Your preparation to teach Primary begins as you study the Book of Mormon personally and with your family. As you do, be open to spiritual impressions and insights from the Holy Ghost about the children in your Primary class. Be prayerful, and the Spirit can inspire you with ideas to help them learn the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As you prepare to teach, you might gain additional inspiration by exploring the teaching ideas in this resource. Each outline in Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church has a section titled “Ideas for Teaching Children.” Think of these ideas as suggestions to spark your inspiration. You know the children in your Primary class—and you will get to know them even better as you interact with them in class. God knows them too, and He will inspire you with the best ways to teach and bless them.

It’s possible that children in your class will have already done some of the activities in Come, Follow Me with their families. That’s OK. Repetition is good. Consider inviting the children to share with each other what they learned at home—though you should also plan ways for children to participate even if they aren’t learning at home. Children learn gospel truths more effectively when these truths are taught repeatedly through a variety of activities. If you find that a learning activity is effective for the children, consider repeating it, especially if you are teaching younger children. You might also review an activity from a previous lesson.

In months that have five Sundays, Primary teachers are encouraged to replace the scheduled Come, Follow Me outline on the fifth Sunday with one or more of the learning activities in “Appendix B: For Primary—Preparing Children for a Lifetime on God’s Covenant Path.”

One main reason we gather in Sunday School classes is to support and encourage one another as we strive to follow Jesus Christ. A simple way to do this is to ask a question like “What has the Holy Ghost taught you this week as you studied the Book of Mormon with Come, Follow Me?” Answers to this question could lead to meaningful discussions that build faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel.

Then you could invite discussion based on the study suggestions in Come, Follow Me. For instance, a study idea might suggest searching Alma 36 and making a list of words that teach about the Savior’s role in repentance. You might ask class members to share and talk about the words they found. Or you could spend some time making the list together as a class.

When Aaronic Priesthood quorums and Young Women classes meet on Sundays, their purpose is somewhat different from a Sunday School class. In addition to helping each other learn the gospel of Jesus Christ, these groups also meet to counsel together about accomplishing the work of salvation and exaltation (see General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1.2). They do this under the direction of class and quorum presidencies.

For this reason, each quorum or class meeting should begin with a member of the quorum or class presidency leading a discussion about efforts to, for example, live the gospel, minister to people in need, share the gospel, or participate in temple and family history work.

After this time for counseling together, an instructor leads the class or quorum in learning the gospel together. Adult leaders or members of the class or quorum can be assigned to teach. The class or quorum presidency, consulting with adult leaders, makes these assignments.

People assigned to teach should prepare by using the learning suggestions in the weekly outline of Come, Follow Me. In each outline, this icon indicates an activity that is especially relevant to youth. However, any of the suggestions in the outline could be used as a learning activity for youth.

For a sample agenda for quorum and class meetings, see appendix D.

The title page of the Book of Mormon provides more than just a title. Among other things, it lists several purposes of this sacred record. Look for these purposes in the title page. Questions like these can help you as you ponder: Why do we have the Book of Mormon? How is the Book of Mormon different from other books?

Now might be a good time to make a personal or family plan for reading the Book of Mormon this year. When and where will you read? How will you invite the Spirit into your study? Is there anything specific you will look for as you study? For example, you might look for passages that accomplish the purposes you found on the title page. You might keep a list of verses that build your faith in Jesus Christ.

See also 2 Nephi 25:26; Mosiah 3:5–8; Alma 5:48; 7:10–13; Helaman 5:12; 3 Nephi 9:13–18; 11:6–14; Moroni 10:32–33.

The Holy Ghost can testify to you that the Book of Mormon is true, even though you haven’t seen the gold plates as the Three Witnesses and Eight Witnesses did. As you read their words, think about how their testimonies strengthen yours.

What inspires you about the way these witnesses shared their testimony of the Book of Mormon? Ponder how you can share your testimony of the Book of Mormon—especially its witness of Jesus Christ. For example, imagine that you’re talking to a friend who has never heard of the Book of Mormon before. What would you tell him or her about it? How would you try to inspire your friend to read it? Consider reviewing the Introduction to the Book of Mormon. You might find details there that would be useful to share with your friend. The following videos might also give you ideas:

• “Book of Mormon Introduction”

• “What Is the Book of Mormon? A 60-Second Overview”

• “A Book of Mormon Story”

Consider making a list of things you would share with a friend about the Book of Mormon. Try sharing the Book of Mormon using the Book of Mormon app.

See also Ronald A. Rasband, “This Day,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 25–28; Gospel Topics, “Book of Mormon,” Gospel Library; “An Angel from on High,” Hymns, no. 13.

If someone asked you where the Book of Mormon came from, what would you say? How would you describe God’s involvement in giving us the Book of Mormon? As you read Joseph Smith’s testimony, pay attention to how he described it. Based on what you read, how do you think God feels about the importance of the Book of Mormon?

See also Ulisses Soares, “The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 32–35; Saints, vol. 1, The Standard of Truth, 21–30; Gospel Topics Essays, “Book of Mormon Translation,” Gospel Library.

• Let your children look at and hold a copy of the Book of Mormon. Help them point to the subtitle, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. You might also help them find, on the title page, the phrase “Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations.” Help them understand that this means the Book of Mormon teaches us about Jesus Christ. Briefly tell them how the Book of Mormon has strengthened your faith in Jesus Christ. You could also ask them about their favorite Book of Mormon stories. Singing “Book of Mormon Stories” (Children’s Songbook, 118–19) could remind them of some of these stories.

• This week’s activity page and the image below can help your children understand these words of Joseph Smith in the introduction to the Book of Mormon: “The Book of Mormon [is] the keystone of our religion.” It might also be fun to build or draw an arch with a keystone at the top. What might happen if the keystone is removed? What would happen if we did not have the Book of Mormon? You might read together the last paragraph of the introduction to find out what else we learn when we accept the truth of the Book of Mormon. How can we make the Book of Mormon the keystone of our faith in Jesus Christ?

• To help your children understand what it means to be a witness, you could describe to them something you have seen that they haven’t. Then let them do the same for you. This could lead to a conversation about the 11 people who saw the gold plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated. As you read the testimonies together, you could talk about why these witnesses wanted other people to know about their testimonies. Who do we want to tell about the Book of Mormon?

• To help your children learn how God gave us the Book of Mormon, you could read parts of “The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith” to them. You might also use “Chapter 1: How We Got the Book of Mormon” (in Book of Mormon Stories, 2–4). Your children might also enjoy acting out the story a few times.

One prominent message in the Book of Mormon is the “great worth” of the word of God (1 Nephi 5:21). As you read 1 Nephi 1–5, look for ways the word of God directly or indirectly blessed Lehi’s family (for example, see 1:11–15; 3:19–20; 5:10–22). What do these chapters teach you about the word of God? What do you find that inspires you to search the scriptures?

See also “As I Search the Holy Scriptures,” Hymns, no. 277; “Scriptures Legacy” (video), Gospel Library.

Nephi is known for his powerful faith in the Lord, but he had to work to gain his testimony—just as we all do. What do you read in 1 Nephi 2 that shows why Nephi was able to gain a witness that his father’s words were true? Why didn’t Laman and Lemuel gain this witness? (See also 1 Nephi 15:2–11). When have you felt the Lord soften your heart?

See also “The Lord Commands Lehi’s Family to Leave Jerusalem” (video), Gospel Library.

When the Lord commanded Lehi’s sons to obtain the plates of brass, He did not give specific instructions on how to do it. This is often true of direction we receive from God, and it might feel like He has required “a hard thing” (1 Nephi 3:5). What inspires you about Nephi’s response to the Lord’s command in 1 Nephi 3:7, 15–16?

As you read 1 Nephi 3–4, look for the variety of difficulties Nephi encountered. How did the Lord “prepare a way” for Nephi to “accomplish the thing which he [commanded]”? Why is it important for you to know what the Lord did for Nephi?

One powerful way that God has prepared us to keep His commandments is by sending Jesus Christ to be our Savior. Consider reading President Dallin H. Oaks’s message “What Has Our Savior Done for Us?” (Liahona, May 2021, 75–77). How has Jesus Christ prepared a way for each of us? Knowing that He has overcome all things for you, what do you feel impressed to “go and do”?

See also “Nephi Is Led by the Spirit to Obtain the Plates of Brass” (video), Gospel Library; Gospel Topics, “Obedience,” Gospel Library.

When Laman and Lemuel felt like murmuring or complaining, they usually had Nephi and Lehi nearby to inspire and support them. When you feel like murmuring, it can be helpful to read the words of Nephi and Lehi. How did Nephi and Lehi try to help others build faith in God? (see 1 Nephi 4:1–3; 5:1–8; see also 1 Nephi 7:6–21). What do you learn that can help you when you are tempted to murmur or complain?

In 1 Nephi 4:5–18, what impresses you about Nephi’s ability to recognize and follow the Spirit? You might study President Russell M. Nelson’s message “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 93–96) to learn more about receiving revelation from the Lord.

• How did Nephi know that what his father taught was true? Help your children find answers to this question in 1 Nephi 2:16, 19. They might also enjoy writing Nephi’s actions on blocks or other objects and then building something with the objects. This could lead to a conversation about how these actions help us build a testimony.

• You could show your children pictures or objects that represent things they might seek a testimony of, such as a copy of the Book of Mormon or a picture of Jesus Christ, a temple, or the living prophet. Invite them to pick one and share their testimonies of that thing. You could also tell your children how you gained your testimony. Why do we need our own testimony?

• Consider using one or more of these resources to help your children talk about how God helped Nephi get the brass plates: 1 Nephi 3–4; this week’s activity page; “Nephi’s Courage” (Children’s Songbook, 120–21); and “Chapter 4: The Brass Plates” (in Book of Mormon Stories, 8–12).

• You and your children might enjoy role-playing 1 Nephi 3:2–7. Maybe you could pretend to be Lehi and ask your children to return to Jerusalem to get the brass plates. Invite them to respond in their own words as if they were Laman and Lemuel or Nephi. What are some things God has commanded us to do? (see pictures 103–15 in the Gospel Art Book or Mosiah 18:8–10 for ideas). How can we be like Nephi?

  

• The scriptures were very important to Lehi’s family. To illustrate this, you could invite your children to help you tell or act out what Nephi and his brothers did to get the brass plates: they traveled a long distance, gave up their gold and silver, and hid in a cave to save their lives. Then you could read 1 Nephi 5:21 and talk about why the scriptures were so valuable to Lehi’s family. Why are they valuable to us? How can we treat the scriptures like a treasure?

• After reviewing together in 1 Nephi 3 how Nephi and his brothers tried to get the brass plates, read with your children 1 Nephi 4:6 to find out what Nephi did that allowed him to finally succeed. Then your children could make a list of things that God wants them to do. How can the Holy Ghost help us in these situations?

What impresses you about Nephi’s example in 1 Nephi 7:6–21? How are we blessed when we “frankly forgive” each other? The video “The Lord Delivers Nephi from His Rebellious Brothers” (Gospel Library) could be helpful in your study.

Lehi’s vision offers an invitation to reflect on where you are in your personal journey to become like Christ. President Boyd K. Packer said: “You are in it; all of us are in it. Lehi’s dream or vision of the iron rod has in it everything a … Latter-day Saint needs to understand the test of life” (“Lehi’s Dream and You,” New Era, Jan. 2015, 2).

As you study, consider filling out a chart like this one.

You could also search the following verses to learn about four groups of people Lehi saw: 1 Nephi 8:21–23, 24–28, 30, and 31–33. What differences do you notice between these groups? Why did some people leave after making it to the tree and tasting the fruit (see verses 24–28)? What do you learn from this experience?

See also Kevin W. Pearson, “Stay by the Tree,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 114–16; “Lehi Sees a Vision of the Tree of Life” (video), Gospel Library.

For an interactive experience to help you learn about Lehi’s vision, click here.

Why do you think the Lord would want Lehi’s family—and all of us—to know the truths found in 1 Nephi 10:2–16? Consider how you could help your loved ones invite the Savior into their lives.

How do you respond when you are asked to live a gospel principle you don’t understand? In the following scriptures, note the differences between Nephi’s response to Lehi’s vision (see 1 Nephi 10:17–19; 11:1) and Laman and Lemuel’s response (see 1 Nephi 15:1–10). What truths did Nephi understand that led him to respond as he did?

With Nephi’s example in mind, make a list of gospel principles you would like to understand better. What could you do to find answers for yourself? (See also “Truth Will Make You Free” in For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices, 30–33.)

Just as Nephi found out for himself that his father’s words were true, we can do the same when we hear the words of modern prophets and apostles. What did prophets and apostles teach us in the most recent general conference? How have you gained a personal witness of what they taught?

See also 1 Nephi 2:11–19; Doctrine and Covenants 8:1–3; “Search, Ponder, and Pray,” Children’s Songbook, 109; Gospel Topics, “Revelation,” Gospel Library.

• Your children might enjoy drawing a picture of Lehi’s vision as you read 1 Nephi 8 together. Let them share their pictures, and help them discover what the symbols in the dream represent (see 1 Nephi 11:21–22; 12:16–18; 15:23–33, 36 and this week’s activity page). Ask them to share as many answers as they can to this question: What do we learn from Lehi’s vision?

• Do you have something that could represent the iron rod in Lehi’s vision, such as a pipe or a stick? Let your children hold on to it as you lead them around a room to a picture of the Savior. Why is the iron rod important in Lehi’s vision? (See 1 Nephi 8:20, 24, 30). How is the iron rod like the word of God?

• Invite some of your children to read 1 Nephi 8:10–12 and describe what Lehi saw. Ask the others to read 1 Nephi 11:20–23 and describe what Nephi saw. Why would the angel show Nephi the baby Jesus to teach him about the love of God? Talk with your children about how they have felt the love of God in their lives. A song like “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75) could help them think of examples.

