom did Nephi write all the Isaiah chapters?

 

2. Read 2 Nephi 25:12-19.

This is about Jesus. While Christ is mentioned throughout the Book of Mormon, verses 19 & 20 actually use the name Jesus, which is rarely used in the Book of Mormon.

 

3. Read 2 Nephi 25:20-30.

Verse 20: This is Nephi’s testimony.

Verse 23: What is grace?

Verse 26: Are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Christian? Sing “I Believe in Christ” (Hymns, #134).

 

4. Read 2 Nephi 26:1-13.

Nephi tells what it will be like for the Nephites at the time of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection. This is also similar to what it will be like for us when Jesus comes again. What can we learn about pride from these verses?

 

5. Read 2 Nephi 26:14-33.

Verse 14: Now Nephi is talking about our day.

Verses 16 & 17: The people who were destroyed speak to us today in the Book of Mormon.

Verse 21: Envyings is jealousy, strifes is contention, and malice is wishing harm on others.

Verse 31: Who is the laborer in Zion? Why would he perish if he labors for money?

Verse 32: Sounds like the Ten Commandments. Compare this verse to Exodus 20:3-17.

Verse 33: Sing “Come Unto Jesus” (Hymns, #116).

 

[Isaiah]

6. Read 2 Nephi 27:1-18.

These are Isaiah’s words about the Book of Mormon.

Verse 2: These are the last days. There are more natural disasters now than ever.

Verses 3 & 4: Those that fight against Zion will be unfulfilled.

Verse 6: The book is the Book of Mormon. Underline the word book and write Book of Mormon in the margin.

Verse 9: The man referred to here is Joseph Smith.

Verse 12: Remember the Testimony of the Three Witnesses in the front of the Book of Mormon?

Verse 13: Remember the Testimony of the Eight Witnesses?

Verses 15-18: To read the interesting story of the fulfillment of this prophecy, read Joseph Smith-History 1:63-65.

 

7. Read 2 Nephi 27:19-35.

Verse 19: The man who is not learned is Joseph Smith. He did not have very many years of formal schooling.

Verse 25: This would be people who go through the motions – going to church, saying repeated prayers, etc. – but don’t have their own true testimony.

Verse 26: The “Marvelous work and a wonder” is the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the gospel.

Verse 29: This is talking about spiritual deafness and blindness. Those that read the Book of Mormon will hear and see the things of God.

Verse 31: This has not happened yet to the world, but it can happen to us individually. If we diligently seek the things of the Kingdom, there will be no place for evil.

 

-XII-

Nephi’s Prophesies Continued

 

[Nephi]

1. Read 2 Nephi 28:1-18.

Verse 2: The book mentioned here is the Book of Mormon. Mark this in your scriptures.

Verses 3-18: These verses teach about false churches in our day today. Can you spot the lies?

Verse 8: Do you ever feel like it’s not bad to do something wrong, as long as it is only a little wrong? This is how Satan tricks you and traps you.

 

2. Read 2 Nephi 28:19-32.

Verses 19-22: This talks about three tools the devil uses to keep people from choosing the right. The first is anger (verses 19 & 20). Has your anger ever lead you to do something wrong? The second is carnal security (verse 21). Do you ever feel like your life is OK and you forget to turn to the Lord? The third is flattery (verse 22). Have you ever been confused by things that sound right, but actually go against what is right and true?

Verse 30: The Lord will teach us a little at a time. When we learn one thing, he will teach us more. If we think we are smart enough and don’t need to learn more, we will start to forget the things we already learned.

Verse 31: Remember we should trust God more than we trust people and things.

 

3. Read 2 Nephi 29.

This chapter is about the Last Days when the Gospel is restored.

Verse 2: This is about the Book of Mormon.

Verse 3: People reject the Book of Mormon because they believe they only need the Bible.

Verses 7-14: This is a good explanation of why we need more than just the Bible.

 

4. Read 2 Nephi 30.

Verse 3: This is talking about the Book of Mormon and the Last Days.

Verse 10: This is about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Verses 12-18: This is about the Millennium.

 

5. Read 2 Nephi 31.

Verse 2: Nephi says that he will now teach the most simple, basic principles of the doctrine of Christ. Notice what these basic principles are as you read the rest of the chapter. Which Article of Faith also teaches the same principles?

Verse 4: Who is this prophet? Write it in the margin of your scriptures.

Verses 7-19: This is why Jesus was baptized.

Verse 10: Sing, “Come, Follow Me” (Hymns, #116).

Verse 13: The baptism of fire is receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. What does it mean to speak with the tongue of angels?

Verse 19: After a person is baptized, do they get to relax, knowing that they will receive Eternal Life?

Verse 20: What does it mean to press forward? What is steadfastness? What is a perfect brightness of hope? The love of God is charity. What is charity? Do you feast on the words of Christ? Enduring to the end is a lot more than staying out of trouble. It is actively working for the Lord. Sing “Press Forward, Saints” (Hymns, #81).

 

6. Read 2 Nephi 32.

Verse 1:  When someone is baptized, they have “entered in by the way.”

Verses 3-5: Wouldn’t it be nice to know what is the right thing to do in all situations? You can. These verses tell you how.

Verse 7: Stiffneckedness is stubbornness. Are you ever wicked, ignorant and stubborn, or do you search for truth and knowledge?

Verses 8 & 9: Have you ever thought about praying, but didn’t really feel like doing it? This was Satan’s influence on you. When should you pray?

 

7. Read 2 Nephi 33.

Nephi is talking directly to you, the reader.

Verse 3: Nephi loved his brothers so much that he cried for them when they were disobedient.

Verses 14 & 15: We will be judged by the things that Nephi wrote.

Write a summary of 2 Nephi. You can use the chapter headings for help.

 

- XIII -

Jacob

 

[Jacob]

1. Read Jacob 1:1-8

Verses 1 & 2: Nephi gave the plates to his brother Jacob. Turn to the Golden Plates Progression Chart at the back of this guide. Put Nephi and Jacob in the first and second boxes of the chart. This shows that Nephi started the gold plates then gave them to his brother Jacob to keep the records. Remember that Nephi was a lot older than Jacob. Jacob was born while Lehi and his family were in the wilderness. Nephi was married and having children of his own at the time that Jacob was born.

 

2. Read Jacob 1:9-19.

Verse 18: Remember that Joseph is Jacob’s younger brother and Lehi’s youngest son.

Verse 19: You have the same responsibility. If the Lord expects you to teach the word of God to someone then you had better do it, or else you are responsible for that person’s sins.

 

3. Read Jacob 2:1-11.

Here Jacob describes something that the Lord has asked him to do; yet he would prefer not to do it. Jacob will do it anyway.

 

4. Read Jacob 2:12-21.

Verses 12-17: The first sin Jacob talked to them about is love of money. Being rich is not a sin, but loving money more than people is a sin.

Verses 18 & 19: These verses teach us the proper attitude toward wealth. Sing, “Because I Have Been Given Much” (Hymn #219).

Verse 20: Have you ever had unkind thoughts or said unkind things about someone else? If so, you have been in the trap called pride.

 

5. Read Jacob 2:22-35.

Notice in these verses what things are considered gross crimes.

Verses 27-33: Jacob quotes what the Lord said.

 

6. Read Jacob 3.

Verse 9: We should not pre-judge someone or dislike them because of the color of their skin.

Verse 11: The first death is the death of out bodies, which will be overcome when we resurrect. The second death is the death of our spirits, or a separation from God. This can be overcome through repentance.

Verse 12: What is lasciviousness? Have you ever been guilty of this sin?

 

7. Read Jacob 4.

Verse 6: Imagine having so much faith that you could command nature and it obeys.

Verse 10: We should not tell the Lord how to run things, but we should ask the Lord how he would like us to do things.

Verse 14: The Jews ignored the simple beauty of the gospel and focused more on the complex mysteries. This is how they missed the mark (Jesus Christ). They didn’t even realize when the Savior was among them.

 

- XIV -

The Allegory of the Olive Tree

 

[Jacob]

1. Read Jacob 5:1-14.

This is the longest and most unique chapter in the Book of Mormon! This is Jacob quoting the prophet Zenos. Zenos is quoted a lot in the Book of Mormon, yet we don’t know when and where he lived. Apparently, there was a record of Zenos in the brass plates. Even though much of the brass plates are the same as what we have in the Old Testament, it appears that this part was left out of the Old Testament.

            This chapter is known as the allegory of the tame and wild olive tree. Everything in the allegory is a symbol for something else. It is an overview of the history of the Israelites, including their past, present, and future.

Here is the decoder for the entire allegory:

Symbol

Meaning

Vineyard

The World

Master of the Vineyard

Jesus Christ

The Servant

Prophets

Tame Olive Tree

Israel

Wild Olive Tree

Gentiles

Branches

Groups of People

Fruit

The Works of the People

Grafting

Scattering and/or gathering the Israelites

Verse 3: Israel is falling into apostasy.

Verses 4 & 5: The Lord is trying to revive Israel by calling them to repentance.

Verse 6: It sounds like the Israelite leaders were still wicked.

Verses 8-14: Grafting is planting a portion of one plant into another plant. This is symbolic of scattering Israel throughout other nations.

 

2. Read Jacob 5:15-28.

Verse 25: This sounds like the Nephites and Lamanites.

 

3. Read Jacob 5:29-49.

These verses describe the period of time known as the Great Apostasy. The gospel was not on the earth anywhere.

Verse 40: It sounds like the Lamanites killed off the Nephites.

 

4. Read Jacob 5:49-69.

Verses 52-69: This is about the gathering of Israel in the Latter-Days.

 

5. Read Jacob 5:70-77.

Verses 70-72: This is about missionary work.

Verse 76: This is the Millennium.

Verse 77: This is the end of the world.

 

6. Read Jacob 6.

This chapter is Jacob’s commentary on the allegory in chapter 5.

Verses 5-12: This is how you can apply the allegory to your life.

 

7. Read Jacob 7.

Verse 2: Sherem preaches against Christ, so he is an anti-Christ.

Verse 4: If a person is very skilled with using words to persuade others, it does not mean they are right. Just because a person gives the best argument, it does not mean what they are saying is true. There are many confusing messages in the world. How can you know what is true?

Verses 10-12: Jacob told Sherem three basic ways that someone can learn the truth about Christ. Can you identify them?

Verse 13 & 14: We should seek miracles through our faith, obedience, and humility. If you ask for a miracle as a sign that God is there, you are challenging God to prove that he exists. He doesn’t need to prove himself to you, but you do need to prove yourself to him. We need to show faith. If we won’t believe until after we’ve seen a sign, we might receive one to our own condemnation. This is what happened to Sherem.

Verse 20: Add Sherem to the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart. Tell the story of Sherem the anti-Christ.

Verse 27: Add Enos to the Golden Plates Progression Chart under Jacob.

          Write a summary of the book of Jacob.

 

-XV-

Eight Prophets

 

[Enos]

1. Read Enos 1:1-18.

In this chapter, you can learn what a great power prayer can be.

Verse 2: Underline the word wrestle. That does it mean to wrestle before God? Have you ever wrestled in this way?

Verse 3: Apparently Enos was not happy because of his sins. Enos wanted to repent so that he could be happy again.

Verse 4: Underline the word hungered. Have you ever hungered for righteousness? Taking the opportunity to spend an extended amount of time communicating with Heavenly Father can bring about a life-changing experience. Read on to see what happened with Enos.

Verse 8: This is a spiritual healing.

Verse 9: Once Enos’ sins are forgiven, he prays for his friends and family.

Verse 11: After praying for his friends and family, Enos prays for his enemies.

Verse 15: Underline the second half of this verse, starting at whatsoever.

 

2. Read Enos 1:19-27.

Verse 25: Put Enos on the timeline.

Verse 27: Add Enos to the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart.

            Write a summary of the book of Enos.

 

[Jarom]

3. Read the Book of Jarom.

This book illustrates the relationship between freedom and keeping the commandments.

Verse 1: Add Jarom to the Golden Plates Progression Chart under Enos.

Verse 5: To profane or blaspheme means to speak irreverently about God or other sacred things.

Verse 15: Add Omni to the Golden Plates Progression Chart below Jarom. Add Jarom to the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart

            Write a summary of the book of Jarom.

 

[Omni, Amaron, Chemish, Abinadom]

4. Read Omni 1:1-11.

The Book of Omni contains the writings of five succeeding prophets. Each wrote a very brief summary of their times.

Verse 3: Add Amaron to the Golden Plates Progression Chart below Omni.

Verse 8: Add Chemish to the Golden Plates Progression Chart beside Amaron.

Verse 9: This is all that Chemish wrote. He mentioned that he saw his brother Amaron write on the plates the same day that he gave them to Chemish. This is one reason why we should write in our journals regularly. If you wait until the end of your life to write in your journal, you will probably leave out so much.

Verse 10: Add Abinadom to the Golden Plates Progression Chart below Chemish.

 

[Ameleki]

5. Read Omni 1:12-19.

Verse 12: Add Amaleki to the Golden Plates Progression Chart below Abinadom.

Verse 13: King Mosiah and the obedient Nephites left the land of Nephi and went far away to Zarahamla. Add “Zarahemla” to your map in space 3.