• How could you help your children understand what Nephi taught in 1 Nephi 10:19? Perhaps you could fold a picture of the Savior or another special object inside a blanket and invite your children to unfold it. As you read 1 Nephi 10:19, they could raise their hands when they hear the words “unfolded” and “Holy Ghost.” Then you could share an experience when the Holy Ghost helped you discover truth.

• Ask your children to talk about what they do to find answers to a question. What might Nephi say if someone asked him how to find answers to a question about the gospel? Encourage the children to find out by reading 1 Nephi 10:17–19; 11:1.

• Have your children ever felt that the Holy Ghost helped them know that something was true? Let them share their experience. What would we say to a friend who thinks that they can’t receive answers through the Holy Ghost? What do we find in 1 Nephi 10:17–19 and 11:1 that could help that friend?

When Nephi asked the angel about the meaning of the tree in Lehi’s vision, the angel could have simply said, “It represents the love of God.” Instead, he showed Nephi a series of symbols and events from the Savior’s life. Look for these symbols and events as you read and ponder 1 Nephi 11. What do you find that helps you understand why Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of God’s love?

You might also consider watching Bible Videos in the Gospel Library that correspond with the events Nephi saw. How has the Savior helped you feel your Heavenly Father’s love?

See also Susan H. Porter, “God’s Love: The Most Joyous to the Soul,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 33–35.

Nephi would not live to witness much of what he saw in his vision. Why do you think it was valuable for Nephi to know these things? Why is it valuable for you to know them? Ask these questions each time you read about something that Nephi saw in his vision (see 1 Nephi 12–14). What impressions do you receive about your role in the Lord’s “great and … marvelous work”? (1 Nephi 14:7). What are some of the great and marvelous things He has done for you?

Consider especially the promise in 1 Nephi 14:14. How has the Savior fulfilled this promise in your life? (For some examples, see David A. Bednar, “With the Power of God in Great Glory,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 28–30, especially the last two sections.)

President Dallin H. Oaks explained that the “great and abominable church” Nephi described represents “any philosophy or organization that opposes belief in God. And the ‘captivity’ into which this ‘church’ seeks to bring the saints will not be so much physical confinement as the captivity of false ideas” (“Stand as Witnesses of God,” Ensign, Mar. 2015, 32). How does the Savior help you avoid—and escape from—the captivity of false ideas?

Have you ever felt like you weren’t receiving personal revelation—that God wasn’t talking to you? What counsel did Nephi give his brothers when they felt this way? (See 1 Nephi 15:1–11.) How can you apply Nephi’s counsel in your life?

Nephi often had urgent things to say to his brothers. But he seemed especially passionate about what he told them in 1 Nephi 15:23–25. What was Nephi’s message, and why do you think he felt so strongly about it?

Elder David A. Bednar taught that “the word of God” can refer to the scriptures, to the words of living prophets, and to Jesus Christ Himself. What do you think it means to “hold fast” to the scriptures and words of living prophets? What might it mean to “hold fast” to Jesus Christ? You might look for possible answers to these questions in Elder Bednar’s message “But We Heeded Them Not” (Liahona, May 2022, 14–16).

How does holding fast to the word of God help you resist the adversary? Filling out a table like this one could help organize your thoughts:

See also “The Iron Rod,” Hymns, no. 274; Jorge F. Zeballos, “Building a Life Resistant to the Adversary,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 50–52.

• To teach Nephi about God’s love, an angel showed Nephi events from the Savior’s life. You could do the same for your children—give them pictures of the events Nephi saw in 1 Nephi 11:20, 24, 27, 31, and 33 (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 30, 35, 39, 42, 57). As you read these verses, help your children find the picture that matches it. What do we learn about Jesus Christ from these verses and pictures?

  

• Singing a song like “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35) could help your children feel God’s love. After you sing, ask your children what they learn from the song. What else do we learn about God’s love from 1 Nephi 11:22–23?

• To help your children value the “plain and precious” truths in the Book of Mormon, you could draw a picture and invite your children to change or remove parts of the picture to make it look different. You could use this to teach that things in the Bible were changed and taken out over time. Read together 1 Nephi 13:40 and talk about how the Book of Mormon (“these last records”) helps us understand the “plain and precious things” that were lost from the Bible (the “first” records). What “plain and precious” truths have you learned from the Book of Mormon?

• The video “The Book of Mormon—a Book from God” (Gospel Library) could help your children see why it’s important to have both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Children might enjoy re-creating the illustration from the video.

• Give your children a chance to share what they remember about Lehi’s vision. It might help to use a picture, like the one in last week’s outline. What kept people from reaching the tree? What helped them reach it? You might ask them to find the iron rod in the picture. Read together 1 Nephi 15:23–24 to find out what the iron rod represents and how it can help us.

Nephi’s family faced some tough challenges—like all of us do. What can you learn from Nephi about facing adversity with faith in Jesus Christ? Read about his experiences in 1 Nephi 16:17–32; 16:34–39; 17:7–16; 18:1–4; and 18:9–22. Consider recording what you find under headings like these: “Challenge,” “How Nephi Responded,” and “How the Lord Helped.” What do you learn that you could apply to the challenges you face?

After learning from Nephi and his family, you might record additional thoughts under these headings: “My Challenges,” “How I Will Respond,” and “How the Lord Can Help Me.” As you do, you could refer to scriptures like these: Matthew 11:28–30; John 14:26–27; Mosiah 24:13–15. A hymn like “Where Can I Turn for Peace?” (Hymns, no. 129) could strengthen your faith in the Savior and the help He offers during times of trial.

See also Anthony D. Perkins, “Remember Thy Suffering Saints, O Our God,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 103–5; “He Will Give You Help,” “The Lord Guides Lehi’s Journey,” “The Lord Commands Nephi to Build a Ship,” and “Lehi’s Family Sails to the Promised Land” (videos), Gospel Library; “Life Help,” Gospel Library.

When God led Lehi’s family into the wilderness, He didn’t give them a map showing every detail of the journey. Instead, He gave them the Liahona to guide them daily. As you read 1 Nephi 16:10–16, 23–31, and 18:10–22, consider making a list of truths that illustrate how God guides His children (for example, 1 Nephi 16:10 can teach that God sometimes guides us in unexpected ways). What similarities do you see between the Liahona and the Holy Ghost? What are the “small means” by which He has brought about “great things” in your life?

See also Alma 37:7, 38–47; Doctrine and Covenants 64:33–34.

Although Nephi and his brothers had the same challenges in the wilderness, their experiences were very different. You could contrast Nephi’s account of traveling in the wilderness (see 1 Nephi 17:1–6) with his brothers’ account (see 1 Nephi 17:17–22). What did Nephi know or do that helped him have a faithful perspective? Consider writing about a recent or current trial from the perspective of faith and gratitude. What do you feel or learn from this?

See also Amy A. Wright, “Christ Heals That Which Is Broken,” Liahona, May 2022, 81–84; “No Strength without Struggle” (video), Gospel Library.

Because the scriptures were written so long ago, it might seem like they aren’t relevant to us today. But Nephi knew better. “I did liken all scriptures unto us,” he said, “that it might be for our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23). This is one reason Nephi found so much spiritual power in the scriptures.

Consider questions like the following as you read 1 Nephi 20–22:

1 Nephi 20:1–9.

What do these verses teach about the people in Isaiah’s time? What do you find that applies to you?

1 Nephi 20:17–22.

What do these verses teach about how Heavenly Father led the people of Isaiah’s time? How does He invite you to follow Him?

What else do you find in 1 Nephi 20–22 that you can “liken” to yourself?

• If you have a compass, a map, or something else that helps us find our way, you could show it to your children. This could be a good way to begin a discussion about the Liahona, which you can read about in 1 Nephi 16:10, 28–29. What are some reasons a compass or map might not work? Why did the Liahona sometimes not work for Lehi’s family? (see 1 Nephi 18:9–12, 20–22). What has Heavenly Father given us today to guide us back to Him?

• To help your children apply what they learn about the Liahona in 1 Nephi 16:10, 26–31; 18:8–22, you could invite them to think about an important or difficult decision. What has God given us to guide us today that works like the Liahona? (See, for example, Alma 37:38–44.) Consider sharing a personal experience in which Heavenly Father guided you.

• As you read 1 Nephi 16:21–32 together, help your children discover how Nephi’s example blessed his family (see also the video “The Lord Guides Lehi’s Journey” [Gospel Library]). This could lead to a discussion about how we could be like Nephi. Invite your children to plan one thing they can do to be a good influence on other family members.

• Children love telling stories. You could invite them to help you tell the story of Nephi being commanded to build a boat (see 1 Nephi 17:7–19; 18:1–4; see also “Chapter 7: Building the Ship,” in Book of Mormon Stories, 21–22; or the video “The Lord Instructs Nephi to Build a Ship” [Gospel Library]). They could also sing together the second verse of “Nephi’s Courage” (Children’s Songbook, 120–21). What helped Nephi have courage when his brothers mocked him for trying to build the boat?

• Nephi did not know how to build a boat, so he relied on instruction from the Lord. After reading 1 Nephi 18:1 with you, your children could complete this week’s activity page. As they do, talk with them about how Heavenly Father can help us do hard things, just as He helped Nephi.

In 2 Nephi 1:13–29, notice the words Lehi used to describe the spiritual condition of Laman and Lemuel. What helps you awaken from a spiritual “deep sleep”? What helps you shake off the spiritual “chains” in your life? Think about Lehi’s testimony in verse 15 and his invitation in verse 23. What message does Heavenly Father have for you in these verses?

Lehi’s family was now in a new land, full of new possibilities. The choices they made in this new place would be important for their success and happiness. Perhaps this is why Lehi taught his son Jacob about agency, or the ability to make choices, in 2 Nephi 2. As you study verses 11–30, write down possible answers to these questions:

• Why is agency so important to Heavenly Father, even though some people use it in hurtful ways?

• How does the adversary try to weaken or destroy your agency?

• How does the Savior help you “choose liberty and eternal life” (verse 27)?

Here’s another way to learn about agency in 2 Nephi 2: Look for things that are essential for us to have agency and to reach our divine potential. For example:

• 2 Nephi 2:5: A knowledge of good and evil; a law

• 2 Nephi 2:11, 16:

• 2 Nephi 2:16:

• 2 Nephi 2:21:

• 2 Nephi 2:6–9, 26–28:

What would happen to our agency if one or more of these things were missing?

Each of the six sections of For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices contains “Invitations” and “Promised Blessings.” Look at one or more of these sections, and choose a promised blessing you hope for in your life. What invitation do you need to act on to receive this blessing? Consider sharing with someone the blessings you have received from following these invitations.

See also Gospel Topics, “Agency and Accountability,” Gospel Library; “Know This, That Every Soul Is Free,” Hymns, no. 240.

Lehi knew that his young son Jacob had suffered “afflictions” and “much sorrow” during his childhood (2 Nephi 2:1). Why do you think Lehi’s testimony in 2 Nephi 2:1–3, 6–25 would have been valuable to Jacob? Why is it valuable to you? Look for words and phrases that you find especially powerful. How has God consecrated your afflictions for your gain? (See 2 Nephi 2:2.)

See also Romans 8:28; Dale G. Renlund, “Infuriating Unfairness,” Liahona, May 2021, 41–45.

Many people believe that the Fall was only a tragedy and that Eve and Adam made a permanent mistake when they chose to eat the fruit. In 2 Nephi 2:15–28, Lehi teaches additional truth about the Fall—and about redemption through Christ. As you search these verses, make a list of truths about what happened in the Garden of Eden. Questions like these could help:

• Why was the Fall necessary?

• What role did Jesus Christ play in overcoming the effects of the Fall?

• How does correctly understanding the Fall help us better understand our need for Jesus Christ?

See also Dallin H. Oaks, “The Great Plan of Happiness,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 72–75.

• To help your children understand Lehi’s invitation to “shake off the chains” of sin, maybe you could work together to make a chain from slips of paper. On the slips, your children could help you write some things Satan tempts us to do. Then you could read together 2 Nephi 1:13, 15, 23 as they act out some of the phrases in these verses—including shaking off the paper chain. How is sin like a chain? How does Jesus help us “shake off the chains” of sin?

• Would it help your children to compare God’s commandments to shoes, hats, gloves, or other things that protect us? Maybe you could let them try on some as you talk about how the commandments protect us. Then you could read 2 Nephi 1:20, emphasizing that we “prosper” (are blessed or protected) as we keep the commandments. Share an experience when you were blessed or protected by following the commandments.

• To illustrate the difference between prospering and being cut off from God (see 2 Nephi 1:20), you and your children could look at a healthy plant and a leaf or branch that has been cut off from the plant. Then your children could review choices that Nephi and his brothers made (see 1 Nephi 2:11–16; 3:5–7; 18:9–11). What were the results of these choices? What choices help us stay connected to God?

• To help your children understand what Lehi taught about opposites and making choices, you could play a game in which you say a word (such as light) and your children say its opposite (dark). Help them learn why opposites are part of God’s plan as you read together 2 Nephi 2:11, 16. Then you could share stories about a child who is tempted to make a wrong choice. Your children could share what the opposite of the wrong choice is and act it out.

• To learn about the difference between “liberty” and “captivity” (2 Nephi 2:27), your children could draw pictures of an animal in a cage and an animal in its natural environment. Which animal is free? Invite the children to point at the correct picture when you read the word “free” in 2 Nephi 2:27. Testify that Jesus Christ makes us free.

• Sing together a song like “Choose the Right” (Hymns, no. 239). What do we learn from the song about making choices?

Lehi shared with his son Joseph a prophecy given by Joseph of Egypt. The prophecy was about a future “choice seer,” Joseph Smith. What do verses 6–24 say that Joseph Smith would do to bless God’s people? Consider how Joseph Smith’s work has been “of great worth” to you. You might get some ideas from the videos about Joseph Smith in the “Prophets of the Restoration” collection in the Gospel Library. Think about questions like these, and consider recording your answers:

• What do you know about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ because of what Joseph Smith taught?

• How is your life different because of what the Lord restored through Joseph Smith?

• What would your life be like if the Restoration had not happened?

One important part of Joseph Smith’s mission was to bring forth the Book of Mormon. What do you learn from this chapter about why the Book of Mormon is important? In particular, you could look for reasons in verses 7, 11–13, 18–24.

See also Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:24–38 (in the Bible appendix); Gospel Topics, “Joseph Smith,” Gospel Library; “Praise to the Man,” Hymns, no. 27.

Nephi said that he would “write the things of my soul” (verse 15). As you read what he wrote in 2 Nephi 4:15–35, ask yourself, “What are the things of my soul?” Consider writing them down, as Nephi did, and sharing them with people you love.

Seeing how Nephi found comfort when he felt overwhelmed and anxious can help you when you have similar feelings. Look in verses 15–35 for passages that bring you comfort. Do you know someone else who might find comfort in these passages?

See also Ronald A. Rasband, “The Things of My Soul,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 39–41.

What do you think it means to be happy? Nephi wrote that his people lived “after the manner of happiness” (2 Nephi 5:27). You might look for choices Nephi and his people made that helped them be happy (see, for example 2 Nephi 5:6, 10–17). What can help you build a life of happiness like the people of Nephi?

In Nephi’s day the curse of the Lamanites was that they were “cut off from [the Lord’s] presence … because of their iniquity” (2 Nephi 5:20–21). This meant that the Spirit of the Lord was withdrawn from their lives. When Lamanites later embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ, “the curse of God did no more follow them” (Alma 23:18).

The Book of Mormon also states that a mark of dark skin came upon the Lamanites after the Nephites separated from them. The nature and appearance of this mark are not fully understood. The mark initially distinguished the Lamanites from the Nephites. Later, as the Nephites and Lamanites each went through periods of wickedness and righteousness, the mark became irrelevant.

Prophets affirm in our day that dark skin is not a sign of divine disfavor or cursing. President Russell M. Nelson declared: “I assure you that your standing before God is not determined by the color of your skin. Favor or disfavor with God is dependent upon your devotion to God and His commandments and not the color of your skin” (“Let God Prevail,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 94).

As Nephi taught, the Lord “denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God” (2 Nephi 26:33).

See also “Till We All Come in the Unity of the Faith” (video), Gospel Library.

• Consider how you can teach your children about the great work that God accomplished through Joseph Smith. To begin, you could help your children find the word “seer” in 2 Nephi 3:6 and explain that prophets are called seers because Heavenly Father helps them see things we can’t see. Share why you are grateful to have a seer leading the Church.

• The Gospel Art Book has several pictures you could use to teach about the work God did through Joseph Smith (see pictures 89–95). Let your children share what they know about the pictures. Why is Joseph Smith called a “choice seer”? What did Joseph Smith do that is “of great worth”? (verse 7).

  

• What makes us happy? Consider reading together verses from 2 Nephi 4 to find out what delighted Nephi or made him happy (see verses 15–16, 20–25, 34–35). In his message “The Things of My Soul,” Elder Ronald A. Rasband shared seven “things of the Lord” that are precious to him (Liahona, Nov. 2021, 39–41). Perhaps you could review his list together and talk about “things of the Lord” that are precious to you.

• 2 Nephi 5 also describes things that helped the Nephites live “after the manner of happiness” (verse 27). You could provide some words or pictures that represent these things and help your children match them to verses in chapter 5. Some examples include family (verse 6), God’s commandments (verse 10), the scriptures (verse 12), work (verses 15 and 17), temples (verse 16), and Church callings (verse 26). How do these things bring us happiness?

• As you read 2 Nephi 5:15–16 to your children, they could pretend they are helping Nephi build a temple. You could also show them pictures of different buildings, including a temple. How are temples different from other buildings? Share with each other why the temple is important to you (see also “I Love to See the Temple,” Children’s Songbook, 95).

To help his people understand that they were part of the house of Israel and could trust God and His promises, Jacob quoted prophecies of Isaiah, recorded in 2 Nephi 6–8. That message is for you too, because Latter-day Saints are also part of God’s covenant people. As you read these chapters, think about questions like the following:

• What do I learn about the Savior’s redeeming love for me? What words or phrases express this love especially well?

• What does the Savior offer to people who seek Him?

• What can I do to more faithfully “wait” for the Savior and His promised blessings?

One way to deepen your appreciation for Jesus Christ is to think about what would have happened to us without Him. As you read 2 Nephi 9:1–26, consider listing or marking in one color what would happen to us without the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Then, in another list or color, you could identify what we can receive through the Savior’s Atonement. Based on what you read, how would you explain why we need the Atonement of Jesus Christ? What did you find that inspires you to praise the “wisdom of God, his mercy and grace”? (2 Nephi 9:8).

In addition to teaching what Jesus Christ saved us from, Jacob also gave insights about how He did it. Consider recording what you find in 2 Nephi 9:11–15, 20–24.

Jacob was so awed by God’s plan of redemption that he exclaimed, “O how great the plan of our God.” Look for his exclamations in 2 Nephi 9 (most of them are found in verses 8–20). What do you learn from these verses about God’s plan? What experiences have helped you feel some of what Jacob felt? As part of your worship and study, consider looking for a hymn that might express how you feel about Him, such as “How Great Thou Art” (Hymns, no. 86).

See also “Where Justice, Love, and Mercy Meet,” “Jacob Teaches of the Resurrection” (videos), Gospel Library; Gospel Topics, “Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library.

What could you do to better understand Jesus Christ’s “infinite atonement”? (2 Nephi 9:7). Perhaps you could look at things that seem infinite in number—blades of grass in a field, grains of sand on a beach, or stars in the sky. How is the Savior’s Atonement infinite? How is it also personal? What phrases in 2 Nephi 9 help you feel grateful for what the Savior did for you?

In 2 Nephi 9, Jacob used two powerful and contrasting phrases: “the merciful plan of the great Creator” and “that cunning plan of the evil one” (2 Nephi 9:6, 28). Perhaps you could draw a path and label it Heavenly Father’s Plan. Then search 2 Nephi 9:27–52. Look for warnings and invitations that Jacob gave to help us follow this plan. Write what you find beside the path. How does Satan try to lead us away from God’s plan? What do you feel inspired to do in response to Jacob’s warnings and invitations?

Jacob’s message was a joyful one. “I speak unto you these things,” he said, “that ye may rejoice, and lift up your heads forever” (2 Nephi 9:3). As you read 2 Nephi 10:20, 23–25, what do you find that cheers your heart? What will you do to remember these things when you feel discouraged?

See also John 16:33; D. Todd Christofferson, “The Joy of the Saints,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 15–18; “Jacob Encourages the Nephites to Be Reconciled with God” (video), Gospel Library.

• How will you help your children understand and feel that they need the Savior Jesus Christ? This week’s activity page could help. It uses a simple analogy of a pit and a ladder. Consider using 2 Nephi 9:21–22 to talk with your children about why you are grateful for Jesus Christ.

• One way to help your children understand why we need the Savior is to teach them about the Fall. You could show a picture of Adam and Eve, such as Leaving the Garden of Eden (Gospel Library), and a picture of Jesus Christ on the cross. Consider asking them to describe what is happening in each picture. How are we like Adam and Eve? Perhaps 2 Nephi 9:6–10 can help them see what Jesus Christ does for us. Consider inviting your children to share their feelings about Jesus Christ. A song like “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75) could help.

  

• To encourage your children to “[delight] in righteousness” or joyfully obey the Lord (2 Nephi 9:49), perhaps you could share examples in which a child makes a good choice or a bad choice. Invite your children to stand up when the choice brings happiness and sit down when the choice brings sadness. When have we felt happy because we made a choice to follow Jesus Christ?

• Your children are likely to interact with people (if they haven’t already) who think that the Lord’s commandments are foolish or out of date. Maybe you and your children could talk about how to explain why we’re happy to keep the commandments. Why is it important to trust God’s counsel even if we do not completely understand it? You could encourage them to look in 2 Nephi 9:20, 28–29, 42–43 for help with thinking about and discussing these questions.

Nephi acknowledged that “the words of Isaiah are not plain” (2 Nephi 25:4). But he also shared ideas to help us find meaning in Isaiah’s writings:

• “Liken his words unto” yourself (2 Nephi 11:2). Many of Isaiah’s teachings have multiple possible meanings and applications. For example, when you read about dwelling places in 2 Nephi 14:5–6, consider how these verses apply to your home. Ask yourself, “What does Heavenly Father want me to learn?”

• Look for symbols of Jesus Christ (see 2 Nephi 11:4). Many of Isaiah’s teachings about the Savior are conveyed through symbols. For example, how is the Savior represented in 2 Nephi 19:2? What does this symbol teach you about Him?

• Seek to be “filled with the spirit of prophecy” (2 Nephi 25:4). As you study, pray for spiritual guidance. You may not understand everything at first, but the Spirit can help you learn what you need to know.

You might also find it helpful to refer to the study helps in the scriptures, including the footnotes, chapter headings, and Guide to the Scriptures. The Book of Mormon and Old Testament institute manuals have additional information that can help you learn about the historical context of Isaiah’s teachings.

Because Isaiah used symbolic language, it can be easy to overlook his powerful witness of Jesus Christ. Look for the Savior in 2 Nephi 13:13; 14:4–6; 15:1–7; 16:1–7; 17:14; 18:14–15; 22:2. What do these verses teach you about Him?

The prophecy in 2 Nephi 19:6 lists several of Jesus Christ’s titles. How has He fulfilled these roles in your life?

See also Ulisses Soares, “Jesus Christ: The Caregiver of Our Soul,” Liahona, May 2021, 82–84.

Nephi had foreseen that pride would cause the downfall of his people (see 1 Nephi 12:19). So it’s not surprising that Nephi would share with his people Isaiah’s repeated warnings against pride. In chapters 12 and 13, look for words that Isaiah used to describe pridefulness, such as lofty and haughty. In 2 Nephi 15:1–24, look for symbolic language describing the results of pride. Then you might try to summarize what you have read in your own words. Think about how you will choose to be humble.

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

Isaiah called the temple “the mountain of the Lord’s house” (2 Nephi 12:2). Why is a mountain a good symbol for the temple?

How would you explain to someone why we need temples? You could find some possible answers in 2 Nephi 12:2–3 and President Russell M. Nelson’s message “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation” (Liahona, Nov. 2021, 93–96). Based on what you read, what does the Lord want you to learn and experience in His holy house? What experiences have you had there?

You can find the temple recommend interview questions on pages 36–37 of For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices. Consider reading each one and asking yourself, what does this question teach me about the Lord’s ways? How does it help me “walk in his ways”?

See also Gospel Topics, “Temples,” Gospel Library; “High on the Mountain Top,” Hymns, no 5.

Despite the wickedness he observed, Isaiah saw hope for the future. Consider studying each of the following passages. Write one or more truths each passage teaches about our day: 2 Nephi 12:1–5; 14:2–6; 15:20–26; 19:2–8. Why do you feel these passages are important for us to understand?

• Isaiah described the temple as “the mountain of the Lord’s house.” Your children might enjoy pretending to climb a mountain as you read 2 Nephi 12:2–3. Help them find phrases in these verses that describe why we have temples.

• To illustrate the phrase “we will walk in his paths” from 2 Nephi 12:3, you could make a path on the floor, leading to a picture of a temple. As your children walk on the path, they could name things they can do to walk in the Lord’s paths.

• Perhaps your children could draw a picture of themselves going to the temple. They could also sing or listen to a song about the temple, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95). Help them find phrases in the song that teach what the temple is and what we do there.

• There are several names for Jesus Christ in 2 Nephi 11:4–7; 17:14; 19:6. Help your children find them and talk about what they mean. For example, “Christ” means “the anointed” and “Immanuel” means “God with us.” What do these names teach us about Jesus?

• Show portions of the video “The Christ Child” (Gospel Library) that show different people seeing Jesus for the first time. Pause the video during these depictions, and ask your children about what these people might have felt. What would we feel if we were there? How will we feel when we see Him again?

• Show your children something bitter or sour, such as a lemon slice, inside a candy wrapper. Read together 2 Nephi 15:20. How does Satan try to make things that are evil look good? You could also show the first 90 seconds of the video “You Will Be Freed” (Gospel Library). Why does the fisherman disguise his hook? Why does Satan disguise sin? How does Jesus Christ help us avoid being deceived by Satan?

Lehi’s children had a problem with contention. The problem got worse in future generations, leading to division, captivity, sorrow, and destruction. And contention continues to be a problem today.

With all of that in mind, think about the prophecies in 2 Nephi 21–22. Consider how the Savior is fulfilling these prophecies. What does the prophecy that the wolf will “dwell with the lamb” mean to you? (2 Nephi 21:6). Ponder what you can do to be a peacemaker.

See also Dale G. Renlund, “The Peace of Christ Abolishes Enmity,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 83–85.

Nephi and his family were witnesses to the scattering of Israel (see 2 Nephi 25:10). Now you can participate in the gathering of Israel (see 2 Nephi 21:12). As you read 2 Nephi 21:9–12, think about how you can help fulfill the prophecies these verses describe.

For example, as you read about the “ensign” (standard or banner) that will be raised to gather God’s people, think about how you have seen God gather His people, physically and spiritually. What attracts people to the Lord and His Church?

What do you feel inspired to do to help gather God’s people?

The kingdom of Babylon was a mighty political and military threat to ancient Israel. But to Nephi’s people—and to us today—the bigger threat is what Babylon represents: worldliness and sin. Consider how the warnings in 2 Nephi 23–24 might have affected people who feared or admired or trusted Babylon’s wealth and power (see, for example 23:6–9, 11, 19–22; 24:10–19). What are some similar things we might fear or admire or trust today? What do you feel the Savior’s message to you might be in these chapters? Think about how you can show that you “rejoice in [the Lord’s] highness” (2 Nephi 23:3).