Verses 15-19: Zarahemla was a land full of people that the Nephites hadn’t known of. Similar to Lehi’s family, the Lord brought these people out of Jerusalem and across the ocean to the American Continent. Unfortunately, they didn’t bring any scriptures with them and they didn’t keep any records themselves. Therefore, they forgot the commandments and their language had changed. These people are known as the Mulekites.

 

6. Read Omni 1:20-30.

Verses 20-22: These verses refer to a third group of people who were lead to the American Continent long before these other groups. They had their own language and kept records. These people are known as the Jaredites. Because the Jaredites were all killed off, their land became known to the Nephites as the Land of Desolation. Put “Desolation” on the map in space 4.

Verse 25: Add King Benjamin to the Golden Plates Progression Chart after Amaleki. Underline the end of this verse after the semicolon.

Verse 26: Underline Come unto Christ. Amaleki was talking directly to us when he wrote this.

Verses 27-30: A group of Nephites went back to the Land of Nephi to live. We will learn what happened to them later.

            Write a summary of the book of Omni.

 

[Mormon]

7. Read the Words of Mormon.

Mormon abridged all but the last three books in the Book of Mormon, and also put his own book in.            Notice the date in Omni compared to the date in the Words of Mormon. Mormon talks about different sets of records. They include:

-  The Book of Mormon

-  The large plates of Nephi, a historical record

- The small plated of Nephi, a religious record

- The set of records Mormon abridged

Can you tell which verses talk about which records?

Verse 1: Put Mormon and Moroni in the last two slots on the Golden Plates Progression Chart.

Verse 2: Mormon knows that the Nephites will soon be destroyed.

Verse 17: King Benjamin was a good king.

            Write a summary of the Words of Mormon.

 

- XVI -

King Benjamin

 

            The book of Mosiah contains a record that was kept by King Benjamin, then later by his son, Mosiah. This book was abridged by Mormon, so that it sounds like Mormon telling these stories.

 

[King Benjamin]

1. Read Mosiah 1.

Notice the date. Put King Benjamin on the timeline.

Verses 3-7: The Nephites had scriptures that they studied, believed, and obeyed. The Lamanites didn’t study scriptures. How did the lives of the Nephites and Lamanites differ? How can your life be affected by scripture study? Sing “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (CS, pg. 109).

Verses 16: Add Mosiah to the Golden Plates Progression Chart under King Benjamin.

 

2. Read Mosiah 2:1-27.

Verse 6: They put the door of their tents toward the temple so that they could hear God’s words. We should turn our hearts toward the temple so that we will do what the Lord wants us to do and be worthy to go there.

Verse 7 & 8: King Benjamin used all the technology available to him to preach to the people. He had a tower built and the words written so that everyone could hear or read the words. Today the prophets have buildings built and words written, but they also use radio, TV, and the Internet so anyone in the world could hear or read their words.

Verse 9: When you trifle with something, you treat it like a small thing. The words which King Benjamin are about to speak should be taken very seriously. King Benjamin’s address to the people starts in this verse and ends at the end of chapter 5.

Verses 11-18: Underline each time the words serve, service, or served are used. Sing, “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief” (Hymn #29).

Verses 12-14: Notice the qualities that made King Benjamin a good king.

Verse 21: Heavenly Father has done so much for us that we could never repay him, no matter how hard we try.

Verse 22: What does Heavenly Father want us to do? Sing, “Keep the Commandments” (CS, pg. 146).

Verse 24: Do you ever boast?

 

3. Read Mosiah 2:28-41.

Verse 28: If King Benjamin did not teach his people to choose the right, he would have been accountable for their sins.

Verse 32: When you are contentious, you are obeying the evil spirit.

Verses 36 & 37: If you know what is right and what is wrong and you choose the wrong, you are in open rebellion against God and an enemy to all righteousness.

Verse 41: Neverending happiness sounds nice. How can you get it? Sing “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (CS, pg. 164).

 

4. Read Mosiah 3.

These verses will show that, not only was King Benjamin their political leader, but he was also their prophet. He taught the most basic gospel truths.

Verse 8: An angel told King Benjamin what the names of Christ and his mother would be.

Verse 19: What is the natural man?

 

5. Read Mosiah 4:1-15.

Verse 5: Were they really worthless? They might have felt that way because they had sinned. The sense of nothingness and worthlessness they felt was how they expressed their humility and their readiness to repent.

Verse 11: Do you call on the name of the Lord daily?

Verse 14: When you fight and quarrel, you are serving the devil.

Verse 15: Sing, Love Is Spoken Here” (CS, pg. 190).

 

6. Read Mosiah 4:16-30.

Verse 16: Succor means to help. What does it mean that “the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain”?

Verses 17 & 18: Heavenly Father doesn’t want us to judge the needy. He wants us to help them.

Verse 30: What does it mean to watch yourself?

 

7. Read Mosiah 5.

Verse 2: How can you be a person that has “no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually”?

Verse 7: Who is the father of your soul when you are born again?

Verse 14: What is the name by which ye are called? See verse 8.

Read Mosiah 6.

Verse 5: Add king Benjamin to the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart.

 

- XVII -

Shilom

 

[King Mosiah]

1. Read Mosiah 7:1-7.

Verse 1: Remember the people who wanted to go back to Lehi-Nephi? See Omni 1:27-30.

Verse 5: Add “Shilom” to the map in space 5.

 

2. Read Mosiah 7:8-16.

Verse 9: Ammon was lucky to find the land of Lehi-Nephi at all. Further, it was very fortunate that he found Zeniff’s people right away, rather than wandering into Lamanite lands.

Verse 14: Why did Limhi think the Nephites were dead? We’ll find out later.

Verse 15: Their taxes were so high that they would rather be slaves than to pay such high taxes.

 

3. Read Mosiah 7:17-33.

Verse 17: They had a temple!

Verse 20: Why are they in bondage to the Lamanites?

Verse 21: Why would the Lamanites give some land to their enemies?

Verse 22: Compare this tax to the tax systems today.

Verse 26-28: This talking about Abinadai. You will read more about him later in Mosiah.

 

4. Read Mosiah 8.

Verses 7 & 8: A small group of men had left Shilom looking for Zarahemla. Instead of Zarahemla, they found a deserted land full of people’s bones. They thought it was Zarahemla, but actually it was what remained of the Jaredites. Who were the Jaredites?

Verse 9: These twenty-four plates are now the book of Ether.

Verse 13: What are the interpreters called?

Verse 18:

 

5. Read Mosiah 9:1-9.

Notice the date on page 163 is later than the date on page 164. That’s because we’re going back now to find out what all happened to those Nephites who went back to Lehi-Nephi to live. Chapters 9-22 are their story.

Verse 3: Why were they smitten with famine and afflictions? What does it mean to be slow to remember the Lord? Are you ever slow to remember the Lord?

Verse 7: Why would a king kick out his own people from an entire city and let his enemies live there? The answer is in verse 10.

 

[Zeniff]

6. Read Mosiah 9:10-19.

Verse 18 & 19: Compare the number of deaths among the Lamanites to the number of Zeniff’s people that died. There is quite a difference between the two groups. The Lord was with Zeniff’s people.

 

7. Read Mosiah 10.

Verse 10: Zeniff was a good leader.

Verses 12-17: This lists the false traditions of the Lamanites. They blame the Nephites for the things in their own lives that they don’t like. Do you ever blame others for your own bad attitude?

 

- XVIII -

Abinadi’s Preaching

 

[King Mosiah]

1. Read Mosiah 11.

Who do you think might have recorded the events in this chapter? As you read this chapter, compare king Noah with King Benjamin. Notice how a good or bad leader can influence the people. See Mosiah chapters 1-5 for comparison.

Verse 15: A wine-bibber is a drunkard.

Verse 19: Whenever people become lifted up in pride, they become ready to fall. How sad that they were happy to shed blood.

Verse 21: Abinadi said they will become slaves to the Lamanites unless they repent.

Verse 24: What does this verse mean?

Verse 26: The wicked take the truth to be hard.

Verse 27 & 28: King Noah said that Abinadi is bad and should be killed. What other people do you know of that have had similar judgements?

Verse 29: The people loved their sins more than they loved the Lord.

 

2. Read Mosiah 12:1-16.

Verse 14: Sinning was such a part of their society, that they no longer thought that there’s anything wrong with it. Even today, people have the feeling that if so many people are doing it, then it can’t be wrong.

 

[Abinadi]

3. Read Mosiah 12:17-37.

Verse 18: It seems like the priests were telling the king what to think and do.

Verse 19: The priests wanted to trick Abinadi into saying something that they could punish him for. The priests probably considered themselves as very knowledgeable on the scriptures, so perhaps this is supposed to be some kind of test for Abinadi. The priests might have known the scriptures, but they didn’t know the Lord.

Verses 20-24: The priests quote Isaiah and ask Abinadi to tell them what it means.

Verse 25: Indeed, these men were set apart to be religious leaders and teachers of the people, but instead they led the people in wickedness.

Verse 27: Abinadi said, “Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding”. What does that mean? When you don’t understand something in the scriptures, so you apply your heart to understanding?

Verses 28-33: It sounds like Abinadi is using the truth to catch the priests in their lies.

Verses 35 & 36: Abinadi starts reciting the Ten Commandments to the priests. Compare these verses to Exodus 20:3-4.

 

4. Read Mosiah 13.

Verse 10: Abinadi knew that whatever the king did to Abinadi would later be done to the king.

Verse 11: What does it mean to have the commandments written in your heart?

Verses 12-24: Here are the rest of the Ten Commandments. This is almost exactly the same wording we have in the Bible. Compare these verses to Exodus 20:4-17. Do you think the priests might have been breaking some of the commandments? Do you obey all these commandments?

Verse 24: When you feel like it’s no fair that someone has something that you want, you are coveting. Be careful. Coveting can lead to greater sins.

Verse 27: The Law of Moses was a long, detailed list of commandments that the people were expected to keep.

Verse 30: Why were the Israelites given the Law of Moses?

 

[Isaiah]

5. Read Mosiah 14.

Now Abinadi reads Isaiah. You can compare this chapter to Isaiah 53. Who is this chapter talking about? Why do you think Abinadi chose this particular chapter to read?

 

[Abinadi]

6. Read Mosiah 15:1-18.

Verses 1-4: This may seem confusing or even contrary to what we know of the Godhead. The priests understood “God”, but they didn’t understand the role of the Savior. By describing the Savior in this way, the priests could understand the nature of the Father, as they are one in purpose.

Verses 11-18: These verses answer the question that the priests asked back in chapter 12, verses 20-24.

 

7. Read Mosiah 15:18-31.

Verse 26: Abinadi warned them that since they know the commandments but don’t keep them, they have willfully rebelled against God. You are also in rebellion against God if there are some things that you know you’re doing wrong and you don’t repent.

Verses 29-31: Abinadi is quoting Isaiah again.

 

- XIX -

Three Brave Men: Abinadi, Alma, and Gideon

 

1. Read Mosiah 16.

Here Abinadi teaches the priests some very basic things, including the Plan of Salvation. As priests, they should already know these things. Why is it that they don’t?

Verses 7 & 8: Sing, “He Is Risen!” (Hymn # 199).

 

[King Mosiah]

2. Read Mosiah 17.

Verses 2-4: Alma was the only one who believed what Abinadi said. Now the king will kill Abinadi. Was all this worth it for just one convert?

Verses 11 & 12: The king’s heart softened a little, but he liked his friends more than the Lord. He did what his friends wanted him to do rather than what the Lord wanted him to do.

Verse 13: A faggot is a burning stick.

Verse 20: Abinadi was put to death because he didn’t deny the truth. Now his words can never be changed. Thus, his testimony is sealed and stands as a witness against the king and his priests. Is your testimony strong enough that you would be willing to give your life in defense of the truth? You should give your life for the truth every day, in every choice you make. Each day, you make choices, whether you will choose the right or fall to temptation.

            Sing verse four of Book of Mormon Stories (CS, p.118). Put Abinadi on the timeline and on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart. Tell the story of Abinadi to someone.

 

3. Read Mosiah 18:1-17.

Verses 1-7: Alma was brave to preach, knowing that if he were caught he would be killed.

Verses 8-10: These verses list eight promises we made when we got baptized and four things the Lord promises us when we are baptized. Underline these things. This would be a good time to write in your journal the things you remember about your baptism.

Verse 14: Why do you think Alma went under also?

 

4. Read Mosiah 18:18-35.

Verses 20-25: Underline the things that Alma said the people should do as priests and as members of the church.

Verses 23 & 25: Sing, “Thanks for the Sabbath School” (Hymn #278).

Verse 26: The priests were supposed to have their own jobs to support themselves. That’s how our church is today. What problems might arise from a paid ministry?

Verse 34: Alma and his people ran off into the wilderness. We will read more about this group of people later.

 

5. Read Mosiah 19:1-15.

Verse 8: It seems like Gideon would have killed him anyway, but that is not how the king was to die. Do you remember Abinadi’s prophecy? See Mosiah 17:18.

Verse 11: The king is a coward. He wouldn’t even defend his family! King Noah would rather that his family die than himself. He is selfish and unfit to be king.

 

6. Read Mosiah 19:16-29.

Verse 20: This is how Abinadi said the king would be killed. Put King Noah on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart.

 

7. Read Mosiah 20.

Verse 17: This is the same Gideon that almost killed King Noah.

Verse 26: Whew! That was close!

What three brave men did you read about in Mosiah 16 through Mosiah 20?

 

- XX -

Captivity and Freedom

 

[King Mosiah]

1. Read Mosiah 21 1-17.

Verses 2-3: This is what Abinadi said would happen.

Verse 8-12: They still haven’t repented. The Lord will bless them when they do.

Verse 14: Aha! This is what Heavenly Father wants them to do!

 

2. Read Mosiah 21:18-36

Verse 23: Remember Ammon who came from Zarahemla to see how the Nephites were doing doing in Lehi-Nephi? We’re back to that part of the story now.

Verses 25-27: The Jaredites had once lived in the land that they found. We will read the Jaredite history translated from the plates of ore. It’s the book of Ether.

Verses 30-35: Yes! They really have repented! Now they’re really ready to be saved!

 

3. Read Mosiah 22.

Verse 3: Again, this is the same Gideon that almost killed Limhi’s father, King Noah.

Verse 13: Gideon’s plan worked. They all got to Zarahemla safely. They were blessed.

 

4. Read Mosiah 23:1-18.

This chapter and the next one are about Alma and the people that went with him into the wilderness to escape King Noah.

Verse 14: As a priest of King Noah, Alma did not keep the commandments. Instead he, along with the other wicked priests, taught the people to sin.

 

5. Read Mosiah 23:19-39.

Verses 19 & 20: Put “Helam” on the map in space 6

Verse 21: Alma’s followers were good people, yet the Lord wanted to chasten them to try their patience and faith. Many people seem to have faith as long as it is easy to do so, but when hardships come along, people often lose patience and faith. Do you ever lose patience and faith in the Lord? What would be an appropriate response when hardships come along? Have you ever thought that hardships are blessings from the Lord because he wants you to learn and grow?

 

6. Read Mosiah 24.

Verse 15: They had lots of hardships, but the Lord wanted to bless them for their faithfulness. The Lord made their burdens light, and the people did their work cheerfully. Did you know that if you have a good attitude and a desire to do what’s right the Lord can also help you?

Verse 9: Put Amulon on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chert.

Verses 16-20: The bondage and deliverance of Alma’s people was a lot easier than the bondage ond deliverance of King Limhi and his people. Why would the Lord bless one group of people more than another? What can you do to gain favor with Heavenly Father?

            Remember that Alma’s people already had faith, but they were still subject to the evils of others.

            Tell the story of Alma and his people.

 

7. Read Mosiah 25.

Now all the Nephites are back in Zarahemla.

Verses 8-11: The people had great compassion, which helped them feel joy and sorrow for others.

Verse 22: Aren’t these the first principles of the gospel?

Verse 24: The Lord blesses his people.

 

-XXI-

Conversion, Government

 

[King Mosiah]

1. Read Mosiah 26:1-12.

Verse 6: It is also a problem today that church members become confused by the many things the world has to offer. They care more for the things of the world than things of a spiritual nature. How can you make sure this doesn’t happen to you?

Verse 12: Why wouldn’t the king judge them?

 

[Jesus]

2. Read Mosiah 26:12-39.

Verses 15-19: The word blessed is in each of these verses. What can you do to be blessed?

Verse 20: Alma was blessed to already know that he would have eternal life!

 

[King Mosiah]

3. Read Mosiah 27:1-18.

Verse 14: Alma (the younger) did not invite the angel. It was the prayers of his father and others that brought about this miracle.

 

4. Read Mosiah 27:19-37.

Verses 24 & 25: When you humble yourself before God and repent, you are born again. Everyone should be born again.

Verse 29: Using two colors, underline in one color the things Alma suffered because of his wickedness; in another color, underline the blessings Alma received because he repented. Alma suffered for two days, but he said he was “racked with eternal torment”. What does that mean?

Verse 30: Alma’s conversion was dramatic and sudden. Understand that this is not the way most people gain their testimony. Our testimonies usually grow a little at a time, bit by bit. Can you sense your testimony growing?

Verse 32: Alma used to go around persecuting the believers. Now he goes around teaching the truth and people persecute him for believing.

Sing the third verse of Book of Mormon Stories (CS, p. 118).

 

5. Read Mosiah 28.

Verse 1: The sons of Mosiah had compassion on the Lamanites, their enemies. They wanted to preach to them. What good could come of that?

Verse 17: Do you know what people this is talking about?

Verse 19: This account is now the book of Ether.

Verse 20: Add Alma (the younger) to the Golden Plates progression chart after Mosiah.

 

[Alma]

6. Read Mosiah 29:1-27.

This chapter gives a few examples of good and bad government structures.

Verses 16 & 17: Why is a monarchy (rule by a king) not a good idea?

Verses 22-23: Can you think of a king who was like this?

Verse 26: This is why a democracy (rule by the people) works better than a Monocracy (rule by a king).

 

7. Read Mosiah 29:28-47.

Verse 42: This is the younger Alma, the one who was wicked, then converted by an angel. His father is the one who was a wicked priest until he was converted by Abinadi.

Verse 44: Put “Beginning of the reign of the judges” on the timeline.

Verse 45: Put Alma (the elder) on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart.

Verse 46: Put Mosiah on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart.

Write a summary of the book of Mosiah. You can use chapter heading to help you.

 

-XXII-

Priestcraft vs. True Gospel

 

You’re doing great! Look how much you’ve read so far! You’ve already read the most difficult parts of the Book of Mormon. Now get ready for Alma. It is the longest book in the Book of Mormon.

 

[Alma]

1. Read Alma 1:1-15.

Verses 2-4: These verses are about Nehor, a very clever man and an Antichrist. He took the truth and twisted it just enough for the people to believe him and give him what he wanted. This was a free society, so it was not against the law to preach against the church.

Verses 5 & 6: There are many people in our day that preach their own religion so that they can make lots of money for themselves.

Verse 8: This is the same Gideon who, years ago, almost killed wicked King Noah.

Verse 9: Put Gideon on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart.

Verse 12: What is priestcraft? Hundreds of years prior, Nephi saw priestcrafts among his people. For a good definition of what priestcraft is, read what Nephi wrote in 2 Nephi 26:29.

Verse 15: Ignominious mean shameful. Put Nehor on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart. Remember the name Nehor. His name will come up later in this book.

 

2. Read Alma 1:16-33.

These verses contrast the difference between priestcraft and the true gospel. Notice the benefits of living righteously.

 

3. Read Alma 2:1-19.

Verse 1: Look at the pronunciation guide at the back of the Book of Mormon to find out how to say Amlici.

 

4. Read Alma 2:20-38.

Verse 30: We don’t know if Alma spent a lot of time practicing fighting, but this verse does tell us in what way he did exercise.

Verse 31: Put Amlici in the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart.

Verses 35-38: The Nephites were faithful to the Lord, therefore the Lord protected and strengthened them in battle, even when they were greatly outnumbered.

 

5. Read Alma 3.

Verses 1-3: So much death and sorrow because one wicked man, Amlici, wanted power and glory for himself. This is a tool that Satan uses every day. Have you ever caught yourself being unkind to others so that you can get what you want?

Verses 4 & 5: Notice how the wicked people mark themselves, have extreme hairstyles, and dress immodestly. It is not too much different from our day. We should be careful with the way we dress and present ourselves so that we are not confused with wicked people.

 

6. Read Alma 4:1-10

Verse 3: The Nephites humbled themselves and repented because of their trials. It would be better if they would be humble and repent without the trials first.

Verses 6-9: Here comes pride! Unless they repent soon, they are bound to get more trials!

 

7. Read Alma 4:11-20.

Verse 12: This is bad. When the people don’t take care of their poor, they are ready to be destroyed by the Lord.

Verses 15-20: Alma was the chief judge of the Nephites and also the high priest over the church. That’s like being president of the country and prophet at the same time. Alma was a good, humble man. He gave up the power and authority the world gave him (chief judge) so that he could more fully exercise the power and authority the Lord gave him (high priest). There are not many people who would give up a popular position for one of humility. Actually, he could do more for the Nephites by encouraging them to repent so that the Lord won’t destroy them.

 

- XXIII -

Alma’s Preaching

 

[Alma]

1. Read Alma 5:1-14.

This is a very good chapter. This chapter is Alma preaching. It is a lot like our prophet speaking to us at General Conference. Alma asks 40 questions in this chapter. Underline each of them. Think about and answer each question as if Alma were talking directly to you.

Verse 6: Why was it important to remember the time when their people were in captivity? What event or circumstance do you think might be important for you to remember?

Verse 14: How can you know if you have been born of God? One way is that you no longer desire any evil thing. The word countenance refers to a person’s behavior or to the way a person expresses his or her character. What does it mean to have God’s image in your countenance? Have you ever noticed how hard a person looks when they do not follow God’s commandments?

 

2. Read Alma 5:15-31.

Alma continues asking the questions. Remember to underline them and ask the questions to yourself.

Verse 21: The garment is symbolic of your soul. When you sin, your garment (or soul) becomes stained. Fortunately, you can repent. Christ atoned for your sins so your garment can be clean through his blood. Your garment must be spotless to receive Eternal Life.

Verse 26: This relates back to verse 14. Draw an arrow from verse 14 to this verse.

Verses 30 & 31: Making fun of someone is not good fun; it is a bad sin.

 

3. Read Alma 5:32-44.

Still more questions. Remember to underline them and think of the answers as they apply to you.

Verse 40: Notice how the word good turns to God when you remove an o, and evil becomes devil by adding a d.

Verse 41: What are some examples of good works? What are some examples of evil works?

Verse 44: The holy order of God is the priesthood.

 

4. Read Alma 5:45-62.

There are only four more questions for you to find, underline, and answer.

Verse 50: Sing, “Battle Hymn of the Republic” (Hymn # 60).

Verse 55: True followers of Christ take care of the poor.

Verse 60: What things or people would be considered ravenous wolves?

 

5. Read Alma 6.

Verse 3: Has pride ever kept you from repentance?

 

6. Read Alma 7:1-13

Verse 8: What is a mortal tabernacle?

Verse 10: Sing, “Silent Night” (Hymn #204).

Verses 11 & 12: Jesus not only suffered the pains of our sins, but he also suffered all the pains of our temptations, sicknesses and heartaches.

 

7. Read Alma 7:14-27.

Verse 22: What is your duty to God?

Verse 23: Sing, “We Bow Our Heads” (CS, pg. 25).

 

-XXIV-

Alma Gets a Missionary Companion

 

[Alma]

1. Read Alma 8.

Verses 1-5: So far, Alma’s preaching in Zarahemla, Gideon, and Melek has been successful.

Verse 6: Put “Ammonihah” on the map in space 7.

Verses 10 & 11: Even though Alma prayed hard that the people would listen to him, they still did not. Alma was humble and sincere and he was praying for something good, but the people of Ammonihah still used their agency to choose wickedness.

Verse 18: It would seem like Alma did his best the first time. He might think that it’s pointless to go back, but Alma obeyed right away. Underline the word “speedily.”

            In the next six chapters you will see the effect Alma and Amulek’s preaching had on the people.

 

2. Read Alma 9:1-17.

Verses 8-14: Notice how many times Alma says the words, “forgotten” and “remember”. Underline them.

Verse 15: Why will judgment day be more tolerable for the Lamanites then for the people of Ammonihah?

 

3. Read Alma 9:18-34.

Verse 18: Take a guess: do you think these people will repent, or will the Lamanites destroy them?

Verse 28: Sing, “Have I Done Any Good?” (Hymn # 223).

Verse 30: These are very strong words that Alma used against them. Often it is not kind to talk like this, even when it is true. However, an angel told Alma what he should say. In this verse meet means fit, suitable or proper.

 

[Amulek]

4. Read Alma 10:1-12.

This chapter is the first record of Amulek’s preaching. He is just a beginner, but he does a great job! How do you think he does it?

Verse 2: We don’t have a record of the story of Aminadi, who interpreted the writing on the wall of the temple.

Verse 6: How could Amulek know these things, yet not know? Do you ever do that?

 

5. Read Alma 10:12-32.

Verses 22 & 23: Amulek confirmed what Alma said, that unless they repent they will be destroyed. Notice why they haven’t been destroyed already. Did you know that your prayers could keep others from destruction?

Verse 32: Gain is money or other material possessions. Zeezrom knows he gets more money if there are more problems.

 

6. Read Alma 11:1-19.

Verse 3: A judge got paid depending on the amount of time he worked. What could a judge do to get more work for himself?

Verses 5-19: Which silver coin is the most valuable?

 

7. Read Alma 11:20-46.

Verse 22: According to the schedule earlier in this chapter, what Zeezrom is offering might be equal to two months of a judge’s wages.

Verse 25: Wow! Amulek knew what Zeezrom was thinking!

Verse 35: See how Zeezrom twists and changes Amulek’s words?

Verse 38: How would you answer this question? See Mosiah 3:8.