Nephi was open about sharing his beliefs—especially his testimony of Jesus Christ. Throughout your study of 2 Nephi 25, think about Nephi’s desire to “persuade [his] children … to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God” (verse 23). What did Nephi want people to know about the Savior? (see verses 12–13, 16). How did Nephi try to persuade people to believe in Him? (see verses 19–29). Note passages in this chapter that persuade you to believe in and follow Jesus Christ.

Some of us may not feel as bold as Nephi was about talking of Christ. But maybe you can find something in Nephi’s teachings in 2 Nephi 25:23–26 that inspires you to talk about Him with others more openly. For example, Nephi’s declaration “We rejoice in Christ” might prompt you to think about how the Savior brings you joy—and how you can share that joy with others.

In his message “We Talk of Christ” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 88–91), Elder Neil L. Andersen suggests how we can speak more openly of Christ in various settings. Which of his suggestions stand out to you? What opportunities do you have to talk of Christ with others?

What do you feel inspired to tell others about Jesus Christ? If you need some ideas, you might search “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” (Gospel Library). A hymn like “I Believe in Christ” (Hymns, no. 134) could give you more ideas.

See also Gospel Topics, “Inviting All to Receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library.

• To help your children visualize these verses, see if you can find a tree that has been cut down or a branch growing from a tree (or use the picture below). If the “branch” in 2 Nephi 21:1 represents Jesus Christ, what do verses 2–5 teach us about Him?

• What does 2 Nephi 21:6–9 teach about what can happen when everyone follows the Savior? (see also 4 Nephi 1:15–18). How can we make our home more like this? Your children might enjoy looking at pictures of the animals mentioned in verses 6–7—animals that are usually enemies but will not hurt each other when Jesus comes again (see this week’s activity page). Your children could also draw pictures of themselves and these animals living peacefully with Jesus.

• Isaiah said that the Lord would set up an “ensign for the nations” to help people gather to Him (see 2 Nephi 21:11–12). Help your children understand that an ensign is like a flag. Perhaps they would enjoy drawing their own flag. They could include pictures or words that represent reasons they come to Jesus Christ and His Church. Let them talk about their flags, and help them think of how they can help others “gather” to Jesus Christ.

• After reading 2 Nephi 22:4–5 together, you might talk with your children about some of the “excellent things” the Lord has done. What are some of the Lord’s “doings among [us]” that we can declare? To help your children think about this question, you might sing together a song about the Savior, like “I Believe in Christ” (Hymns, no. 134). You could take turns completing a sentence like this one: “I believe in Christ; He .” How can we help other people know about what the Savior has done for us?

• How can you help your children “rejoice in Christ”? Maybe you could tell a story about Jesus Christ bringing joy to others, or you could show a video such as “Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind” or “Suffer the Little Children to Come unto Me” (Gospel Library). Your children could point out joyful moments in the story or video. Then, as you read together 2 Nephi 25:26, they could talk about why they “rejoice in Christ.”

In 2 Nephi 26–27, Nephi quoted from an earlier prophecy of Isaiah (see Isaiah 29) and applied it to his people and their record—the Book of Mormon. He knew by revelation, even before the Book of Mormon had been completely written, that it would one day “be of great worth unto the children of men” (2 Nephi 28:2). Why is the Book of Mormon of great worth to you? Think about this question as you read 2 Nephi 29–30. What “marvelous work” (2 Nephi 27:26) is God accomplishing in the world and in your life through the Book of Mormon?

See also Joseph Smith—History 1:62–65.

There are many beautiful truths to consider in 2 Nephi 26:23–24. For example, you could think about what Jesus Christ has done “for the benefit of the world”—and for you. How does He “draw all men”—and you—“unto him”? What do you feel inspired to do in response to His expressions of love?

Keep reading and looking for truths about the Savior in verses 25–33. Notice in particular His invitations. How would you summarize Jesus Christ’s message to you in one sentence? A hymn like “Come unto Jesus” (Hymns, no. 117) could open your mind to additional impressions.

Consider how these verses might influence the way you interact with others and invite them to come unto Christ. You might find some ideas in Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s message “The Doctrine of Belonging” (Liahona, Nov. 2022, 53–56).

See also 3 Nephi 18:30–32; Dallin H. Oaks, “What Has Our Savior Done for Us?,” Liahona, May 2021, 75–77; Gospel Topics, “Belonging in the Church of Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library.

Many of Satan’s lies and tactics are exposed in 2 Nephi 28. Look for them in verses 6, 8, 21–23, 29. Why do you need to know about Satan’s lies? What will you do when the adversary tries to deceive you?

Listed below are some scriptures that reject Satan’s lies. See if you can match the true doctrine in these verses with the false doctrine Nephi warns us about in 2 Nephi 28:

• 2 Nephi 2:17: there is a devil (2 Nephi 28:22: “I am no devil, for there is none”)

• Moroni 7:35–37

• Doctrine and Covenants 1:31

• Doctrine and Covenants 68:31; 82:14

• Articles of Faith 1:9

See also Gary E. Stevenson, “Deceive Me Not,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 93–96.

As Latter-day Saints, we are blessed with an abundance of the word of God. And yet, as Nephi warned, we must never feel that “we have enough!” As you read the warnings in 2 Nephi 28:27–31 and 2 Nephi 29, think about questions like these:

• How does God want me to feel about and respond to His word?

• Why are people sometimes “angry” about receiving more truth from God? (2 Nephi 28:28). Do I ever feel this way? If so, how can I change?

• What does it mean to receive God’s word? How can I show Him that I want to receive more of His word?

• To teach your children about the Savior’s invitations in these verses, you might talk with them about times they invited people to a special event, like a birthday party. Then you could read 2 Nephi 26:23–28 together and find out what Jesus is inviting us to do. Your children might like to create a card inviting someone to come unto Jesus Christ. Encourage them to use a phrase from these verses in their invitation.

• The painting at the end of this outline shows people from many backgrounds. Maybe your children could look at this picture as you read 2 Nephi 26:33. You could repeat the phrase “Jesus invites all to come unto Him” as your children point to each person in the picture—and then to themselves. How do we come unto Jesus?

• A song about loving all people, such as “I’ll Walk with You” (Children’s Songbook, 140–41), could help you teach the message of 2 Nephi 26:33.

• To help your children feel that the Book of Mormon is “of great worth” (2 Nephi 28:2), you could wrap a copy as a gift and let them guess what’s inside. They could look for clues in 2 Nephi 30:3–6. Tell your children why the Book of Mormon is of great worth to you, and let them share their feelings too.

• Consider asking your children to imagine that a friend says, “I don’t need to read the Book of Mormon. I’ve already read the Bible.” What could we say to our friend? Read together 2 Nephi 29:7–11 to learn why God wants us to have both books.

• Perhaps you can think of an object lesson that will help your children understand what it means to learn “line upon line.” For example, they could put together a puzzle or build something with blocks, one piece at a time. Or you could teach them a skill step by step, such as tying a bow or drawing a picture. You could then read 2 Nephi 28:30 and discuss how Heavenly Father teaches us one truth at a time.

• Another idea could be to choose a phrase from 2 Nephi 28:30 and take turns writing it, one word at a time. How is this like the way God gives us truth? Why does God reveal truth to us “line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little” instead of all at once? How can we show God that we want to receive more truth from Him?

If you had to summarize the path to eternal life in just a few words, what would you say? Notice how Nephi described it in 2 Nephi 31. Consider drawing a path and writing along the path some of the principles or steps you find in these chapters. You could add to your drawing your own summary of what Nephi taught about each principle.

As you read 2 Nephi 31:18–20, evaluate your own efforts to “press forward” along the gospel path.

See also “Press Forward, Saints,” Hymns, no. 81; “Nephi Teaches the Doctrine of Christ” (video), Gospel Library.

Whether your baptism happened yesterday or a long time ago, it was an important moment. You entered an eternal covenant to follow Jesus Christ. Think about your baptism as you read about the Savior’s baptism in 2 Nephi 31:4–13. Answering questions like these may help:

• Why was Christ baptized? Why did I choose to be baptized?

• What promises did I make when I was baptized? What does the Lord promise in return? (see verses 12–13; see also Mosiah 18:10, 13).

• How can I show that I am still committed to following Jesus Christ?

As you read 2 Nephi 31:15–20, ask yourself, “How do I know if I am enduring to the end?” What do you learn from Nephi that helps you answer this question?

Elder Dale G. Renlund taught: “Enduring to the end is not a separate step in the doctrine of Christ—as though we complete the first four steps and then hunker down, grit our teeth, and wait to die. No, enduring to the end is actively and intentionally repeating the steps” (“Lifelong Conversion” [Brigham Young University devotional, Sept. 14, 2021], 2, speeches.byu.edu). How can you repeat the steps in the doctrine of Christ (faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost)?

Have you ever felt uncertain about the next steps in your life? Nephi’s people had similar concerns (see 2 Nephi 32:1). Look for Nephi’s answer in 2 Nephi 32:2–9. How would you state in your own words what Nephi taught? What experiences have taught you that Nephi’s words are true?

Consider making a list of decisions or situations (now and in the future) in which you need God’s guidance. What can you learn from 2 Nephi 32 that will help you succeed in receiving inspiration from Him? What might lead people to “harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit”? (2 Nephi 33:2).

As you ponder Nephi’s counsel, think about how you study the Savior’s words. Would you describe it as snacking, eating, or feasting? What’s the difference, in your opinion? Consider how you can make your experience with the Savior’s words more like a feast. Maybe you could get ideas from a friend or family member.

How do you invite the Holy Ghost to be a constant companion in your life, rather than an occasional visitor? Read David A. Bednar’s three suggestions to make the companionship of the Holy Ghost an “ongoing reality” in “Receive the Holy Ghost” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 94–97). How will you apply his counsel?

See also Gospel Topics, “Revelation,” Gospel Library; “Daily Bread: Pattern” (video), Gospel Library.

In 2 Nephi 33, as Nephi concluded his writings, he explained why he was writing in the first place. What reasons do you find in this chapter? Reflect on the stories and teachings you’ve read so far in 1 Nephi and 2 Nephi. Which have influenced you and your faith in Christ the most?

See also “Nephi Records His Final Testimony” (video), Gospel Library.

• There’s a picture of Jesus being baptized at the end of this outline. Maybe your children could use it to tell you what they know about this event (see also Matthew 3:13–17). Why does Jesus want us to be baptized like He was? Your children could listen for reasons as you read together portions of 2 Nephi 31:4–13. It might be helpful if someone who was recently baptized could share their experience.

• To help your children visualize the teachings in 2 Nephi 31, they could draw a path with a picture of Christ at the end. You could help them find or draw pictures that represent steps on that path, such as faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. They could point to the pictures as you read 2 Nephi 31:17–20 together.

• To teach about “feasting” on the words of Christ, you could ask your children to act out how they would feast on their favorite food. In 2 Nephi 32:3, what did Nephi say we should feast on? How is feasting on God’s word different from just reading it? Maybe your children could act out the differences. Share with them the blessings you’ve received as you’ve feasted on the scriptures.

• After reading 2 Nephi 32:8–9, talk with your children about why Satan doesn’t want us to pray. Why does God want us to “pray always”? Your children could make a list or draw pictures of situations in which they could pray. Then you could sing a song that teaches about prayer, such as “Did You Think to Pray?” (Hymns, no. 140). You could replace some of the words in the song with the words from their lists. How does God bless us when we pray always?

It’s traditional at Easter to ponder the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, but what exactly does it mean to be resurrected? What insights does the Book of Mormon offer about resurrection? Perhaps this Easter season you could list truths about resurrection that you find in 2 Nephi 9:6–15, 22; Alma 11:42–45; 40:21–25; 3 Nephi 26:4–5.

You could also record how these truths about resurrection influence your actions and the way you live. For example, consider how you would complete these sentences: If I did not know these things … and Because I know these things …

A hymn like “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” (Hymns, no. 136) could help you think about why the Savior’s Resurrection is important to you. As you sing, listen to, or read the hymn, you might ask yourself, “How is my life different because Jesus Christ was resurrected?”

The Gospel Library has a collection of Easter videos that could be a meaningful part of your study. Perhaps you could watch one or more of these videos and ponder what they add to your understanding or appreciation of the Savior’s Resurrection.

See also Luke 24:36–43; Acts 24:15; 1 Corinthians 15:12–23; Reyna I. Aburto, “The Grave Has No Victory,” Liahona, May 2021, 85–86; Gospel Topics, “Resurrection,” Gospel Library; “Death, Grieving, and Loss” in the “Life Help” collection in Gospel Library.

The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus Christ atoned for our sins. The Book of Mormon expands our understanding of Christ’s sacrifice and suffering in important ways. You can find some of these teachings in Mosiah 3:7; 15:5–9; Alma 7:11–13. After you read these passages, consider recording what you discover in a chart like this one:

Here’s another way to study these passages: Look for hymns that you feel match the messages they teach. The “Scriptures” index at the back of the hymnbook can help. What phrases from these hymns and the scriptures help you appreciate the Savior’s sacrifice more deeply?

See also Isaiah 53; Hebrews 4:14–16; Gérald Caussé, “A Living Witness of the Living Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 38–40.

It could be said that the Book of Mormon is an account of people who changed because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. You can read some of these experiences in Mosiah 5:1–2; 27:8–28; Alma 15:3–12; 24:7–19. You might think of other examples to study as well. What do you notice that these experiences have in common? What differences do you notice? What do these experiences teach you about how the Savior can change you?

See also Alma 5:6–14; 13:11–12; 19:1–16; 22:1–26; 36:16–21; Ether 12:27; Moroni 10:32–33.

• You can use “Chapter 53: Jesus Is Crucified” and “Chapter 54: Jesus Is Risen” (in New Testament Stories, 136–38, 139–44) to tell your children about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Or let your children tell you the story, using the pictures in these chapters.

• The Risen Savior’s visit to the Americas is a powerful witness of His Resurrection. Consider telling your children about it, using 3 Nephi 11; 17; the song “Easter Hosanna”; or the last verse of “Book of Mormon Stories” (Children’s Songbook, 68–69, 118–19). Encourage your children to imagine what it would have been like to feel Jesus’s wounds (see 3 Nephi 11:14–15) or to be one of the children He blessed (see 3 Nephi 17:21). Share with each other your feelings about Jesus Christ and His Resurrection.

• To help your children discover what the Book of Mormon teaches about resurrection, you could invite them to pretend that you don’t know anything about it and ask them to explain it to you. Help them look in 2 Nephi 9:10–15; Alma 11:41–45; and Alma 40:21–23 for answers to questions like these: What does it mean to be resurrected? Who will be resurrected? Also invite them to bear testimony of the Savior’s Resurrection as part of their answer.

• Mosiah 3:7 and Alma 7:11 describe some of what the Savior went through as part of His Atonement. You might read one of these verses to your children and ask them to listen for words that tell them what Jesus suffered for us. Then you could read Alma 7:12 to find out why He suffered it. Testify that Jesus Christ felt all of our pains and sicknesses so that He could comfort us.

• Do your children have a favorite hymn or song about Jesus Christ and His Atonement? You could sing it together—or learn a new one. Talk about words or phrases in the lyrics that teach you about the comfort and peace the Savior offers us.

• The Book of Mormon gives many examples of people who were changed because of the Savior’s Atonement. Perhaps your children could choose one to learn about, such as Enos (see Enos 1:2–8), Alma the Younger (see Mosiah 27:8–24), or the Anti-Nephi-Lehies (see Alma 24:7–19). How did this person or group change because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ? How can we follow their examples?

• You and your children could also compare something clean and something dirty and talk about how dirty things are made clean. Read together Alma 13:11–13. What did Jesus do so that we can be made clean from our sins? How does this make us feel about sin? How does it make us feel about the Savior?

To Jacob, teaching the word of God was an “errand from the Lord,” so he labored diligently to “magnify [his] office” (Jacob 1:17, 19). What do these phrases that Jacob used mean to you? Think about what a magnifying glass does. Does that give you any ideas? As you ponder Jacob 1:6–8, 15–19 and 2:1–11, think about the errands the Lord might have for you. What do you feel inspired to do to “magnify” them?

See also “Whom the Lord Calls, the Lord Qualifies,” in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Thomas S. Monson (2022), 209–20; “Rise to Your Call” (video), Gospel Library.

The Nephites had a problem with pride and focusing on riches (see Jacob 2:13), and that problem wasn’t unique to them or their day. How does the adversary promote the love of riches today? After reading Jacob 2:12–21, describe in your own words how God wants you to view material wealth. A hymn like “Because I Have Been Given Much” (Hymns, no. 219) could provide additional insights. What do you feel inspired to do about what you’re learning?

As you read Jacob 2:22–35; 3:10–12, what do you find that helps you understand why chastity is so important to God? What are some of the negative consequences of immorality—in Jacob’s day and in ours? What are the blessings of living a chaste life?

Elder David A. Bednar taught that we live “in a world that increasingly mocks the sanctity of procreation” (“We Believe in Being Chaste,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 41–44). How do you help others understand why you obey the law of chastity? A good place to start is the explanation of God’s standards on sexual feelings and relations in “Your body is sacred” in For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices (pages 22–29). What else do you find in this resource that would help you explain why you live the law of chastity?

You could find additional answers in Elder Bednar’s message referenced above or in the video “I Choose to Be Pure” (Gospel Library).

How is God’s standard of sexual purity different from other messages you might encounter? What are the blessings of living a chaste life?

See also Gospel Topics, “Virtue,” Gospel Library; “Same-Sex Attraction” in the “Life Help” Collection in the Gospel Library.

Jacob pleaded with his people to “be reconciled unto [God] through the atonement of Christ” (Jacob 4:11). One definition of reconcile is to restore to friendship or harmony. As you ponder your own life, think about a time when you may have felt distant from Heavenly Father. How does the Savior help you restore this relationship? What counsel can you find in this chapter that helps you reconcile with God? (see verses 4–11).

What additional insights do you gain from Matthew 5:23–24? How can the Savior help you reconcile with God—and others?

See also 2 Nephi 10:24.

As Jacob worked to turn his people more completely to the Lord, he warned them not to be spiritually blind and not to despise the gospel’s “words of plainness” (see Jacob 4:13–14). According to Jacob 4:8–18, what can we do to avoid spiritual blindness?

See also Quentin L. Cook, “Looking beyond the Mark,” Ensign, Mar. 2003, 40–44.

• To help your children understand how a “wounded soul” can be healed, you could discuss together how our bodies get wounded and what helps them heal. Perhaps your children could talk about times when they got hurt and what helped them heal. You could even show them bandages or medicine as part of this conversation. Maybe you could share with them how the Savior has helped you when your spirit needed healing.

• Some of the people in Jacob’s time were very rich, but they didn’t want to share what they had with others. As you read Jacob’s teachings to them in Jacob 2:17–19, you could give your children pictures or objects to hold that go with words or phrases in these verses. You might explain that you are sharing these objects with them; maybe you could then invite them to share the objects with you or with each other. Talk about how you feel when you share. What else could we share with others to help them feel happy?

• After reading together Jacob 2:17, perhaps your children could name some blessings Heavenly Father has shared with them. Why does He want us to share with each other?

• Jacob’s faith in Christ was so strong it could not be shaken. To teach your children how to build faith like this, you could ask them about things we do to make our bodies stronger. What can we do to make our faith in Jesus Christ stronger? Read Jacob 4:6 together to help the children discover what Jacob and his people did to make their faith “unshaken.”

• Another way to help your children understand what it means to be “unshaken” in their faith would be to find a large tree and ask them to shake individual branches. Then let them try to shake the trunk. Why is it harder to shake the trunk? What phrases in Jacob 4:6, 10–11 describe what we can do to make our faith in Jesus Christ unshaken?

  

• For other comparisons to teach your children about unshakable faith in Jesus Christ, see Neil L. Andersen, “Spiritual Whirlwinds” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 18–21; and the video “Spiritual Whirlwinds“) or “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281; see also Matthew 7:24–27).

Jacob 5 is a story with symbolic meaning. It describes trees and fruit and laborers, but it’s really about God’s interactions with His people throughout history. So as you read the basic story, think about what some of the things in the story might symbolize.

For example, if the vineyard represents the world, and the tame olive tree represents Israel (or those who have made covenants with God; see Jacob 5:3), what might the wild olive trees represent? What could the good and bad fruit represent? What other symbols do you see?

Even though Jacob 5 teaches about nations and centuries of world history, it’s also about you and your life. What messages do you find for yourself in Jacob 5?

Perhaps most important, Jacob 5 is about Jesus Christ. Look for Him as you read. What do you learn about Him, for example, in verses 40–41, 46–47?

For additional insights about Jacob 5, see the diagram at the end of this outline.

The “other servants” (Jacob 5:70) who were called into the Lord’s vineyard include people like you. What truths do you find in Jacob 5, especially verses 61–62 and 70–75, about working in the Lord’s vineyard? What have you learned about Him by helping with His work?

As you read about the “last time” that the Lord labors in His vineyard, what inspires you to serve the Lord “with your might”? (Jacob 5:71). Maybe you could think of a personal experience in which you felt joy while serving the Lord of the vineyard—for example, through sharing the gospel, serving in the temple, or strengthening others. You might also explore the examples Elder Gary E. Stevenson shared in his message “Simply Beautiful—Beautifully Simple” (Liahona, Nov. 2021, 47–50).

President Russell M. Nelson taught: “Anytime you do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you are helping to gather Israel. It is as simple as that” (“Hope of Israel” [worldwide youth devotional, June 3, 2018], ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Consider starting a list of ideas of what you can do to help gather Israel. From your list, what do you feel the Lord would have you do today in His vineyard? According to verse 75, how does the Lord reward us for service in His vineyard?

See also “Israel, Israel, God Is Calling,” Hymns, no. 7; “Old Testament Olive Vineyard” (video), Gospel Library; Gospel Topics, “Gathering of Israel,” “Inviting All to Receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” “Participating in Temple and Family History Work,” Gospel Library.

One meaning of the word cleave is to adhere to or stick to something firmly, closely, and unwaveringly. How does that definition affect the way you understand Jacob 6:4–5? In the story of the olive tree, how did the Lord of the vineyard extend his “arm of mercy”? (see, for example, Jacob 5:47, 51, 60–61, 71–72). How has He done this for you?

The Nephites’ experience with Sherem is often repeated today: people are trying to destroy faith in Christ. How did Jacob respond when his faith was attacked? What do you learn from his responses? What can you do now to prepare for times when your faith in the Savior will be challenged?

See also Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Cost—and Blessings—of Discipleship,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 6–9; “Sherem Denies Christ” (video), Gospel Library.

• How can you share the story of the olive trees in a way that your children can understand? One way is to take a walk outside to look at a tree and briefly review the main points of the story. What did the Lord of the vineyard do for His trees? How can we be like workers in the story and help others feel the Savior’s love?

• Jacob shared the story of the olive trees to invite his people to come unto Christ. It can do the same for your children. Perhaps you could summarize the story with verses such as Jacob 5:3–4, 28–29, 47, and 70–72 (see also “Old Testament Olive Vineyard” [video], Gospel Library). You or your children could then read Jacob 5:11, 41, 47, and 72, looking for things that show how much the Lord of the vineyard (Jesus Christ) cared about the trees. What does the Savior do to show that He cares about us?

• Jacob 6:4–5 has an important message for us when we make wrong choices. Maybe you could help your children find it. Which words in these verses give us hope in God’s redeeming love? Elder Allen D. Haynie’s story about getting dirty in a mud pit, in his message “Remembering in Whom We Have Trusted” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 121–22), could help. What do this story and Jacob 6:4–5 teach us about what we need to do to be saved in the kingdom of God?

• How can you inspire your children to stand for truth like Jacob did? Your children could watch the video “Chapter 10: Jacob and Sherem” (Gospel Library) and act out the interaction between Jacob and Sherem, using Jacob 7:1–23 as a guide. How did Jacob stand for what he knew was right? Invite your children to share experiences when they stood for the right, or share your own. Perhaps they could also sing a song that expresses courage like Jacob’s, such as “Stand for the Right,” Children’s Songbook, 159.

Your experiences with prayer may be less dramatic than Enos’s, but they don’t have to be less meaningful. Here are some questions to think about as you study Enos 1:1–17:

• What words describe Enos’s efforts as he prayed?

• How did Enos’s prayers change from verses 4 to 11?

• What do I learn from Enos that can help me improve my prayers?

See also “Enos Prays Mightily” (video), Gospel Library; “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” Hymns, no. 142.

Maybe there’s someone in your family who you wish you could help come unto Christ, but you wonder if your efforts are making any difference. What can you learn from Enos 1:1–4 about Jacob’s influence on his son Enos? For example, what does the phrase “the nurture and admonition of the Lord” mean to you? How can you invite His influence in your home?

As you think about your own family, consider these questions and resources:

• How can you influence your family in positive ways? (see 1 Nephi 2:16–18; 3:15–21; 5:1–6; 7:20–21; Alma 36:17–20; “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”). What can you do if someone doesn’t seem to want your help or is unkind to you?

• What principles do you find in the following scriptures that can guide your relationships with family members? Matthew 5:21–24, 38–44; 6:14; 7:1–5; 22:36–39; 3 Nephi 18:21; Moroni 7:33; Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–13.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf shared helpful counsel for families in “In Praise of Those Who Save” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 77–80). What does his message inspire you to do to strengthen your family? (see especially the section titled “Saving Our Families”).

See also Gospel Topics, “Family,” Gospel Library; “Home and Family—Through Small Things” (video), Gospel Library.

At times you may wonder if your sins have been forgiven, even after you’ve repented of those sins. What insights do you gain from Enos’s experience in Enos 1:1–8? How did Enos show his faith in Jesus Christ before and after he received forgiveness?

The books of Jarom and Omni both describe the relationship between righteousness and prosperity. What do you learn from Jarom 1:7–12; Omni 1:5–7, 12–18? How are worldly definitions of prosperity different from the Lord’s definition? How does the Lord help His people prosper? (see Alma 37:13; 48:15–16).

The invitation “Come unto Christ” appears often in the Book of Mormon. In fact, one of the book’s main purposes is to extend this invitation to everyone. As you read Omni 1:25–26, what words or phrases do you find that describe how to come unto Christ? What will you do to come unto Him more completely?

One reason the Lord inspired Mormon to include the small plates of Nephi in the Book of Mormon was because He knew that the first 116 translated pages would be lost (see Doctrine and Covenants 10; Saints, volume 1, chapter 5). Why are you grateful that Mormon followed the Lord’s instruction to include these writings (consisting of 1 Nephi through Omni)? What reasons did Mormon give for including them? (see Words of Mormon 1:3–7). When have you seen God working through you or others?

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

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

• How can you help your children understand that Heavenly Father will hear and answer their prayers? Consider inviting them to list some things they typically pray for. Then you could help them find what Enos prayed for in Enos 1:2, 9, 13–14, and 16 (see also “Chapter 11: Enos,” Book of Mormon Stories, 30–31).

  What were the results of Enos’s prayers? (see verses 6, 9, 11).

  What do we learn from Enos’s experience about how to improve our prayers?

• Sing together a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13). Perhaps your children could raise their hands every time they hear the word “pray” or “prayer” or another repeated word. Tell your children about some of the ways that Heavenly Father has answered your prayers.

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

  • Share what they have learned from stories in the Book of Mormon this year (pictures from Come, Follow Me can help them remember).

  • Sing together a song about the Holy Ghost, such as “The Still Small Voice” (Children’s Songbook, 106–7).

  • Talk about experiences in which they were guided by the Spirit to do something that blessed someone else.

In these verses, notice how the sacred records blessed King Benjamin’s people. How is your life better because you have the scriptures?