Verses 41-45: Everyone will be “saved” because everyone will be resurrected. We will also be judged and receive glory depending on how we have lived our lives.

Verse 46: It sounds like Amulek is starting to get through to Zeezrom.

 

- XXV -

Zeezrom is Converted

 

[Alma]

1. Read Alma 12:1-18.

Now Alma will provide his testimony to the things that Amulek said in the last chapter so that there are two witnesses.

Verse 3: just as Alma and Amulek knew Zeezrom’s thoughts by the spirit, the Holy Ghost can give you impressions regarding someone’s character. This is a gift of the Spirit that you can use when you are choosing friends.

Verse 5: Who is the adversary? See footnote 5a.

Verses 10 & 11: A person with a hard heart is someone who is stubborn and proud. Perhaps they think they know everything. If we really want to know the mysteries of God, we must humble ourselves and become teachable.

Verse 14: Wow! Not only will we be judged for the things that we do, but also for the things that we think! It is so important to control our thoughts.

 

2. Read Alma 12:19-37.

Alma explained the plan of salvation. This was probably very deep doctrine for these people to hear.

 

3. Read Alma 13.

Verses 1 & 2: The “holy order”, or the “order of his Son” is the priesthood.

Verse 3: When Alma says, “from the foundation of the world”, he is talking about the time period during which the world was made, or in other words, the preexistence.

Verse 12: To abhor something is to hate or despise it. Someone who is to be sanctified not only stops committing sins, but also despises sins.

Verse 14: Melchizedek is the great Old Testament prophet whom the higher priesthood is named after.

Verse 20: Wrest means to twist or distort.

Verses 21-30: Alma is telling them to look forward to the day when the Savior comes. He was talking about Jesus’ first coming – his birth and resurrection. We are now looking forward to the second coming of Jesus. Alma’s counsel applies to us just the same.

 

4. Read Alma 14:1-13.

Verse 3: When someone is not ready to repent, they often get angry with the person who speaks truth to them. Because of this, we need to be careful when we call someone to repentance. We should let the Holy Ghost guide us to know when is the right time to speak hard truth to others. Also, do you ever get angry when your parents or others correct your behavior?

Verse 6: Wow, do you remember who Zeezrom is (see chapter 11)? It is amazing that he is actually humbling himself.

Verse 7: How quickly the people turned on Zeezrom when he no longer flattered them!

Verse 11: This is a good explanation of why God allows bad people to hurt good people.

 

5. Read Alma 14:14-29.

The judges, lawyers, and priests asked Alma and Amulek many questions in these verses. How would you answer these questions?

Verse 16: Do you remember Nehor (see Alama, chapter 1)? He was an evil man. Now we find out that the people made their own religion based on Nehor’s evil teachings. We call these evil teachings priestcraft.

Verses 20-25: Alma and Amulek suffered a lot of physical pain for their testimonies. They are good examples for us. We should stand up for what is right, even when it isn’t popular.

 

6. Read Alma 15.

Verse 3: This is a good example of how your mental and spiritual health can affect your physical health.

Verse 12: Put Zeezrom on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart.

Verses 13 & 14: It might seem like Alma’s mission to Ammonihah was a failure, but He had a great success in Sidom, partly due to the believers from Ammonihah.

Verse 16: If necessary, would you give up your friends, home, and money for the gospel? Sometimes that is exactly what is required of you, especially if you serve a mission.

Verse 17: The word check in this verse is like saying stop.

 

7. Read Alma 16.

Verse 3: Alma did warn the people in Ammonihah that their city would be destroyed if they did not repent!

Verse 14: Alma and Amulek preached to anyone, including old and young, poor and rich... anyone who would listen.

            Tell the story of Alma and Amulek in Ammonihah. Put this event on the timeline.

 

-XXVI-

Ammon, the Brave Servant

 

[Alma]

1. Read Alma 17:1-17.

Verse 1: Remember the sons of Mosiah? They were with Alma when they were younger and preaching against the church. Way back in Mosiah 28 we read about the sons of Mosiah leaving to preach in Lehi-Nephi, the Lamanite land. Now we will find out what happened with them.

Verses 2 & 3: The sons of Mosiah were great missionaries. Notice the things they did to prepare themselves. You can do the same things to prepare yourself to do missionary work. Underline these things.

Verse 5: Our missionaries have it easy compared to what the sons of Mosiah went through.

Verse 6: Now we go back in time to read what happened with the sons of Mosiah since they left Zarahemla.

Verses 11 & 12: The Lord told them that they would suffer, but they were very brave. Would you take courage if you found out that you were going to suffer for the gospel?

Verse 13: They were brave because they trusted the Lord.

 

2. Read Alma 17:18-39.

Verse 19: Put “Ishmael” on the map in space 8.

Verses 24 & 25: Wow! It’s a great honor to marry the king’s daughter, but that’s not why Ammon was there. He wanted to serve the king. Some of the greatest missionary work is done through service.

Verse 29: Wow again!  Ammon was happy to receive a challenge. What a great example. When bad things happen to you, do you let fear control your thoughts and actions, or do you allow faith to show you how to make the best out of the situation?

Verse 31-39: Sing verse five of Book of Mormon Stories (CS, pg.118).

 

3. Read Alma 18:1-16.

Verses 8-10: Ammon did exactly as he was commanded.

Verse 16: The ability to know what someone is thinking is a gift of the Holy Ghost. For a list of more gifts of the Spirit, read Moroni 10:8-17.

 

[Ammon]

4. Read Alma 18:16-43.

Verses 24-39: Notice how much of what Ammon taught is the same as the missionaries teach these days.

Verses 40 & 41: As soon as the king heard the truth, he humbled himself and wanted to be forgiven of his sins. When you’ve made a mistake, do you humble yourself and ask for forgiveness?

 

[Alma]

5. Read Alma 19:1-16.

Verse 10: Her faith was greater than any of the Nephites’ faith? What was her faith based on?

 

6. Read Alma 19:16-36.

Verses 25-27: If you had been there and saw this scene, what would you think that it means?

Verse 29: This is one of only a few times that the name Jesus is used in the Book of Mormon.

Verse 33: What does this verse say as evidence that Lamoni’s servants were truly converted?

            Tell someone the story of how Ammon converted King Lamoni.

 

7. Read Alma 20.

Verse 13: Isn’t it amazing how the truth has been twisted? Lamoni’s father is the king over all the land of Lehi-Nephi. The Nephites left this land to get away from the Lamanites, who were being mean to them. Now Lamoni’s father says that the Nephites stole property from the Lamanites? Who is the real liar here?

Verse 27: Ammon was such a good missionary. He turned enemies into investigators.

Verse 28: Put King Lamoni on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart.

 

-XXVII-

Anti-Nephi-Lehis

 

[Aaron]

1. Read Alma 21.

Verse 2: The Amalekites and Amulonites were wicked Nephites who joined the Lamanites.

Verse 4: Remember that the order of the Nehors is the false religion made from the teachings of Nehor, the anti-Christ.

Verses 5-8: See if you can recognize the false doctrines that this Amelekite taught.

 

2. Read Alma 22:1-14.

Verse 1: A good missionary is led by the Spirit.

Verse 2: A good missionary is respectful.

Verse 3: A good missionary is willing to serve.

Verses 12-14: Aaron taught the plan of salvation. It’s great that Aaron actually had scriptures to read. Do you remember how the Nephites got the scriptures?

 

3. Read Alma 22:15-35.

This is the middle of the Book of Mormon! Good job! You’re half way through! Keep going! Some of the best parts are in the second half!

Verse 15: The king would give up everything for the gospel. How much are you willing to sacrifice for the Lord?

Verse 18: The first thing the king gave up was his sins. This is more important than all the treasures in the world. This is the biggest sacrifice we can make, too.

Verses 29-33: Put “Bountiful” on the map in space 9.

 

[Alma]

4. Read Alma 23.

Verse 17: Quite an unusual name. What do you think it means?

 

 

5. Read Alma 24:1-19.

Verse 1: Do you remember who built the land of Helam? In case you have forgotten, go back and skim through Mosiah 23, particularly verse 19 to refresh your memory.

Verse 4: Put King Laman on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart.

[King Anti-Nephi-Lehi]

Verses 17-19: These people were extremely faithful and brave to do this.

 

[Alma]

6. Read Alma 24:20-30.

Verse 21: Prostrated means that they knelt or laid on the ground with their faces down.

Verse 30: Since Mormon abridged these records, he took opportunities to interject his own thoughts and commentary into the story. Whenever you read, “and thus…” it is probably Mormon speaking directly to you, the reader. He is telling you a lesson you can learn from the story you just read.

 

7. Read Alma 25.

Verse 2: Do you remember the land of Ammonihah? We already read about their destruction in Alma 16:9, but this is the story told from the Lamanites’ side.

Verse 17: What was the Lord’s word to Ammon, Aaron, Omner and Himni? See Alma 17:11.

 

-XXVIII-

The Joy of Missionary work

 

[Ammon]

1. Read Alma 26:1-16.

This chapter uses the words rejoice and joy lots of times. Underline each one.

Verses 5-7: This is a common allegory used to represent missionary work. What does a ripe field represent? What does it mean to thrust in your sickle? What does it mean to reap? What do the sheaves represent? What does the storm represent? You might want to discuss these questions with someone else.

Verses 10-12: It would be wrong if Ammon were bragging about the good he did. However, it is appropriate to praise God for all the good that he does.

 

2. Read Alma 26:17-37.

Continue to underline the words joy and rejoice.

Verse 22: The beginning of this verse is the pattern of how you can prepare yourself to participate in miracles.

            How many times does it say joy and rejoice in this chapter? Read D&C 18:15-16.

 

3. Read Alma 27:1-13.

Verses 6-8: The king did not think that going to Zarahemla was a very good idea, but he decided he would do what the Lord wants him to do.

Verse 7: This is a big decision, so it is appropriate to consult the Lord.

 

[Alma]

4. Read Alma 27:14-30.

Verses 22-24: It’s amazing that the Nephites are so forgiving and charitable with these people who used to be their enemies. Alma had been preaching to all the Nephite cities and establishing churches throughout their lands. Perhaps that is why they had such a Christ-like attitude.

 

5. Read Alma 28.

Verse 8: Put Ammon on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart.

Verses 13 & 14: Here again are Mormon’s comments on what you have just read. He points out what you can learn from the story of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies.

 

6. Read Alma 29:1-9.

This is an example of someone who has a great attitude toward missionary work.

 

7. Read Alma 29:10-17.

Alma is rejoicing again. What can you do to bring more joy into your life?

Verse 14: It is important to be happy for others’ successes also.

 

-XXIX-

Apostates

 

[Alma]

1. Read Alma 30:1-18.

Verse 6: This is the third Anti-Christ mentioned in the Book of Mormon. Compare what this man teaches to what some people teach today. Could you recognize an Anti-Christ today?

Verses 12-18: The things that Korihor taught then are also taught today in one form or another. As you read these verses, try to apply them to our day and recognize how these things are being “preached”.

Verse 15: If we see something then we no longer have faith in it. Heavenly Father wants us to develop our faith in Him.

 

2. Read Alma 30:19-29.

Verse 24: When a person preaches against truth he must use lies. Korihor lies when he says that the people are not free. This is a free society that allows people to believe as they wish, even if it is the incorrect teachings of Korihor. It is through sin that a person puts himself into a type of bondage. Truth and repentance are what truly liberates an individual. If they follow what Korihor is preaching, they will be in bondage.

Verse 25: To recognize another lie, recite the second Article of Faith.

Verse 29: When someone talks the way Korihor is, it is tempting to argue with him to prove the truth. The Holy Ghost will not accompany you if you argue, yet you need the Holy Ghost with you to testify of the truth. This is why it is sometimes better to say nothing at all.

 

3. Read Alma 30:30-36.

Verses 31-33: The true gospel of Jesus Christ does not pay the priests or any of the Church leaders. Rather, they sacrifice a great deal to serve the Church and the Lord. It would seem selfish to make a profit from serving the Lord.

Verse 34: This verse uses one three-letter word to describe the reward we receive through serving the Lord. Everyone wants to be happy. Some people think that “doing their own thing” (not keeping the commandments) will bring happiness to them. That is not true. Instead, it will bring greater sorrow. Next time you’re feeling down, turn to the Lord and serve him. This is how to gain true and lasting happiness.

 

4. Read Alma 30:37-47.

Verse 41: What does Alma mean when he says, “I have all things as a testimony that these things are true”?

Verse 43: Seeking a sign is not wise. Heavenly Father wants us to be humble and have faith in Him. “…if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen which are true (Alma 32:21).” Once a sign is given, you no longer need faith in that thing, because you know. Therefore, a sign seeker is a proud, unrepentant person who doesn’t want to believe because they love their sins.

Verse 44: Alma tells of the evidence that we all have – the world and everything in it. Take some time today or tomorrow to observe some of Heavenly Father’s creations.

 

5. Read Alma 30:48-60.

Verses 52 & 53: Now we know that Korihor was lying for sure. He already has evidence that there is a god. His evidence is that God’s enemy, the devil, had visited him. Any idea how Korihor knew that the angel he saw was really the devil?

Verse 60: Mormon tells what you can learn from the story of Korihor. Put Korihor on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart. Tell the story of Korihor to someone.

 

6. Read Alma 31:1-23.

Verses 14-18. What’s wrong with this prayer? The Zoramites believed in a god, but you will notice many of their beliefs are the same as what Korihor the Anti-Christ taught.

 

7. Read Alma 31:24-38.

Verses 26-35: Compare Alma’s prayer to the Rameumptum prayer (verses 16-19).

Verse 36: Alma “clapped” his hands on Ammon, Aaron, Omner, Amulek, Zeezrom, Shiblon, and Corianton to bless them and set them apart to be sent on missions.

 

-XXX-

The Humble Zoramites

 

[Alma]

1. Read Alma 32:1-21.

Verses 14-16: It is better to have faith and humble yourself than to be blessed with a humbling experience. Consider which you would prefer: (1) to have faith and obey the Lord now; or (2) to have Heavenly Father allow you to experience trials and challenges so that you will become humble and turn to Him?

Verses 17-21: Similar to being humble, Heavenly Father would prefer that you have faith on the words of His servants instead of giving you a physical sign to prove the truth.

 

2. Read Alma 32:22-43.

Verse 27 - 43: Alma wants you to do an experiment – not a scientific experiment, but a spiritual experiment. Think of a commandment that you struggle to keep, or a principle that you might wonder about. Apply this experiment to your situation. Take some time today to plant a real seed. As you care for it and it begins to grow, let it remind you of your growing testimony. Sing “Faith” (CS, pg. 96).

 

3. Read Alma 33.

Verse 1: The people did not understand what Alma taught them about faith and asked questions. The rest of this chapter is Alma’s answers. Notice how he was able to quote scriptures to them.

Verses 4-12: Zenos teaches us that we can pray in any place, at any time.

Verse 19. The type spoken of here is the serpent on a stick that Moses had. When snakes bit the Israelites, all they had to do to live was to look at the stick that Moses held up. This is symbolic of how we need to turn to the Lord when we are spiritually ill.

 

[Amulek]

4. Read Alma 34:1-16.

Verse 1: Amulek also teaches them so that they hear the testimony from more than one person.

 

5. Read Alma 34:17-27.

These verses answer the following questions:

-Who should I pray for?

            -What should I pray for?

            -When should I pray?

            -Where should I pray?

            -How should I pray?

            -Why should I pray?

 

6. Read Alma 34:28-41.

Verses 28 & 29: Think about what you can do to be more charitable.

Verses 30-35: This is a good lesson on repentance. Think about something in your life that you should repent of. Repent now.

Verses 37-41: Amulek lists things that the Zoramites need to do to be more righteous. What things on this list do you need to work on?

Verse 38: Sing, “Count Your Many Blessings” (Hymn # 241).

 

7. Read Alma 35.

Verse 1: Put Amulek on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart.

Verse 11: Why would the Zoramites be so angry?

Verse15: Have you ever felt offended because some of the commandments seem too strict?

 

-XXXI-

Alma’s Advice to his Sons

 

[Alma]

1. Read Alma 36:1-16.

This chapter and the next six are Alma’s advice and commandments to his sons. In many ways, it is similar to Patriarchal blessings. Alma’s advice applies to us as well.

Verse 2: When Alma talks about “the captivity of our fathers” he is probably talking about when the Israelites were captive in Egypt, but it is possible that he is talking about when his own father was captive by the Lamanites in Helam. Verses 12-16: Have you ever felt bad about something you did? It’s not a good feeling. Alma suffered a lot for the bad things he did before his conversion.

 

2. Read Alma 36:17-30.

Verses 20 & 21: These feelings are available to all of us when we give up our sins.

Verse 30: What do a people need to do to be worthy of prosperity? How does this relate to cities, states, and countries?

 

3. Read Alma 37:1-12.

Verses 1 & 2: Put Helaman on the Golden Plates Progression Chart under Alma.

Verses 6 & 7: To understand what Alma meant when he said, “by small and simple things are great things brought to pass”, read the scriptures in footnote 6b. Have you ever felt like a small and simple person in this great big world? Realize that the Lord can use you to do great things!!

Verses 8-10: Alma tells Helaman some reasons why the scriptures are important. How does this apply to you?

 

4. Read Alma 37:13-20.

Notice how important Helaman’s responsibilities are.

 

5. Read Alma 37:15-31.

Verse 21: The twenty-four plates are the record of the Jaredite people. These records were written in a language that was not familiar to the Nephites.

Verses 21, 23, & 24: The stone and the interpreters are the Urim and Thummim.

 

6. Read Alma 37:32-47.

Verse 35: Many people believe that, as a part of growing up, youth are supposed to do dumb things. Alma teaches that youth should be wise. Sing, “In Our Lovely Deseret” (Hymn # 307).

Verse 36: Many people act as if Sunday is for God and the rest of the week is for themselves. What does Alma teach?

Verse 37: Compare your prayers to Alma’s advice on prayer.

Verses 38-45: You don’t have a Liahona to look at, but if you exercise faith, the Lord will guide you and even work miracles for you.

 

7. Read Alma 38.

Verse 6: What does it mean to be “born of God”?

Verse 12: What does it mean to “bridle all your passions”?

Verse 14: Why did Alma advise his son to acknowledge his unworthiness before God?

 

-XXXII-

Alma’s Advice to Corianton

 

[Alma]

1. Read Alma 39:1-9.

Verse 4: It sounds like Corianton had tried to blame Isabel for his own sins. Do you ever try to justify your mistakes, make excuses for yourself, or blame others for your own bad choices?

Verse 5: Having sex with someone that you are not married to is a very serious sin, next to murder.

Verse 8: Do you have any sins that you keep hidden from others? Just because nobody else sees your sins, it doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Heavenly Father knows of your sins and He wants you to repent.

 

2. Read Alma 39:10-19.

Verse 17: It sounds like Corianton doubted some of the basic principles of the gospel. It is common for an unrepentant sinner to lose faith in many things.

 

3. Read Alma 40:1-14.

This is about what happens to your spirit when you die.

 

4. Read Alma 40:15-26.

This is about resurrection.

 

5. Read Alma 41.

Verse 1: When Alma says that “some have wrested the scriptures”, he means that some people preach false interpretations of the prophesies in the scriptures.

Verse 10: People commit sins because they think that it will make them happy. Is this true?

 

6. Read Alma 42:1-15.

Verses 2-5: Adam was protected from eating fruit from the tree of life. What tree did he eat from?

Verses 7-15: What are the two deaths spoken of? How are we saved from these deaths? Sing, “How Great the Wisdom and the Love” (Hymn # 195).

 

7. Read Alma 42:16-31.

Verses 16-25: How are repentance, punishment, law, mercy, the Atonement, resurrection, and justice all part of God’s plan for us? What would it be like if any of these elements were missing?

Verse 30: Don’t make excuses for your sins!

 

-XXXIII-

The Wars Begin

 

[Alma]

1. Read Alma 43:1-14.

Verse 4: The Zoramites were Nephites who turned away from the gospel. Those that preached to them were treated poorly; one was even killed.

Verses 6-8: The Amalekites were also Nephites who rejected the gospel. They followed after the order of the Nehors, which was priestcraft. The Amalekites and Zoramites used the Lamanite army to fight the Nephites. Why did they want to fight the Nephites?

Verse 9: What was important to the Nephites?

 

2. Read Alma 43:15-23.

Moroni was a great captain, which you will see over the next few chapters. Even before the fighting begins, you can see how wise he is.  Notice what Moroni does to prepare for war in verses 19 and 23.

 

3. Read Alma 43:24-33

Perhaps this is what the set-up looked like:

            [map 1]

 

4. Read Alma 43:34-54.

Verse 35: [map 2]

Verses 40 & 41: [map 3]

Verses 45-47: It is important to note what the Nephites were fighting for. War is sometimes necessary. These verses tell when war might be appropriate.

Verses 51 & 52: [map 4]

 

[Moroni]

5. Read Alma 44.

Verse 5: Here Moroni explains the reason why the Nephite army is so strong.

Verse 9: Zarahemna said the Nephites are stronger because of their armor, not because of their faith. What do you think?

 

[Helaman]

6. Read Alma 45:1-14.

Verse 1: It is interesting that the Nephites fasted, not because they wanted something from the Lord, but to thank the Lord.

Verses 6 & 7: Why does Alma say, “Keep my commandments”? What about God’s commandments?

 

7. Read Alma 45:15-24.

Verses 18 & 19: It sounds as if Alma was translated. What does that mean? Do you know of anyone else in the scriptures that were translated? Put Alma (the younger) on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart.

 

-XXXIV-

Captain Moroni vs. Amalakiah

 

[Helaman]

1. Read Alma 46:1-22.

Verses 4-10: These verses show how a church member can become an enemy to the church. It is a typical pattern that starts with people who resent being called to repentance, and then they resent their leaders, and then have a desire for power.

Verses 11-22: This part is very dramatic. Imagine this scene in a movie. If you made a Title of Liberty, what would it look like? What would it say on it?

 

[Captain Moroni]

2. Read Alma 46:23-41.

Verses 23-27: What Joseph is Moroni talking about?

Verses 28 & 29: This is a battle that Moroni won without any combat.

 

[Helaman]

3. Read Alma 47.

Amalickiah is a very clever man. This chapter tells how he was able to become commander of the Lamanite armies then the Lamanite King.

Verse 36: It is common for those who had truth and turn away from it to become worse than those who never had it, like these Nephite dissenters did.

 

4. Read Alma 48.

Moroni was a mighty man of God. Underline the things in this chapter that tell what made him great. Which of the qualities could you improve on in your life? What would the world be like if there were more people like Moroni?

 

5. Read Alma 49.

Again, the Nephites won a battle without a single Nephite dying. Notice how the Nephites are still ahead of the Lamanites in technology. How did they know how to do that? Why did they even bother? The Lord said he would protect them if they stay close to him. Why don’t they skip all the hard labor and just pray harder?

 

6. Read Alma 50:1-24.

Verse 1: Captain Moroni is a good example for us. We live in a time when there are wars and rumors of war. We need to be prepared.

Verses 19-23: Mormon added these verses here to show us what we can learn by reading about these wars.

 

7. Read Alma 50:25-40.

Verses 33-34: It is interesting how the people of Morianton were forced to be free. Moroni didn’t allow them to leave. This is like the American Civil War. The South was not allowed to leave the Union.

Verse 35: Put Morianton on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart.

Verse 37: Put Nephihah on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart.

 

-XXXV-

The Battles Continue

 

[Helaman]

1. Read Alma 51:1-21.

This is a battle that Moroni started against his own people, the Nephites. How can this be the right thing to do?

 

2. Read Alma 51:22-37.

Verse 37: Put Amalickiah on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart.

 

3. Read Alma 52:1-18.

Verse 1: Compare this verse to the last verse of chapter 51. On what significant day of the year was Amalickiah killed?

 

4. Read Alma 52:19-40.

Verse 22:  [map 5]

Verse 23: Put X’s and O’s on the map to show the movement of the Armies: [map 6]

Verses 24 & 25: Show the movement of the Armies. [map 6]

Verses 36 & 27: Show the movement of the Armies. [map 6]

Verse 31: Show the movement of the Armies. [map 6]

 

5. Read Alma 53.

Verse 4: The Nephites just won a battle, yet here they are, preparing for more. Also note that they are again using some new technology.

Verse 17: Such patriotism!

Verse 10: Do you remember these people? They used to be called the Anti-Nephi-Lehies.

Verse 19: Helaman was probably their prophet. He’s an interesting choice for a military leader.

Verses 20 & 21: Underline the qualities that made the stripling warriors so strong. Sing, “We’ll Bring the World His Truth” (CS, pg. 172).

 

[Captain Moroni, Ammoron]

6. Read Alma 54.

Verse 22: Is Moroni guilty of murder? Why or why not?

 

[Helaman]

7. Read Alma 55.

Verses 4-24: Here is yet another battle Moroni won without shedding any blood.

Verse 25: Again Moroni is strengthening their position.

Verses 29-32: The Lamanites mimic Moroni’s tactics, but it doesn’t work.

 

-XXXVI-

Helaman’s Army

 

[Helaman]

1. Read Alma 56:1-20.

Chapters 56-58 are a letter that Helaman sent to Moroni.

Verse 18: Here is another battle won without fighting.

 

2. Read Alma 56:21-41.

Verses 30-33: [map 7]

Verses 35-41: [map 8]

 

3. Read Alma 56:42-57.

Verses 44-48: Perhaps many of the Stripling Warriors were teenagers. How many teenagers do you know that are as faithful, brave, and obedient as these boys? What about yourself?

Verses 49-50: [map 9]

Verse 54: Draw what the battlefield looks like now. [map 10]

 

4. Read Alma 57:1-12.

Here are two more battles won without bloodshed. This must be frustrating to the Lamanites.  They were bloodthirsty and wanted to fight and kill the Nephites that wouldn’t submit to being their slaves.

 

5. Read Alma 57:13-36.

Verse 25-27: Does this mean that all the good people who died in battle didn’t have enough faith? Sing verse six of “Book of Mormon Stories” (CS, pg. 118).