What do you think King Benjamin would say if you asked him why he served with all his “might, mind and strength”? (Mosiah 2:11). Ponder this as you read Mosiah 2:10–26. What did King Benjamin teach that inspires you to serve others in a more meaningful way? For example, what does it mean to you to know that when you serve other people, you are also serving God? (see Mosiah 2:17). Seek inspiration about how you can serve someone this week.

Even when we know we should serve others, we sometimes face challenges. Another way to study Mosiah 2:10–26 is to make a list of truths King Benjamin taught that can help you overcome the challenges that might keep you from serving. What experiences have shown you that what King Benjamin taught is true?

President Joy D. Jones shared a powerful experience that changed the way she looked at serving others. Read about it in “For Him” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 50–52), and think about the opportunities you have to serve others. You might even list a few and ponder how President Jones’s message, along with Mosiah 2:17, might influence the way you approach these opportunities. A hymn such as “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief” (Hymns, no. 29) or a video like “The Old Shoemaker” (Gospel Library) might help you think of additional insights.

See also Matthew 25:40; “Faith Murray’s Story: Overcoming Adversity through Service,” “King Benjamin Teaches about Serving God” (videos), Gospel Library; JustServe.org; Gospel Topics, “Service,” Gospel Library.

How would you describe the happiness that comes from obedience to God? Are there any phrases in Mosiah 2:38–41 that would help you explain why you keep His commandments?

King Benjamin, like all prophets, testified of Jesus Christ so that his people “might receive remission of their sins, and rejoice with exceedingly great joy” (Mosiah 3:13). Here are some questions to ponder as you read King Benjamin’s testimony of the Savior in Mosiah 3:1–20:

• What do I learn from these verses about the Savior and His mission?

• What do I learn from Mosiah 3:18–19 about what it means to become a saint?

• How has Jesus Christ helped me overcome sin, change my nature, and become more like a saint?

What does electrical power give you the ability to do? How would your life be different without it? These questions could help you ponder the even greater power that the Savior can bring into your life.

The angel who appeared to King Benjamin referred to Jesus Christ as “the Lord Omnipotent,” a title that means He has all power. What do you learn from Mosiah 3:5–21 about how the Savior uses this power? How have you seen the Savior’s power in your life and in the lives of people around you? What does His power enable you to do and to become? How would your life be different without it?

• This week’s activity page has a simple crown your children could make. Maybe they would like to take turns standing on a chair or stool and pretending to be King Benjamin while you share some things King Benjamin taught his people, found in Mosiah 2–3. You could also share with them “Chapter 12: King Benjamin” (Book of Mormon Stories, 32–35) to give them an overview of King Benjamin’s teachings.

• Mosiah 2:17 might be a good verse for your children to learn. You could help them repeat it a few words at a time. Or you could write the verse down, with several key words missing, and ask your children to find the missing words. Then you could talk with your children about why God wants us to serve each other.

• You could help your children search Mosiah 2:11–18 to find out what King Benjamin did to serve others. Then your children could write on strips of paper some ways they can serve family members. Put the papers in a container, like a bag or jar, so your children can pick one each day and do that act of service for someone.

• King Benjamin’s service to his people was inspired by his deep gratitude to God. How will you inspire similar feelings in your children? You could read together Mosiah 2:21 and start a list of blessings Heavenly Father has given us. Then maybe you could add to the list other blessings your children think of.

• Here’s a game you could play to help your children recognize Heavenly Father’s blessings. The children could pass around a picture of the Savior as they sing or listen to a song about gratitude (see “Gratitude” in the topics index of the Children’s Songbook). Stop singing or stop the music periodically, and invite whoever is holding the picture to talk about a blessing they are grateful for. According to Mosiah 2:22–24, how can we show that we are thankful for our blessings?

• An angel told King Benjamin important truths about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Maybe you and your children could look for pictures of some of the events mentioned in Mosiah 3:5–10 (see, for instance, Gospel Art Book, nos. 30, 41, 42, 57, 59). As you read Mosiah 3:5–10, your children could raise their hands when they hear something in the passages that appears in one of the pictures.

  

• Have your children ever helped prepare food using a recipe? Maybe you could talk about that experience and use Mosiah 3:19 to come up with a “recipe” for how we can become like Jesus Christ. How does Jesus help us become like Him?

Sometimes, even when you have felt forgiven of your sins, you might struggle to keep that feeling and stay on the path of righteousness. King Benjamin taught his people how to both receive and retain a remission of sins. As you study chapter 4 of Mosiah, consider asking questions like these:

Verses 1–8.

What are the conditions under which God grants a remission of your sins? What do you learn about Him in these verses that inspires you to repent? How can you know you have repented?

Verses 11–16.

According to these verses, what happens in our lives if we do the things described in verse 11? How have you, or someone you love, experienced these changes? Compare these changes to the changes described in Mosiah 3:19.

Verses 16–30.

How might sharing what you have with others help you retain a remission of your sins? How can you apply verse 27 to your efforts to be Christlike?

In what sense are we all beggars? According to these verses, how should we treat all of God’s children? (see Mosiah 4:26). Who needs your help?

See also Becky Craven, “Keep the Change,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 58–60.

King Benjamin’s invitation to believe in and trust God is as important today as it was in ancient times. As you read Mosiah 4:5–10, look for truths about God that give you reason to trust Him. Note the invitations King Benjamin gives in verse 10. Why would trusting God make it easier to do what King Benjamin invites?

Consider searching some of these additional scriptures to make a list of God’s attributes: Jeremiah 32:17; 1 John 4:8; 2 Nephi 9:17; Alma 32:22; Mormon 9:9; Ether 3:12; Doctrine and Covenants 19:1–3; 88:41 (see also the video “Christlike Attributes,” Gospel Library). You could use your list to come up with various ways to complete a sentence like this: “Because I know God is , I can trust Him to .”

Our trust in God increases as we have experiences with Him. In Mosiah 4:1–3, what helped King Benjamin’s people “come to a knowledge of the goodness of God”? (verse 6). Think about the experiences you have had with God. What have these experiences taught you about Him? What steps are you taking (or could you take) to deepen your belief or trust in God?

See also Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Grandeur of God,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2003, 70–73; Gospel Topics “God the Father,” Gospel Library; “I Know My Father Lives,” Hymns, no. 302.

God doesn’t give us a list of every possible sin. According to Mosiah 4:29–30, what does He do instead? Ponder how your thoughts, words, and deeds affect yourself and others. How do they affect your relationship with God? How do you “watch [yourself]”?

It’s common for people to say, “I can’t change. That’s just the way I am.” In contrast, the experience of King Benjamin’s people shows us how the Spirit of the Lord can truly change our hearts. As you read Mosiah 5:1–5, think about how the “mighty change” leading to true conversion has happened—or can happen—in your life. Think about the subtle, gradual changes as well as the “mighty” experiences. How do these experiences help you when you face temptation?

See also Ezekiel 36:26–27; Alma 5:14; “A Change of Heart,” “The People of King Benjamin Make a Covenant” (videos), Gospel Library.

What do you learn from Mosiah 5:7–9 about what it means to take upon yourself the name of Christ? What do the sacrament prayers (see Moroni 4–5) teach about this? How can you show that you “belong” to the Savior?

See also D. Todd Christofferson, “Why the Covenant Path,” Liahona, May 2021, 116–19.

• To teach about the joy of repentance, maybe you could let your children get their hands sticky or dirty and notice how they feel after washing. Then you could compare that to the way the people in Mosiah 4:1–3 felt before and after their sins were forgiven. Share your testimony of the Savior’s power to cleanse us spiritually.

• Do your children know how to fully and sincerely repent? Help them find what King Benjamin’s people did in Mosiah 4:1–3, 10. They could also review “Repent, Repentance” in Guide to the Scriptures. How does Jesus Christ make repentance possible?

• Serving others makes us feel good. Perhaps your children could talk about a time when they loved or served someone and how that experience made them feel. What are some reasons people might not want to serve others? What could we say to someone to invite them to help people in need? Look for ideas in Mosiah 4:16–26.

• King Benjamin taught that when we come unto Christ and receive a remission of our sins, we are “filled with the love of God” (Mosiah 4:12). This leads us to be loving and kind toward others. You and your children could search Mosiah 4:13–16, 26 (or a song like “I’ll Walk with You,” Children’s Songbook, 140–41) and find phrases that describe how we can serve others. They could then act out these things or draw pictures of them and guess each other’s phrases. How can we show love and kindness at home, at school, or at church?

• Your children might enjoy creating badges displaying the name “Jesus Christ” and wearing them over their hearts (see this week’s activity page). While they do so, you could read to them Mosiah 5:12 and talk about how making covenants, or promises, with God is like having the name of Christ “written always in [our] hearts.”

Meeting Ammon gave King Limhi hope, and he wanted to pass that hope on to his people. Maybe his words can give you hope too. For context, consider reviewing the situation of Limhi’s people in Mosiah 7:20–25. Then ponder these questions as you read Mosiah 7:14–33:

• What did Limhi say to strengthen his people’s faith and hope in Christ?

• What phrases help you feel hope? (see verses 19, 33).

• What experiences have helped you trust that God can and will deliver you?

See also “Redeemer of Israel,” Hymns, no. 6.

In Mosiah 7:26–27, Limhi explained some of the truths taught by Abinadi. What truths can you identify in these verses? How do these truths affect the way you see God and yourself?

See also Russell M. Nelson, “Your Body: A Magnificent Gift to Cherish,” Liahona, Aug. 2019, 50–55.

When Limhi heard Ammon’s testimony that the Lord had raised up a seer, Limhi “rejoiced exceedingly, and gave thanks to God” (Mosiah 8:19). Why do you think he felt that way? What do you learn about seers from Ammon’s words in Mosiah 8:13–19?

Today, we sustain the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators. How have they been “a great benefit” to you? (Mosiah 8:18). What have they taught you about Jesus Christ?

How can you, like Ammon, speak boldly about the need for prophets, seers, and revelators? (see Mosiah 8:13–18). For example, what could you share with your family or on social media about:

• Truths that have been restored in our day by Joseph Smith and other prophets of the Lord (such as the nature of God, our divine identity, or the eternal nature of the family). A review of “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” or “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” (Gospel Library) might help you think of some of these truths.

• The blessings of commandments or ordinances (such as the Word of Wisdom, the law of chastity, or sealing of families).

Last month, we heard from prophets, seers, and revelators in general conference. What messages inspired you? What will you do differently based on what you learned? What did the Lord’s seers say about “things which are to come”? (Mosiah 8:17).

See also Gospel Topics, “Prophets,” Gospel Library.

Zeniff admitted that his mistakes had put his people in a difficult situation. But later, during battles against the Lamanites, he helped his people face their challenges with faith in the Lord. As you read Mosiah 9–10, look for what Zeniff’s people did to show their faith. How did God strengthen them? How has He strengthened you? What does it mean to you to go forth “in the strength of the Lord”? (Mosiah 9:17; 10:10–11).

As you read Mosiah 10:11–17, identify how the actions and attitudes of previous generations of Lamanites affected the generations that followed. What does this suggest about how your choices may affect others—for good or bad—including people who are not yet born?

• When his people were in trouble, King Limhi shared scriptures to build their faith. Ask your children about scripture stories or characters that help them have faith. Then you could read Mosiah 7:19 to them and review the stories mentioned in this verse (see “The Passover” and “The Israelites in the Wilderness” in Old Testament Stories, 70–76). Maybe your children would like to act them out. How did the Lord help the people in these stories? How can He help us?

• For more examples of how the Lord helps us, select some verses of “Book of Mormon Stories” or “Nephi’s Courage” (Children’s Songbook, 118–19, 120–21) to sing with your children. Help them identify how the Lord helped people in the Book of Mormon—and how He can help us.

• One way to teach about seers is to compare them to things that help us see better, like glasses, binoculars, or a microscope. Then as you read Mosiah 8:17 to your children, they could put their hands up to their eyes like they’re looking through binoculars each time they hear the word “seer” (see also Moses 6:35–36). Talk with them about things that the Lord helps prophets “see” that we can’t. What have our prophets or seers, such as Joseph Smith, revealed to us?

• After reading Mosiah 8:16–18 with your children, you could help them think of ways to complete a sentence like A seer is like a … who helps us … . For example, a seer is like a traffic sign who points us to Jesus.

• You could also make paper footprints and invite your children to draw pictures on them of things that prophets, seers, and revelators have counseled us to do. Place the footprints in a path around the room, and let your children walk on these footprints. How can a seer be “a great benefit” to us? (see Mosiah 8:17–18).

• When children face challenges, they sometimes feel weak and helpless. How will you help your children rely on the Lord’s strength? You could ask them what we do to become physically strong. What does it mean to have “the strength of men”? (see Mosiah 10:11). What does it mean to have “the strength of the Lord”? (see Mosiah 9:17–18; 10:10). How do we receive the strength of the Lord? Your children could draw a picture of things that help them receive the strength of the Lord.

While you’re studying Mosiah 11–13; 17, look at the pictures of Abinadi in this outline. What do you learn about standing as a witness for Christ? In particular, you could focus your study on passages and questions like these:

• How would you describe Noah and his people? Why would it require courage for Abinadi to share God’s message with them? (see Mosiah 11:1–19, 27–29; 12:9–15).

• How would you describe Abinadi? What did Abinadi understand that helped him be bold in his testimony? (see Mosiah 13:2–9, 28, 33–35; 17:8–10, 20).

When have you felt like you were standing alone in defense of the Savior and His gospel? How did He help you feel He was with you? As you ponder this, you could read the account of Elisha and his young servant in 2 Kings 6:14–17. What inspires you about this account?

You could also search pages 31–33 of For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices to find phrases that give you courage to defend the truth. Or you could do the same in the lyrics of a hymn like “Do What Is Right” or “Let Us All Press On” (Hymns, nos. 237, 243).

How will you apply what you learned from Abinadi? The video “Dare to Stand Alone” (Gospel Library) portrays situations in which you can stand for Christ and His gospel. What other examples can you think of?