 

6. Read Alma 58:1-25.

Verse 10: Many people in this type of situation might turn away from God complain that he isn’t helping them. Instead, the Nephite armies turned toward God and prayed. They immediately received blessings, recorded in verses 11 & 12.

Verses 16 & 17: [map 11]

Verses 18 & 19: Show what is happening now. [map 12]

Verses 20-22: Draw what it looks like now. [map 12]

 

7. Read Alma 58:26-41.

Verse 26: Show what it might look like now. [map 12]

Verse 27: Draw the final results of the Nephites’ strategy. [map 12]

 

-XXXVII-

Nephites Are Victorious

 

[Helaman]

1. Read Alma 59.

Verse 11: What does the Nephites’ wickedness have to do with them losing their cities to the Lamanites?

Verse 13: There may be times when people become be angry with the government. The next chapter tells what Moroni did about it.

 

[Captain Moroni]

2. Read Alma 60:1-17.

Verse 7: In this verse and several others in this chapter, Moroni speaks very harshly to Pahoran. Is this justified?

Verse 13: This is one reason why God allows bad things to happen to good people.

 

3. Read Alma 60:18-36.

This is the rest of Moroni’s letter to Pahoran. As chief captain of the Nephite armies, is it appropriate for Moroni to make these threats against his own government?

Verse 36: Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all leaders of nations had this attitude?

 

[Pahoran]

4. Read Alma 61.

This is Pahoran’s response to Moroni’s letter. Notice the tone of the letter. If you had received a letter that is harsh like the one Pahoran got from Moroni, would your response be this forgiving?

 

[Helaman]

5. Read Alma 62:1-29.

Verse 8: Put Pachus on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart.

Verses 16-17 & 27-29: This is an interesting agreement. These are the enemies of the Nephites. Why wouldn’t the Nephites just kill all the Lamanite soldiers? Perhaps the commandment, “love thy enemies” applies here. It’s easy to understand why the Lamanites would choose freedom rather than death, but how could they have such a change of heart? They were killing the Nephites, now they live peaceably with them.

 

6. Read Alma 62:30-52.

Verse 36: Put Ammoron and Teancum on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart.

Verse 41: Why do you think some people became hardened while others became softened? How do you think it would affect you?

Verse 48: Here are some of the blessings the Nephites received for repenting and being faithful.

Verse 52: Put Helaman on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart. This ends a period of wars that started back in chapter 45, from 73 BC to 57 BC. Put this on the timeline.

 

[Mormon]

7. Read Alma 63.

Verse 1: Put Shiblon on the Golden Plates Progression chart beside Helaman.

Verse 3: Put Capitan Moroni on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart.

Verses 5-8: What do you think happened to Hagoth and the people who went on his boats?

Verses 10 & 11: Put Helaman on the Golden Plates Progression Chart after Shiblon.

            Good job! You just finished the longest book in the Book of Mormon! Write a summary of the book of Alma. You can use the chapter headings to help you.

 

-XXXVIII-

The Gadianton Robbers

 

[Helaman II]

1. Read Helaman 1.

Verse 2: Put Pahoran on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart.

Verse 11: This was an evil covenant that they made, also called a secret combination.

Verse 13: Pacumeni must be brave to take this position, since his brother was killed just for being chief judge.

Verse 23: [map 13]

Verse 28: Show what tha battlefield might look like now. [map 14]

Verse 30:  Now what does the battlefield look like? [map 14] Put Coriantumr on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart.

 

2. Read Helaman 2.

Verse 4: This is our introduction to Gadianton, a man whose evil influence was felt for many hundred years after his death.

Verse 9: Put Kishkumen on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart.

Verses 12-14: This is Mormon interjecting his words.

 

3. Read Helaman 3

Verse 1: Notice the relationship between pride and dissensions.

Verses 3-5: Where do you think these people could have settled?

Verses 32-36: These verses show all the components of the pride cycle that occurs throughout the Book of Mormon: [chart] Identify the components of the pride cycle in these verses and label them.

Verse 37: Put Helaman (the younger) on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart. Nephi also took responsibility of the records. Add Nephi to the Golden Plates Progression Chart after Helaman.

 

[Nephi (Helaman II’s son)]

4. Read Helaman 4.

Verse 1: What dissentions do you think they had in the church? Do you think dissensions could exist in the church today?

Verse 5: Why were the Lamanites so successful? Why weren’t the Nephites protected by the Lord?

Verses 11-13: The Nephites are losing battles because of selfishness and pride among the church members.

 

[Helaman II]

5. Read Helaman 5:1-19.

The word remember is used fifteen times in these verses. Underline each one and notice the things that are important to remember.

Verse 5: Sing, “How Firm a Foundation” (Hymn #85).

Verses 6 & 7: Why were you given the name that you have? Your name can serve as a reminder to you that your parents expect you to do great things.

Verse 12: Sing “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (CS, p.281).

Verses 17-19: Perhaps this could also be considered a battle won without any bloodshed.

 

[Nephi (Helaman II’s son)]

6. Read Helaman 5:20-52.

These verses show how God’s power is strong, yet it is the still, small voice that converts. In this case, not only were the Lamanites in the jail converted, but they became missionaries as well.

 

7. Read Helaman 6.

Verses 7-14: Why were the Nephites and Lamanites so successful?

Verses 21-24: Why is it important for such a detailed description of secret combinations to be included in the scriptures? Are there any Gadianton-type groups in our societies today?

Verse 29: Put Gadianton on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart.

 

-XXXIX-

Nephi’s Mission

 

[Nephi (Helaman II’s son)]

1. Read Helaman 7.

Verses 17 & 18: Remember that if you ever feel like God is ignoring you, it might be because you have been ignoring Him.

Verses 19-28: Nephi says, “except ye repent” (or a variation of the phrase) five times in these verses. Strong punishments await them if they do not repent.

Verses 20 & 21: So many people are led away from the Lord by their worldly desires and because they busy themselves doing things that will attract the praise of man. What has been your motivation when you found yourself using poor judgment?

           

2. Read Helaman 8.

Verses 5 & 6: These people apparently have forgotten that the Lord is stronger than any city.

Verses 19 & 20: Who are these prophets that Nephi is talking about?

Verse 27: The next chapter tells what happened when some of the men went to see if Nephi was right.

 

3. Read Helaman 9.

Why were those five converted when everyone else still needed more proof? Tell the story of how Nephi announced the murder of the chief judge and identified the murderer.

 

4. Read Helaman 10.

Verse 5: These are some very powerful blessings that the Lord is giving to Nephi. Verse four tells what Nephi did to deserve these blessings.

Verse 15: Why didn’t the people believe Nephi after they saw the miracle?

 

5. Read Helaman 11:1-21.

Verse 4: In the past, when the Nephites were wicked, they were cursed with a war, which humbled them so that they would repent. This time the people continue to be bloodthirsty, so Nephi asks that they be cursed with a famine to humble them.

Verse 19: We don’t know what good and important things Lehi did. Does the fact that he doesn’t receive much attention make his efforts less important than Nephi’s works?

 

6. Read Helaman 11:22-38.

Verse 23: Put Nephi and Lehi on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart.

Verses 25 & 26: Why would so many people choose to leave the comforts of the city to live in hiding in the wilderness?

 

[Mormon]

7. Read Helaman 12.

This chapter is Mormon’s commentary on the last few chapters. He is talking directly to us in our day. He points out the important things we can learn from these events.

Verses 1-3: Underline the words, “we can behold,” “we can see,” “we may see,” and “thus we see” in these verses. What are these things that Mormon wanted us to see and understand?

Verse 4: Be careful when you set your heart on something you desire to have. These are strong words that Mormon uses to describe people that set their hearts on worldly things.

Verse 15: It was hundreds of years later when scientists realized that the earth moves, not the sun. How did Mormon know?

 

-XL-

Samuel the Lamanite Prophet

 

[Samuel]

1. Read Helaman 13:1-16.

Verse 5: Samuel the Lamanite starts talking here and his speech ends at the end of chapter 15.

Verses 12-14: Have you ever thought that perhaps you, as an honorable child of our Heavenly Father, may be helping to keep your city from cursings?

 

2. Read Helaman 13:17-39.

Verse 25: Have you ever thought about ancient prophets, such as Moses and wondered how there could be anyone who did not do as the prophet said? We have a living prophet today. Are you listening to his words and applying them to your life?

Verse 31: What does it mean that their riches are slippery? A good explanation is found in verses 33-35.

Verse 38: What things do you seek for?

 

3. Read Helaman 14:1-13.

Verses 2-7: Would you believe someone who prophesied of these things? Sing “Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus” (CS, pg. 36).

Verse 12: Every prophet testifies of Jesus Christ. Take some time now to read The Living Christ.

 

4. Read Helaman 14:14-31.

Verses 14-19: These verses talk about two deaths. What are they? Sing, “Upon the Cross of Calvary” (Hymn #184).

Verses 20-27: What would you do if you were there? Would you believe him?

 

5. Read Helaman 15.

Verses 7-9: How did the Lamanites become free without fighting?

Verses 12 & 13: When is this prophecy to be fulfilled?

 

[Nephi (Helaman II’s son)]

6. Read Helaman 16:1-12.

Verse 8: Sing verse seven of “Book of Mormon Stories” (CS. pg. 118). Tell the story of Samuel the Lamanite prophet. Put Samuel on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart and on the timeline.

Verse 10: In our day, do you identify better with “the more part of the people” or the “lesser part”?

 

7. Read Helaman 16:13-25.

Verse 22: Have you come across people who spread rumors and contentions about the church today?

Write a summary of the book of Helaman. You can use the chapter headings to help you.

 

-XLI-

Events on the American Continent During Jesus’ Life

 

[Nephi II]

1. Read 3 Nephi 1:1-14.

Verse 2: Put Nephi’s son, Nephi on the Golden Plates Progression Chart under Nephi.

 

2. Read 3 Nephi 1:15-30.

Verse 10: Imagine the pain Nephi might have felt at this time. What would you have done?

Verse 14: Imagine how Nephi felt now.

Verse 19: Put the birth of Jesus Christ on the timeline.

Verses 27-30: If everyone saw the signs, how could people not believe? It is because signs are not given to convert the wicked, but to strengthen the faithful.

 

3. Read 3 Nephi 2.

Verses 5-8: In these verses Nephi used three different ways to count years. Which is the one we use?

Verse 9: Put Nephi (Nephi’s father) on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart.

Verses 18 & 19: It had only been fifteen years since the sign of Jesus’ birth. How could the people forget the meaning of the sign and become so wicked so quickly?

 

4. Read 3 Nephi 3.

Verse 9: Many people believe that any ancient thing is good and worthwhile. This is not true. Evil is evil, no matter when it is thought up.

Verse 19: Wouldn’t it be wonderful if more of the leaders in the world today had the spirit of revelation?

 

5. Read 3 Nephi 4:1-15.

Verse 14: Put Giddianhi on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart.

 

6. Read 3 Nephi 4:16-33.

Verse 28: Put Zemnarihah on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart.

 

[Mormon]

7. Read 3 Nephi 5.

Verse 4: How would the Nephites know that those robbers were truly converted? How could they trust them?

Verses 8-26: These are words that Mormon inserted here when he abridged the records. He included part of his testimony.

 

-XLII-

More Prophesies Fulfilled

 

[Nephi II]

1. Read 3 Nephi 6:1-18.

Chapter 5 mentioned that the Nephites repented. This is one part of the pride cycle. The other three parts of the pride cycle are in these verses. See if you can identify them.

 

2. Read 3 Nephi 6:19-30.

You read previously about wicked people who enter into covenants like this. What were they called?

 

3. Read 3 Nephi 7.

Verses 1-4: This is the end of the reign of the judges. The system lasted for 129 years. It was the best system of government the Nephites had had to that point. It was a good system, but it required good people to make it work. Compare the Nephite’s system of judges to the government structure in your own country.

            The remainder of this chapter illustrates for us what the people on the American continent were like just prior to Jesus’ visit to them. The world will be in an identical state prior to Jesus’ second coming. Notice how much it is like out time now.

 

4. Read 3 Nephi 8.

Verses 5-19: The Storms, fires, and earthquakes signal the death of Jesus. We also expect these things to happen prior to Jesus’ Second Coming. How can we prepare ourselves for these events?

Verses 20-23: The darkness was for the three days after Jesus had died, before he resurrected.

 

[Jesus]

5. Read 3 Nephi 9:1-12.

Verses 3-10: Here a voice lists all the cities that were destroyed, many of which we hadn’t heard about before. Where do you think they were? Why do you think these cities were destroyed?

 

6. Read 3 Nephi 9:13-22.

Verse 18: Imagine you are there. It is totally dark and you can’t even make light. Then you hear the voice of Jesus Christ say, “I am the light”.

Verse 19: This is talking about animal sacrifice.

Verse 20: What is a broken heart and a contrite spirit?

 

7. Read 3 Nephi 10.

Verses 4-7: These are words of Christ to the people who survived the destruction. It is said that they survived because they were more righteous, so why does Jesus call them to repentance? You’re a good person, but perhaps you could also find reasons to repent?

Verses 9-19: These verses seem to be Moroni summarizing the past three days and telling us a little about what is coming up in the next few chapters.

 

-XLIII-

He Lives!

Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World Comes to the Americas!

 

[Jesus]

1. Read 3 Nephi 11:1-17.

You are now at the most sacred part of the Book of Mormon. Chapters 11-28 tell of Jesus’ visit to the American continent following his death and resurrection. There is so much to learn in these chapters. Do not rush through these parts.

Verse 3: This is a still, small voice, but it is not the Holy Ghost. You will know who it is when you read verse seven.

Verses 8-11: Imagine you were there when Jesus came down and introduced himself. How would you feel? What would you do?

Verses 16 & 17: Sing “Easter Hosanna” (CS, PG. 68).

 

2. Read 3 Nephi 11:18-41.

Verses 21 & 22: Jesus had a lot to do with the people on this continent, but first he organized the church. It is important that the church is well organized. What is the name of the power to baptize that Nephi and the others received?

Verse 29: Jesus was very clear that he does not want arguments (see also verses 22 & 28). What can you do to be angry less often and argue less? Read this verse several times.

Verse 37: What does it mean to “become as a little child”? Why would we want to be like a little child?

 

3. Read 3 Nephi 12:1-16.

Chapters 12-14 contain Jesus’ “Sermon at the Temple”. This is Jesus’ most well known sermon. He gave the same sermon on a mountain during his life in Israel. That sermon is recorded in Matthew 5-7 and is known as the “Sermon on the Mount”. This sermon contains many important teachings. As you read, watch for some of Jesus’ teachings that you can live more fully.

Verse 1: Jesus told the people to, “give heed unto the words of these twelve….” They are like our apostles today. How can we give heed unto the words of the apostles?

Verses 3-12: This is called the Beatitudes. See if you can figure out why particular blessings are given for the corresponding behavior.

Verses 13-16: How can you be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of this people”?

 

4. Read 3 Nephi 12:17-48.

Verses 17-19: The law that Jesus is talking about here is the Law of Moses, including animal sacrifice. How did Jesus fulfill this law?

Verses 21-44: Here Jesus talks about particular parts of the old law and gives examples of how the same situation should be handled today. Watch for how you can apply this to your own life.

Verse 48: How can you be perfect? Sing, “More Holiness Give Me” (Hymn #131).

 

5. Read 3 Nephi 13:1-15.

Verses 1-4: Alms are your devotions to the Lord in the form of donations or service to others.

Verse 6: You don’t actually have to go in your closet, but you can find a place where you will be comfortable and won’t be interrupted. This helps you communicate with the Spirit without distraction.

Verses 9-13: This is known as the Lord’s Prayer.

Verses 14-15: A trespass is a sin or offense against someone.

 

6. Read 3 Nephi 13:16-34.

Verse 20: What are some “treasures in heaven” that you can collect now?

Verse 22: How can you make your “eye be single”? What does that mean?

Verse 24: Mammon is people and things of the world. Which master do you serve?

Verses 25-34: These verses generally apply to the twelve that Jesus ordained, not to the church as a whole. Only verse 33 can apply to all of us.

 

7. Read 3 Nephi 14.

This chapter is full of good council. Which could you apply in your life more?

Verse 12: You probably wish that people would treat you nicely, no matter what you do. This is how you should treat others.

Verses 15-19: What are some examples of good and evil fruit?

Verses 24-27: Sing, “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (CS, p. 281).

            You have now finished reading the Sermon at the Temple (chapters 12-14). Which of Jesus’ teachings will you commit to live more fully?

 

-XLIV-

Miracles, Blessings, Covenants

 

[Jesus]

1. Read 3 Nephi 15:1-10.

Verses 2-5: From Adam until the time of Christ people practiced animal sacrifice as part of their devotion to God. When Jesus died, he was the ultimate sacrifice and now animal sacrifice is no longer necessary. These are the old things that passed away.

 

2. Read 3 Nephi 15:11-24.

Verses 15-24: Read John 10:16. What does this mean?

 

3. Read 3 Nephi 16.

Verses 1-3: Whom else do you think Jesus may have visited?

Verses 18 & 19: Have you ever felt so happy that you felt like singing?

 

4. Read 3 Nephi 17.

Verse 3: It is a good practice to ponder about truths that you read about or learn in church. Through prayer and pondering, the Holy Ghost can teach you more, including how you can apply the principle in your life.

Verses 5-24: This is one of the most beautiful, powerful, and stunning parts of scripture. Try to visualize this scene. Ponder on this event. Why is this so significant? Sing verse eight of Book of Mormon Stories (CS, p. 118).

 

5. Read 3 Nephi 18:1-16.

Verses 6-16: Watch for the things Jesus wants us to do. When we do these things, we are promised certain blessings. What are they? Sing, “With Humble Heart” (Hymn #171).

 

6. Read 3 Nephi 18:17-32.

Verses 18-20: Notice the power that is available to you when you pray frequently and sincerely.

Verse 21: Sing, “Family Prayer” (CS, pg. 189).

Verses 22-25: Jesus tells us how we should treat non-members, less-actives, and others who struggle with the gospel.

 

7. Read 3 Nephi 18:33-39.

Verses 36-37: Jesus gave the Melchizedek Priesthood to the twelve disciples.

            This is the end of the first day of Jesus’ visit.

 

-XLV-

Learning From the Master

 

[Nephi II]

1. Read 3 Nephi 19:1-14.

Verse 3: Some people traveled far, even all through the night to get to the place where they could hear the Lord. Do you ever make a sacrifice so that you can hear the word of the Lord?

Verses 9-14: What an amazing baptism!

 

[Jesus]

2.Read 3 Nephi 19:15-36.

Verse 24: What does it mean that “they did not multiply many words, for it was given unto them what they should pray”?

Verse 33: Sometimes the feelings in your heart are more important that the words that are spoken.

 

3. Read 3 Nephi 20:1-22.

Verses 3-9: The Savior administered the sacrament two days in a row. Why do you think he did that?

Verse 22: Recite the tenth article of faith.

 

4. Read 3 Nephi 20:23-46.

These verses tell of the future of the Israelites and the land of Jerusalem. Some of these things are already happening. What does that mean?

 

5. Read 3 Nephi 21.

A few of the things in this chapter are happening now, but most of it is yet to happen.

 

[Isaiah]

6. Read 3 Nephi 22.

In this chapter, Jesus recites Isaiah 54. This talks about what it will be like when Zion, the New Jerusalem, will be established. What would you like about living in the New Jerusalem?

 

[Jesus]

7. Read 3 Nephi 23.

Verse 1: Jesus says we should search the scriptures. How is searching the scriptures different than reading them?

Verse 5: How can you search the prophets?

Verses 6-14: Notice how important it is that the scriptures be correct.

 

-XLVI-

The End of Jesus’ Ministry to the Ancient Americans

 

[Malachi]

1. Read 3 Nephi 24.

The teachings of Malachi were not in the brass plates that Nephi got from Laban, since the prophet Malachi taught the Jews many years after Lehi and his family came to this continent. Malachi’s teachings are very important, so here Jesus recites Malachi 3.

Verse 8: If you don’t pay your tithing, it’s like stealing from God.

Verse 10 & 11: Some wonderful blessings are promised if we pay our tithing.

Verses 14 & 15: Have you ever felt like this?

Read 3 Nephi 25.

Now Jesus recites Malachi 4.

Verse 1: A person’s roots are his ancestors and his branches are his posterity. How can a person be left without ancestors and posterity?

Verse 5 & 6: This was fulfilled April 3, 1836, when Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to restore the sealing powers so that we can be with our ancestors and posterity forever. Sing “Truth from Elijah” (CS, p. 90).

 

[Nephi II]

2. Read 3 Nephi 26.

Verse 3: What a wonderful history lesson that must have been!

Verses 6-12: Here Mormon mentions that most of the things that Jesus taught on this day are not in the Book of Mormon because we are not ready to know all of that. We can prepare ourselves to be ready by reading the scriptures we have and living our lives according to what we learn.

 

3. Read 3 Nephi 27:1-15.

Verses 5-8: This is why we are not the “Mormon” church, but we should identify ourselves as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Verse 15: Some people believe that in order to receive Eternal Life, we don’t have to do anything more than believe in Jesus Christ, but his scripture says otherwise.

 

[Jesus]

4. Read 3 Nephi 27:16-33.

Verses 16 & 17: What does it mean to endure to the end?

Verses 25 & 26: We will be judged according to the lessons in the scriptures, whether or not we read them.

 

5. Read 3 Nephi 28:1-12.

Verse 1: How would you answer this question?

Verse 12: This is the end of Jesus’ post-mortal visits to the ancient Americans. Put “Jesus’ visit to the Americas” on the timeline.

 

[Mormon]

6. Read 3 Nephi 28:13-40.

These verses describe what it was like for the three Nephites who were translated. Perhaps this is the way all people will be during the Millennuim.

 

7. Read 3 Nephi 29 & 30.

In these chapters, Mormon is talking directly to us in our day.

Chapter 30, verse 2: Jesus specifically told Mormon to write this verse for us today. This is a call to repentance. Is there anything on this list that you need to repent of?

            Write a summary of 3 Nephi. You can use the chapter headings to help you.

 

-XLVII-

The Best of Times, The Worst of Times

 

[Nephi III, Amos, Amos II]

1. Read 4 Nephi 1:1-23.

            The heading for this book indicates that 4 Nephi is a book by Nephi, the son of Nephi, who was Jesus’ disciple. Add Nephi to the Golden Plates Progression Chart after Nephi. There are now three Nephis in a row.

Verses 2-5: Do you wish you could have lived during that time? Perhaps that is what it will be like during the Millennium. What can you do to live your life more like that now?

Verse 15: What can you do to help reduce contention in your home?

Verse 16: Have you ever considered that the more you choose the right, the happier you are?

Verse 19: Add Amos to the Golden Plates Progression Chart under Nephi.

Verse 21: Add Amos (the younger) to the Golden Plates Progression Chart under Amos.

Verse 23: When a group of people all keep the commandments it is inevitable that they become rich. Why?

 

[Ammaron]

2. Read 4 Nephi 1:24-49.

Verses 24-46: This second half of this chapter is vastly different from the first half. Notice how even the church members struggled and fell. Can you identify some things in these verses that you might struggle with?

Verse 47: Add Ammaron to the Golden Plates Progression Chart beside Amos.

            Write a summary of 4 Nephi.

 

[Mormon]

3. Read Mormon 1.

Verses 2-5: If you have not done so already, add Mormon to the Golden Plates Progression Chart after Ammaron. The people must have been extremely wicked, so much that the only worthy person Ammaron could find was a ten-year-old boy. This also shows us that we can be spiritually great at any age. The Lord desires all of us to turn our hearts to him now, no matter what age we are. Sing “A Young Man Prepared” (CS, pg. 166).

Verses 13 & 14: If we don’t have miracles and blessings in our lives, it is because of our own wickedness and unbelief.

Verse 15: Wow! Everyone around Mormon is wicked, yet Mormon, as a teenager, relies on the Spirit for his learning, even to the point where Jesus visited him!

 

4. Read Mormon 2.

Verses 10-14: When you feel sad, do you let your emotions turn to anger, or do you let your sorrow lead you to turn to the Lord?

Verse 19: How could Mormon know that he will be saved?

 

5. Read Mormon 3.

Verses 9 & 10: Here the Nephites made a big mistake. Already the Lord is not fighting their battles for them, because they have not invited him to. Now they are becoming blood-thirsty. If they avenge themselves by fighting the Lamanites, they will also be fighting against the Lord. What do you think will happen next?

Verse 21: All prophets testify of Jesus Christ.

 

6. Read Mormon 4.

Verses 1-5: Why didn’t the Lord protect the Nephites in this battle?

Why is important for you to know about these battles?

 

7. Read Mormon 5.

Verses 8-24: This is a commentary by Mormon on the battle. He is talking directly to us and tells us what we, as individuals, can do to avoid such tragedy.

 

-XLVIII-

The End of the Nephites

 

[Mormon]

1. Read Mormon 6.

Verse 2: Put “Cumorah” on the map in space 10.

Verses 10-15: About how many people were killed?

 

2. Read Mormon 7

In this chapter, Mormon is talking directly to the Native Americans in our day.  This is the last chapter we have that was written by Mormon.

Verse 8: What is “the record which shall come unto the gentiles from the Jews”?

 

[Moroni]

3. Read Mormon 8:1-11.

Everything in the Book of Mormon, from 1 Nephi to Mormon 7, were abridged or written by Mormon. Starting with this chapter, the rest of the Book of Mormon was abridged or written my Moroni, his son.

Verse 1: If you haven’t already, Put Moroni in the Golden Plates Progression Chart under Mormon.

Verse 3: Put Mormon on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart.

Verse 5: Moroni will finish the Book of Mormon, including the book of Ether and his own book. There is no one alive that Moroni can share this with, so why does he write these things?

 

4. Read Mormon 8:12-22.

Verse 16: What is the name of the person that Moroni blesses in this verse?

 

5. Read Mormon 8:23-41.

Verse 25: “These things” are the writings in the Book of Mormon.