See also Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 1:7–8; “Chapter 8: The Call for Courage,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Thomas S. Monson (2022), 135–47; Gospel Topics, “Faith in Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library.

King Noah’s priests were familiar with the word of God. They could quote passages of scripture and claimed to teach the commandments. And yet, their lives seemed unaffected by the Savior’s gospel. Why was that?

Think about this as you read Mosiah 12:19–37. What do you think it means to apply your heart to understanding God’s word? What words or phrases inspire you to make changes in the way you approach learning the gospel?

Ponder Abinadi’s observation that the commandments were “not written in [the] hearts” of the priests (Mosiah 13:11). What might this phrase mean? As you read Mosiah 13:11–26, consider whether these commandments are written in your heart.

See also Jeremiah 31:31–34; 2 Corinthians 3:3.

In Mosiah 14–15, notice words and phrases that describe the Savior and what He suffered for you. Which verses help deepen your love and gratitude toward Him?

Abinadi taught that God the Son—Jesus Christ—would be the Redeemer (see Mosiah 15:1), dwelling in the flesh, becoming both man and God (verses 2–3). He completely subjected Himself to the will of God the Father (verses 5–9). Because of this, Jesus Christ is both the Son of God and the perfect earthly representation of God the Father (see John 14:6–10).

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

Why do you feel it’s important to know these truths about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? How does Abinadi’s testimony strengthen your faith in Them?

• At some time in our lives, we all face pressure to make choices that go against our faith in Jesus Christ. What can your children learn from Abinadi about standing as a witness of Jesus Christ, even when it is unpopular? The artwork in this outline or “Chapter 14: Abinadi and King Noah” (in Book of Mormon Stories, 38–42) could help them visualize the account in Mosiah 11–13; 17. Ask them what they like about Abinadi.

• Your children might enjoy acting out parts of Abinadi’s story. Then they could act out real-life scenarios to practice what they might do if others want them to do something wrong. Or they could share experiences when they were brave in following Jesus Christ. How did Abinadi follow Jesus Christ? (see Mosiah 13:2–9; 17:7–10). Why didn’t King Noah do what he knew was right? (see Mosiah 17:11–12).

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

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

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

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

Consider how deeply the believers described in Mosiah 18 felt about Jesus Christ. They had to meet secretly, at great risk, to learn about Him (see verse 3). And when given the chance to show their commitment by the covenant of baptism, “they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts” (Mosiah 18:11).

Reading these verses could be a good opportunity to ponder how important your covenants are to you. As you study Mosiah 18:8–14 in particular, consider questions like these:

• What do you learn from these verses about the promises you made at baptism? What does God promise you? (see verses 10, 13).

• How does the covenant to serve God relate to our efforts to minister to one another? (see verses 8–9).

• What does it mean to you to “stand as [a witness] of God”? (verse 9).

• How does keeping your baptismal covenant help you be “filled with the Spirit”? (Mosiah 18:14). How does the Spirit help you keep your covenant?

Answering these questions might lead you to ponder why covenants and ordinances are important to God. You could find insights in Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s message “Covenant Belonging” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 80–83) or President Jean B. Bingham’s message “Covenants with God Strengthen, Protect, and Prepare Us for Eternal Glory” (Liahona, May 2022, 66–69). Why are you grateful for your covenants? What are you doing to keep your promises?

See also Gospel Topics, “Baptism,” Gospel Library; “Alma the Elder Teaches and Baptizes at the Waters of Mormon” (video), Gospel Library.

Some people wonder, why do we need a church? Search Mosiah 18:17–31, looking for the value Alma’s people found in gathering in “the church of Christ” (Mosiah 18:17). What similarities do you see in the Church of Jesus Christ in Alma’s day and our day?

How would you respond to a friend or family member who doesn’t believe that an organized church is necessary? Why are you grateful to belong to the Church of Jesus Christ?

Think about what you can do to help your ward or branch members be “knit together in unity and in love” (Mosiah 18:21).

See also Dallin H. Oaks, “The Need for a Church,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 24–26; “Love One Another,” Hymns, no. 308.

Limhi’s people and Alma’s people both fell into bondage, although in different circumstances. What can you learn by comparing the accounts of Limhi’s people in Mosiah 19–22 and Alma’s people in Mosiah 18; 23–24? As you do, look for messages that apply to your life. For example, what does it mean to “prosper by degrees”? (Mosiah 21:16). How can you apply this principle?

Even though they had repented of their sins, Alma and his people still found themselves in bondage. Their experience shows that trusting the Lord and living our covenants doesn’t always take away our challenges, but it does help us overcome them. As you read Mosiah 23:21–24 and 24:8–17, note words and phrases that can help you learn to trust in the Lord, regardless of your circumstances.

See also David A. Bednar, “Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 87–90.

• One important way to help your children prepare for baptism is to teach them about the covenant they will make when they are baptized. This could be as simple as showing the picture at the end of this week’s outline and reading about the covenant with them in Mosiah 18:9–10. Consider inviting a child who has already been baptized to teach this to the younger children. Your children might enjoy hearing about your baptism. How has keeping your covenants with God blessed your life?

• Children who have been baptized could use frequent reminders about the covenants they made and renew each week with the sacrament. Perhaps your children could compare the baptismal covenant described in Mosiah 18:8–10 with the sacrament prayers (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79). How can we make the sacrament a special, reverent time, just like our baptisms were?

• Do your children know what it means to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Consider helping them find pictures that represent things Church members did in Mosiah 18:17–28. For example, the pictures Ordination to the Priesthood and Payment of Tithing (Gospel Art Book, nos. 106, 113) might represent verses 18 and 27–28. Tell them why you are grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ.

  

• Helping children feel “knit together in unity and in love” (Mosiah 18:21) helps them stay connected to the Church throughout their lives. Consider inviting your children to read Mosiah 18:17–28. What did members of Christ’s Church in Alma’s day do to love and serve one another? How can we do this in our ward, branch, or community? A song about love, such as “I’ll Walk with You” (Children’s Songbook, 140), could reinforce this message.

• A simple object lesson can make learning more memorable. Consider filling a bag with heavy objects (to represent burdens) and inviting a child to hold the bag. As you read Mosiah 24:8–17 with your children, ask them to remove an item from the bag every time they hear about something Alma and his people did to seek God’s help with their burdens. You could then talk with them about how Heavenly Father can make our burdens lighter when we seek His help.

Conversion is personal—it cannot be passed like an inheritance to one’s children. As you read Mosiah 26:1–6, ponder possible reasons “the rising generation” fell away, and notice the consequences of their unbelief. You might also think about people you wish you could bring to Christ. Throughout your study of Mosiah 25–28, the Spirit may whisper things you can do to help them develop faith in Jesus Christ.

Sometimes we might think that a Church leader like Alma always knows exactly what to do. In Mosiah 26 we read of a problem in the Church that Alma had never dealt with. What did Alma do in this situation? (see Mosiah 26:13–14, 33–34, 38–39). What does Alma’s experience suggest about how you might approach difficult problems in your family or your Church service?

What did the Lord teach Alma in Mosiah 26:15–32? Notice that some of the Lord’s answers were not in direct response to Alma’s question. What does this suggest about prayer and receiving personal revelation?

Repentance and forgiveness are recurring themes in Mosiah 26–27. Look for words and phrases that teach about repentance and forgiveness in Mosiah 26:22–24, 29–31; 27:23–37.

Some people may wonder if God really does forgive them. How do you imagine Alma the Elder would counsel a member of the Church in Zarahemla who had that concern? What did Alma learn from the Lord in Mosiah 26:15–31 that could help this Church member? (see also Moroni 6:8; Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–18; 58:42–43).

It was obvious that Alma the Younger needed a spiritual rebirth. He and the sons of Mosiah were “the very vilest of sinners” (Mosiah 28:4). But soon after his conversion, Alma testified that conversion is essential—for everyone: “Marvel not,” he said, “that all mankind … must be born again” (Mosiah 27:25; emphasis added).

As you read about Alma’s experience in Mosiah 27:8–37, consider putting yourself in his story. Can you think of things about yourself that need to change? Who, like Alma’s father, might be praying for you “with much faith”? What experiences have helped “convince [you] of the power and authority of God”? (Mosiah 27:14). What “great things” has the Lord done for you or your family that you should “remember”? (Mosiah 27:16). What do you learn from Alma the Younger’s words and actions about what it means to be born again? What examples have you seen?

Take a moment to record some of the ways the Savior is helping you change—or be born again—even if your experiences aren’t as dramatic or as sudden as Alma’s. Is there a hymn you could sing or listen to that expresses your feelings, like “I Stand All Amazed”? (Hymns, no. 193). Who might benefit from hearing about your experiences?

Elder David A. Bednar compared being born again to the process of a cucumber becoming a pickle (see “Ye Must Be Born Again,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 19–22). What does this comparison teach you about conversion?

See also Gospel Topics, “Becoming like Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library; “Alma Testifies He Has Been Born of God” (video), Gospel Library.

Maybe you’ve been in Alma the Elder’s situation with a family member who is making destructive choices. What do you find in Mosiah 27:8–24 that gives you hope? How might these verses influence your prayers on behalf of others?

• To help your children discover what the Lord taught Alma about forgiveness, you could invite them to read Mosiah 26:29–31 and count how many times the word “forgive” appears. What do these verses teach about forgiving others? (See also “Help Me, Dear Father,” Children’s Songbook, 99.)

• To emphasize the Savior’s example of forgiveness, you could show a picture of Him on the cross and read together Luke 23:33–34. What did Jesus ask Heavenly Father to do for the people who put Him on the cross? After this discussion, your children could role-play forgiving each other.

• Sometimes it is difficult to forgive ourselves when we make mistakes. How can God’s words to Alma help? Your children could pretend they are talking to someone who doesn’t think God will ever forgive them. Invite your children to find something in Mosiah 26:22–23, 29–30 that might help that person.

• The conversion of Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah could show your children that, with the Savior’s power, anyone can change. You or your children could use the paintings in this outline, this week’s activity page, and a few key scriptures from Mosiah 27:8–37 to tell the story (see also “Chapter 18: Alma the Younger Repents,” in Book of Mormon Stories, 49–52). Give special emphasis to verse 24, to teach that Alma repented and Jesus Christ helped him change. Let your children act out the story if they’d like.

• Read together Mosiah 27:8–24, and ask your children to identify what Alma and his people did to help Alma the Younger. Have you ever fasted and prayed for someone? Share your experience with your children, and let them share theirs.

• Do you or your children know someone who needs God’s help? Following Alma’s example, maybe you could pray together for that person and, if your children are able, fast for them too.

Just five years into the reign of the judges, a crisis arose that would test Mosiah’s declaration that the voice of the people would usually choose what was right (see Mosiah 29:26). Study Alma 2:1–7 to find out what the issue was and what the Nephites did about it. What might have happened if “the people of the church” had not made their voices heard? What else do you learn from this account about how the Lord wants you to be involved in your community? (see also Mosiah 29:26–27).

What are the important issues facing your community? Consider how you, like the Nephites, can make sure that your voice is included in “the voice of the people.” In what other ways can you, as a follower of Jesus Christ, influence your community for good?

See also Dallin H. Oaks, “Love Your Enemies,” Liahona, Nov. 2020, 26–29.

Although Nehor eventually confessed that what he taught was false, his teachings continued to influence the Nephites for many years. Why do you think people liked what Nehor taught? In Alma 1:2–6, look for the lies in Nehor’s teachings—and the truths he used to hide those lies.

Gideon withstood Nehor “with the words of God” (Alma 1:7, 9). Here are some scriptures that refute Nehor’s falsehoods: Matthew 7:21–23; 2 Nephi 26:29–31; Mosiah 18:24–26; and Helaman 12:25–26. Try summarizing each scripture passage. What have you learned from living prophets that refutes false teachings in our day?

Chapters 1 and 4 of Alma describe periods when the Church prospered, but Church members responded to that prosperity differently. For example, compare Alma 1:19–30 with Alma 4:6–15 to see how Church members changed in just a few years. Based on what you’ve read, how do true followers of Jesus Christ feel about people who have different beliefs? What attitude do true followers of Christ have toward riches and prosperity? What do you feel inspired to change about your own attitude?

Maybe you can relate to the sadness Alma felt when he saw what was happening among his people. Look for the problems he saw in Alma 4:6–15. Have you noticed any similar problems? Perhaps you are worried about a loved one who struggles with these problems. Have you wondered what you could possibly do to help?

Some might say that Alma, as chief judge, was the best person to solve these problems. But Alma felt there was a better way. As you read verses 16–20, what impresses you about his approach to helping his people?

Alma had great faith in the word of God and “pure testimony” (verse 19). What examples have you seen of the power of pure testimony? As you ponder various ways you can share your testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel, you might reread Alma 4:6–14. What do the actions of Church members in these verses reveal about their testimonies of Jesus Christ and His teachings? What do you notice about the effect of their actions—on themselves and on others? You might also think about ways you have been blessed by other people’s pure testimony, whether it was shared through words or actions.

Think of ways you could share your testimony of Jesus Christ—in words or actions. Who would benefit from your witness?

See also Gary E. Stevenson, “Nourishing and Bearing Your Testimony,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 111–14; “Testimony,” Hymns, no. 137; “Alma the Younger Steps Down as Chief Judge” (video), Gospel Library; Gospel Topics, “Revelation,” Gospel Library.

• One way to study Alma 1:2–4 with your children is to help them create a true-or-false quiz using statements taught by Nehor, a false teacher. Then you could talk with them about why Satan often combines truths with falsehoods. Help your children think of some examples. In verses 7–9, how did Gideon withstand Nehor’s lies? (See also “Chapter 20: Alma and Nehor,” Book of Mormon Stories, 54–55.)