Verses 26-32: This is describing the world at the time that the Book of Mormon is brought to the world. How many of these things are happening now?

Verses 33-41: Moroni is talking directly to us. Which of these things could you repent of?

 

6. Read Mormon 9:1-20.

Verse 4: Can you see how it might be possible that we judge ourselves in the next life?

Verse 20: Miracles should be a natural, normal part of life for the true followers of Christ. What can you do to increase miracles in your life?

 

7. Read Mormon 9:21-37.

Moroni gave his closing remarks as he finished his father’s record. Remember that he is talking directly to us. There’s a lot of good council here.

Verse 21: What great power is available to us!

            This is the end of what Moroni wrote in his father’s book, but Moroni went on to abridge the book of Ether, then he wrote his own book. Write a summary of Mormon.

 

-XLIX-

The Brother of Jared

 

[Moroni]

1. Read Ether 1:1-32.

The book of Ether is a history of the Jaredite people. They came to this continent a long time before the Nephites and Lamanites. Ether was the prophet who wrote this book. He was a Jaredite prophet who lived near the end of the Jaredite civilization. Ether’s book was found by some Nephites in about 121 B.C. and translated by King Mosiah at about 92 B.C. Now what you are about to read was abridged, or condensed, by Moroni between 400 & 421 A.D.

 

2. Read Ether 1: 33-43.

Verse 33: Put the Tower of Babel on the timeline at about 2200 B.C. Where was the Tower of Babel?

Verses 34-39: Here are three problems mentioned. What did Jared and his brother do to solve their problems?

Verse 43: How long do you think they prayed?

 

3. Read Ether 2.

Verses 9-12: Where is this “land of promise”? These verses are Ether or Moroni talking directly to us.

Verse 13: It was revealed to Joseph Smith that Jared’s brother’s name was Mahonri Moriancumer. Therefore, the place named in this verse is named after the brother of Jared.

Verse 14: How does the Lord feel when you forget to pray?

Verses 16-21: Can you imagine what the barges might have looked like?

Verses 22-25: This is a good example of how the Lord does not just do everything for us, or even tell us how to do everything. He often wants us to come up with our own solutions to our problems.

 

4. Read Ether 3.

Verse 2: Notice how humble the brother of Jared is.

Verse 6-8: Why didn’t the brother of Jared know that the Lord had a body like unto flesh and blood?

Verse 9: Probably one reason why the brother of Jared was able to have such great faith was because of his humility.

Verse 13: This is very significant. There are a few select people on the earth who receive these promises while in mortality. Wouldn’t it be nice to have the Lord tell you these things?

Verse 15: Apparently, prior to this experience, prophets had not seen the body of the Lord, but perhaps talked to them from a cloud, a fire, or other object.

Verses 23 & 24: These two stones are an Urim and Thumim.

 

5. Read Ether 4.

Moroni wrote this chapter.

Verse 4: This is talking about revelation that the brother of Jared wrote down, but is not included in the scriptures today. Moroni was commanded to seal it up.

Verses 6 & 7: We need to live by the teachings in the scriptures we have now before we are given more scriptures. How can you prepare yourself for more sacred words from the Lord?

Verse 12: This is how to know if something is from God.

Verses 13-15: This is how to learn the things that are hidden.

 

6. Read Ether 5.

This chapter is Moroni talking directly to Joseph Smith.

Verses 2-4: Imagine how Joseph Smith might have felt. Prior to sharing with the three witnesses, Joseph Smith was the only one who ever saw the plates. I’m sure there were people who didn’t believe that he even had them. It must have been nice to have the testimony of three more people to back him up.

 

7. Read Ether 6:1-12.

Imagine what it would have been like to make this journey.

 

-L-

Kings and Secret Combinations Among the Jaredites

 

[Moroni]

1. Read Ether 6:13-30.

Verse 17: What does it mean to be “taught from on high”?

Verses 22 & 23: How does a king lead the people into captivity?

Verses 25-27: Why did these sons not want to be king?

Verse 29: Put Jared and his brother on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes chart.

Verse 30: This verse shows that Orihah was a good king. Were Jared and his brother wrong that a king would lead to captivity?

 

2. Read Ether 7.

This one chapter is a summary of many years of Jaredite history.

Verse 9: The use of the names Nehor and Ephraim is interesting. Those names were known during early Nephite and Israelite times, which was after the Jaredite times.

Verses 23 & 27: Shule was a good king.

 

3. Read Ether 8.

Verse 2: Jared was very talented by the way he was able to persuade people to do what he wants them to do. He could have been a great leader for good, but instead, he used his abilities to persuade people to be evil.

Verses 13-25: Here Moroni gives us a great lesson on secret combinations. He says that every civilization has them. In these verses we learn how secret combinations work, how we can recognize them, how dangerous they are, and what we can do to frustrate them.

 

4. Read Ether 9:1-15.

Verse 11: Notice what things the people desired. What is wrong with these desires?

Verse 12: What were the results of the evil desires and practices?

 

5. Read Ether 9:16-35.

[pride cycle]

Verses 16-25: What part of the pride cycle is described here?

Verses 26-29: What part of the pride cycle do these verses describe?

Verses 30-33: What part of the pride cycle is this?

Verse 34: Now what part of the pride cycle?

Verse 35: What part of the pride cycle is this?

            What part of the pride cycle are you in right now?

 

6. Read Ether 10.

Verses 1 & 2: Was Shez a good king or a bad king?

            Compare verses 17-29 to verses 30-34. Which time would you prefer to live in? How can you help make your own community or country more like the good times?

 

7. Read Ether 11.

[pride cycle]

Verses 6-8: See how many parts of the pride cycle you can recognize in these verses.

 

-LI-

Faith, or the Lack of Faith

The End of the Jaredites

 

[Moroni]

1. Read Ether 12:1-22.

Verse 6: This verse introduces a lecture on faith. Do you ever wish to see some kind of “proof” before you will believe?

Verses 7-22: Moroni had the scriptures and he was familiar with them. Here he gives examples of great faith followed by miracles. This can serve as a review of many of the Book of Mormon stories that you have read. Can you remember more details about these stories?

 

2. Read Ether 12:23-41.

Verses 23-26: Here Moroni comments about how himself and other writers are not very good writers. Why didn’t God bless them to be better writers? Perhaps the spirit of the words is more important than how the words are written down. When we study scriptures with the spirit of the Holy Ghost, we will learn what we need to learn.

Verse 27: Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough for something? This verse tells you why and what you can do about it. Sing “Be Thou Humble” (Hymn #130).

Verses 28-36: Moroni talks to us about faith, hope, and charity.

Verses 38-41: It sounds like Moroni thought that this is all he would write. He was wrong. The Lord preserved Moroni so that he could write eight more chapters. As you read them, consider why these chapters are so important that Moroni was kept alive to write them.

 

3. Read Ether 13.

Verses 2-12: What is the difference between the Jerusalem of old and the New Jerusalem? Where were and when will these cities be? Who are they for? Recite the tenth Article of Faith.

Verse 15: From here to the rest of this chapter, we return to the history of the Jaredite people.

Verse 16: Here it tells how Coriantumr is well educated, yet the following verses will show that he is not wise.

 

4. Read Ether 14:1-18.

Verses 1 & 2: Was this curse some kind of magic? How could these things just disappear?

 

5. Read Ether 14:19-31.

What do they prove by all this fighting?

 

6. Read Ether 15:1-14.

Verse 2: It sounds like there easily could have been over five million people killed. That’s like the entire population of the state of Minnesota (4,919,479 in 2000 U.S. Census).

 

7. Read Ether 15:15-34.

This is a terrible battle. How many days does it last? Isn’t it amazing that they kept fighting? It got to the point where they knew they were all going to die. Why didn’t they just run off in the forest and hide?

Verse 33: Imagine what it must have looked like for Ether. The people of Limhi were the Nephites who were living in bondage to the Lamanites in the land of Lehi-Nephi. Some of these men went looking for the land of Zarahemla, but instead found this location where the Jaredites has their last battles. They brought back Ether’s record. See Mosiah 8:7-9.

Verse 34: Put Ether on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart.

            What could have saved the Jaredites? Why is it important that we know about the destruction of the Jaredite nation? Tell the story of the Jaredites. Write a summary of the book of Ether.

 

-LII-

The Last Book in the Book of Mormon

 

[Moroni]

1. Read Moroni chapters 1-6.

The entire book of Moroni is scripture that Moroni was kept alive to be able to write. Some of the most important lessons are in this book. This book is the dessert for the feast of the Book of Mormon. Take it slowly and enjoy every morsel! Chapters 2-5 are like a priesthood handbook of instructions.

Chapter 2: Moroni tells us that when Jesus visited the people on this continent he gave his twelve disciples power and authority to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost. This means that they had the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Chapter 4, verse 3 & chapter 5, verse 2: Do you have these memorized?

Chapter 6, verse 6: Sing “While of These Emblems We Partake” (Hymn # 173).

 

2. Read Moroni 7:1-17.

There are many precious gems of truth in this chapter. We will not discuss all of them here, but they are there for you to discover and ponder on your own.

Verses 1-3: Who is speaking to whom?

Verse 12: Satan is always trying to tempt you.

Verses 13-15: When you read these verses, think about different types of media you see (like movies, music, and Internet).

Verses 16 & 17: This is a guide on how to know what is good and what is evil.

 

3. Read Moroni 7:18-33.

Verse 19: This is a good verse. How should we search for the truth? How much of the good stuff should we get a grasp on? Is that too much? Many people feel like they need to have some kind of balance between Godly things and worldly things. What would Mormon say about that? The world wants us to ignore some of the good things so that we would be worldlier. What do you want?

Verses 21-33: Read this part carefully. Notice how faith, angels, miracles, and great powers go together. How does this apply to you?

 

4. Read Moroni 7:34-48.

Verse 37: It sounds like miracles should be a normal part of our lives. Do you have miracles? Do you recognize them?

Verses 39-44: Notice how faith, hope, and charity are related.

Verse 45: Make a list of what charity is. What do all these things mean? Which of these do you need to work on?

Verse 48: Sing, “He Sent His Son” (CS, pg. 34).

 

[Mormon]

5. Read Moroni 8.

In these verses, Mormon explains how wrong it is to baptize little children. As you read this, you will see how it makes perfect sense. Think about what you might say to a nonmember friend if you got into a conversation about baptizing babies.

Verses 14-24: These verses are about the people who believe in infant baptism.

Verses 25 & 26: These are some of the most basic gospel principles. Why would we struggle with these sometimes?

 

6. Read Moroni 9.

This chapter is Mormon’s last letter to Moroni.

Verses 8-10: This is the most gruesome part of the Book of Mormon. If these verses bother you, that means you have a sense for what it good and right. The Nephites and Lamanites were at this time past feeling. They didn’t feel bad about these things. That’s why they did such horrible things. Feeling that something is wrong or right is a good quality, one which you should cherish and develop even more.

 

[Moroni]

7. Read Moroni 10.

This is the last chapter in the Book of Mormon. It is a very sweet and powerful chapter. Take it slowly. Savor it. Enjoy. Learn. This is the cherry on top of the dessert!

Verses 4 & 5: If, by now, you don’t have a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, this is the time to do something about it. Follow Moroni’s advice and the Holy Ghost will help you know the truth. Is it only spiritual things that the Holy Ghost will help you with? Sing, “Let the Holy Spirit Guide” (Hymn #143). Take some time today to write your testimony of the Book of Mormon. Compare this testimony to the one you wrote when you started reading.

Verses 8-30: This is a discussion of the gifts of the spirit. Which of these gifts do you already possess? Which of these can you develop? Look ahead to verse 30. How many of these gifts can you have? What can you do to develop them?

Verse & 33: This verse explains how we can become perfect in this life. What do you need to do? Notice how God’s grace plays a part. What does it mean to be sanctified? Put Moroni on the Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart.

Write a summary of the book of Moroni. Put “The End of the Book of Mormon” on the timeline. Congratulaitons! You read the entire Book of Mormon! Did you enjoy this experience? Do you wish it could go longer?

 

- Epilogue -

What are your favorite parts of the Book of Mormon? Notice your feelings about the Book of Mormon.

Remember that this is not the end, but only the beginning of a lifelong commitment to studying the scriptures. Take the time now to plan your new study habits. Here are some suggestions:

·        Read from the beginning to the end, as you just did. Most people do it this way.

·        Read the Book of Mormon in one month. This is a challenging, but very rewarding experience. You may want to do this at least once. While this method doesn’t allow much time to be still and learn some of the fine points, you will have a better grasp on how all the stories go together.

·        Read by subject. Study a subject that interests you. You might want to pretend that you are going to give a talk. Include some quotes by general authorities and maybe stories from church magazines. Create a file of well-written talks that you can give when you are asked.

·        Read the reading assignments that go with your primary, Sunday school, or seminary lessons.

·        Make a collection of your favorite scriptures.

·        Random. Just open the book and read! Let the spirit guide. Pray to be guided to what you need to learn each day. Perhaps you are struggling with something in your life. Find your answers in the scriptures.

 

Appendix

 

Scripture Memorization

Map

Timeline

Heroes/Anti-Heroes Chart

Golden Plates Progression Chart