• Some members of the Lord’s Church in Alma’s day were generous and giving, and other members were unkind and prideful. To help your children learn from these experiences, you could read together Alma 1:27, 30 and make a list of the kinds of people members of the Lord’s Church helped. Who do we know who might “[stand] in need” (Alma 1:30) of our love and help? You could also sing together a song about love and service, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145), and help your children think of actions that could go with the song.

• What should we do when people are unkind to us? Consider reading with your children how followers of Christ were treated in Alma 1:19–20. Talk about how they reacted in verses 22 and 25. Maybe you could practice ways to respond when others are unkind.

• Often the “pure testimony” (Alma 4:19) of a child can have a strong influence on others. To help your children discover this, you could read with them Alma 4:8–12, 15, helping them identify the problems that were happening in the Church. What could Alma do to solve these problems? Help them find out what Alma decided to do in Alma 4:16–20. Maybe you could share with each other how someone else’s testimony of Christ has strengthened you.

• If your children need examples of what a testimony is, consider showing a video clip of a speaker in general conference bearing testimony. You could also use this week’s activity page or sing together a song like “Testimony” (Hymns, no. 137). What do we learn about testimonies from these resources? Let your children practice sharing their testimonies.

President M. Russell Ballard said: “I need to regularly take time to ask myself, ‘How am I doing?’ … As a guide for me during this private, personal review, I like to read and ponder the introspective words found in the fifth chapter of Alma” (“Return and Receive,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 64).

Consider reading Alma 5:14–33 as if you were interviewing yourself and examining your heart. You may want to record your responses to the questions. What do you learn about yourself? What do you feel inspired to do as a result of your interview?

See also Dale G. Renlund, “Preserving the Heart’s Mighty Change,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 97–99.

In Alma 5, when Alma explained how he gained his testimony of the Savior, he did not mention his experience seeing an angel (see Mosiah 27:10–17). How did Alma come to know the truth for himself? Perhaps you could use what you find in Alma 5:44–51 to write a “recipe” for obtaining a testimony of Jesus Christ and His teachings. What “ingredients” (truths of the gospel) and “instructions” (things we can do to seek for truth) did Alma include? What “ingredients” and “instructions” could you add to your recipe from your own experiences or other experiences in the scriptures?

Sometimes we’re like the people in Zarahemla, who needed to be called to repentance (see Alma 5:32). Other times we’re more like the people of Gideon, who were trying to walk “in the paths of righteousness” (Alma 7:19). What do you find in Alma’s message in Gideon (in Alma 7) that’s similar to what he said in Zarahemla (in Alma 5)? What differences do you notice? Look for things Alma taught that can help you stay “in the path which leads to the kingdom of God” (Alma 7:19).

Have you ever felt that no one understands your struggles or challenges? If so, the truths Alma taught can help. As you read, reflect on what these verses teach about the purposes of the Savior’s sacrifice. You might make a chart with the headings What the Savior suffered and Why He suffered and list what you find in Alma 7:7–16 (see also Isaiah 53:3–5). Can you think of specific times He suffered some of these things? Here are some examples from the scriptures: Matthew 4:1–13; 26:55–56; 27:39–44; Mark 14:43–46; Luke 9:58. Can you add anything to your list from these verses?

It is one thing to believe that the Savior suffered for you. But how does His suffering make a difference in your everyday life? Here are some scriptures that show how Jesus Christ can help or “succor” you: Enos 1:5–6; Mosiah 16:7–8; 21:15; 24:14–15; 3 Nephi 17:6–7; Ether 12:27–29; Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–10. What did you learn from these verses? What are some other ways He comes to your aid? When have you experienced His help?

A hymn like “I Need Thee Every Hour” or “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” (Hymns, nos. 98, 136) could deepen your appreciation for the Savior’s succor. What phrases in these hymns express your feelings toward Him?

See also Gospel Topics, “Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library; “His Grace” (video collection), Gospel Library.

• To help your children learn to grow their own testimony, you could show them the picture below and ask them how we help baby animals grow. You could then relate this to taking care of our testimonies. What care do our testimonies need? How can we tell if they are growing?

  

• How did Alma gain his strong testimony of Jesus Christ? You could read Alma 5:44–46 with your children to find answers to this question. Perhaps your children could write down a plan to do one thing this week to strengthen their testimony.

• How can you help your children understand Alma 7:10–13 so they can know that Jesus Christ cares about them and can help them? Perhaps you could ask them to share an experience when they were sick or in pain or had another problem that made them sad. How did others help them feel better? Bear your testimony that the Savior has suffered those things too, and talk about a time when He comforted and helped you.

• As you and your children read Alma 7:11–13, look for the things Jesus Christ suffered for us. Invite your children to use words and phrases they found to complete this sentence: “Jesus suffered so He can help me.” How does it help us to know that Jesus understands our struggles? How do we receive His help? Share your testimony of Jesus Christ.

• Let your children look in a mirror as you read Alma 5:14 (see also this week’s activity page). What does it mean to have the Savior’s image in our countenance?

• How can you use Alma’s description of the path back to Heavenly Father to help your children learn to make good choices? You could read Alma 7:19–20 to them and let them act out walking in “crooked paths” and walking in a straight path. Help them think of choices that help us stay on the path and other choices that take us off the path. You could also look at pictures of Jesus together and talk about things He did to show us the path back to Heavenly Father. A song like “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79) could provide some ideas.

Have you ever tried to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with someone, but your invitation was rejected? Alma experienced that too. What do you learn from him in Alma 8:13–16 about sharing the gospel despite challenges and opposition? Continue reading in verses 17–32, and look for phrases that inspire you to keep sharing the gospel, even when you don’t seem to be succeeding.

Prophets and apostles are special witnesses of Christ, so they have a lot of inspired counsel to share about testifying of Him. Look at what Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said in “But What If It’s Hard?” (a section in “Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 18) or what Elder Gary E. Stevenson shared in “Love, Share, Invite” (Liahona, May 2022, 84–87). What do you find there that could help someone who’s starting to feel discouraged about sharing the gospel?

How would you summarize everything you’ve studied here into one or two encouraging statements about sharing the gospel? Consider making a poster or meme that can inspire you (and others) to keep trying.

See also “Help Me Teach with Inspiration,” Hymns, no. 281; “Alma Is Commanded by an Angel to Return to Ammonihah” (video), Gospel Library; Gospel Topics, “Inviting All to Receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library.

When reading about the way the Nephites in Ammonihah treated the Lord’s servants, it is easy to forget that they once lived the gospel and were a “highly favored people of the Lord” (Alma 9:20). As you read about the great blessings God gave the people of Nephi (see especially Alma 9:14–23), ponder the great blessings He has given you. What responsibilities come with these blessings? What are you doing to stay true to these responsibilities?

See also Doctrine and Covenants 50:24; 82:3; 93:39.

In Alma 11–12, Alma and Amulek referred to God’s plan as the plan of redemption. As you read these chapters, ponder why the word redemption is used to describe God’s plan. Consider writing a short summary of what Alma and Amulek taught about the following aspects of the plan:

• The Fall

• The Redeemer

• Repentance

• Death

• Resurrection

• Judgment

Notice the effect Amulek’s words had on the people (see Alma 11:46). How does knowing about God’s plan affect you?

See also Dallin H. Oaks, “The Great Plan,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 93–96; “Amulek Testifies of Jesus Christ” (video), Gospel Library.

Some people may wonder why Heavenly Father doesn’t make everything known to us. In Alma 12:9–14, Alma explained one possible reason. These questions could help you ponder what he taught:

• What does it mean to harden your heart? What are the results of having a hard heart? (see also Alma 8:9–11; 9:5, 30–31; and 10:6, 25).

• What can you do to turn your heart toward God? (see Jeremiah 24:7; Alma 16:16; Helaman 3:35).

• What can you do to ensure that God’s word is “found in [you]”? (Alma 12:13). When you have God’s word in you, what effect does it have on your “words,” “works,” and “thoughts”? (Alma 12:14).

What does Amulek’s experience teach you about the blessings of having a soft heart? (see Alma 10:1–11).

See also “Alma Warns Zeezrom” (video), Gospel Library.

• This week’s activity page could help you summarize the events in Alma 8–10 for your children. You might want to help them find principles that made Alma and Amulek good missionaries. For example, they didn’t give up (see Alma 8:8–13), they testified of Christ (see Alma 9:26–27), and they worked together (see Alma 10:12).

• A song about missionary work, such as “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” (Children’s Songbook, 168) could give your children ideas about ways to share the gospel with their friends. Invite them to list ideas they find and people they could share the gospel with. You might even let them role-play what they might say or do.

• Perhaps your children could draw a picture representing principles of the plan of redemption, like the Fall of Adam and Eve, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, repentance, death, resurrection, and judgment. Then you could help them match their pictures to verses in Alma 11–12 that teach about these principles.

• You could invite one child to pretend to be Amulek and another to pretend to be Alma as you tell the story in Alma 8:18–22. How was Amulek a good friend to Alma? Then your children could share how someone has been a friend to them and how that experience made them feel.

• Maybe you could make a friendship puzzle: find or draw a picture representing friendship and cut it into puzzle pieces. On the back of each piece, write something we can do to be a good friend, including things Alma and Amulek did. Your children could take turns selecting a piece and adding it to the puzzle as you read what is written on the back. Who needs our friendship?

• Consider an object lesson like this one to teach about the Resurrection: your hand could represent your spirit, and a glove could represent your body. Take your hand out of the glove to show that our spirits and bodies will be separated at death. Then place your hand back in the glove to show that our spirits and bodies will be joined together again at the Resurrection. Let your children take turns putting the glove on and taking it off as you read Alma 11:43 to them. Display a picture of the resurrected Savior (see Gospel Art Book, no. 59), and testify that Jesus Christ made it possible for everyone to be resurrected.

  

Alma’s words in Alma 13 reveal powerful truths about God’s priesthood power and its purpose—to prepare us to enter into “the rest of the Lord,” or eternal life (Alma 13:16). Perhaps you could write down at least one truth for each verse in Alma 13:1–19. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Verse 1.

The priesthood is also called “the order of [God’s] Son” (see also Doctrine and Covenants 107:1–4).

Verse 2.

God ordains priests to help people look to His Son for redemption.

What else do you find? How do you feel about the priesthood as you ponder these truths?

Have you ever thought about priesthood ordinances as a gift from God to help you “look forward to his Son for redemption”? (verse 2; see also verse 16). Maybe you could make a list of ordinances you’ve received, such as baptism, confirmation, the sacrament, setting apart for a calling, a blessing of comfort or healing, a patriarchal blessing, and temple ordinances. Ponder your experiences with ordinances like these. Consider the symbolism involved and the Spirit you felt. How does each of these ordinances point you to Jesus Christ for redemption?

Some people mistakenly believe that ordinances—and the priesthood authority to perform them—aren’t necessary. How would you respond to this idea? Here are two general conference messages that could inform your thinking; pick one, and write down any answers that come to you: Russell M. Nelson, “Spiritual Treasures,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 76–79; Dale G. Renlund, “The Priesthood and the Savior’s Atoning Power,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 64–67.

See also Doctrine and Covenants 84:19–22; Gospel Topics, “Covenant,” Gospel Library.

The invitation to “enter into the rest of the Lord” (Alma 13:16) is repeated often in Alma 13. Maybe you could look for every verse where the word “rest” appears and ponder what each verse teaches you about what “the rest of the Lord” might mean. How is it different from physical rest? How do we find it?

See also Russell M. Nelson, “Overcome the World and Find Rest,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 95–98; “Come unto Jesus,” Hymns, no. 117.

You might wonder, as many do, why terrible things happen to people who are trying to live righteously. You may not find all the answers to this difficult question in Alma 14, but there is much to learn from the way Alma and Amulek responded to tragedy. What do their words and actions teach you about why the Lord sometimes allows righteous people to suffer? What advice might Alma and Amulek give to us when we are experiencing difficult trials?

See also Romans 8:35–39; 1 Peter 4:12–14; Doctrine and Covenants 122:5–9; Dale G. Renlund, “Infuriating Unfairness,” Liahona, May 2021, 41–45.

It might be interesting to make a list of the things Amulek gave up to embrace the gospel (see Alma 10:4–5; 15:16) and compare it to a list of what he gained (see Alma 15:18; 16:13–15; 34:8). What are you willing to sacrifice to become a more faithful disciple of Jesus Christ?

• One way to help your children see how priesthood power points us to Christ is to show them pictures of ways priesthood power is used (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 103–110). Your children could help you think of ways Jesus used His power (see, for example, Matthew 26:26–28; Mark 5:22–24, 35–43; Gospel Art Book, nos. 38–41). Then you could read Alma 13:2 together and talk about how priesthood power helps us “look forward to [God’s] Son” and become more like Him.

  

• Why did God give us priesthood ordinances? Help your children find an answer in Alma 13:16. If they need help knowing what an ordinance is, there are lists in the General Handbook, 18.1 and 18.2. Maybe you and your children could talk about your experiences receiving these ordinances. How do they help us “look forward to [Jesus Christ] for a remission of [our] sins”? A song like “When I Am Baptized” (Children’s Songbook, 103) can help your children think of other reasons to be thankful for priesthood ordinances.

• After reading these verses together, consider ways to help your children visualize what they teach. Maybe you could wash something together. How do we feel when we are dirty? How do we feel when we become clean again? How are these feelings similar to what we feel when we sin and then repent and become clean through the Savior’s Atonement?

• This week’s activity page could help you—or your children—tell the story in Alma 14:18–29 (see also “Chapter 22: Alma’s Mission to Ammonihah,” Book of Mormon Stories, 58–63). Emphasize that Alma and Amulek were given strength because of their “faith which [was] in Christ” (Alma 14:26). You could also talk about a time when God gave you strength “according to [your] faith.” How can we be faithful like Alma and Amulek?

• Zeezrom’s change of heart through Jesus Christ is inspiring. Consider reviewing with your children what they learned last week about Zeezrom. Then you could read together Alma 15:3–12 to discover how he changed. What do we learn from Zeezrom’s experience about the Lord’s power? (see “Zeezrom Is Healed and Baptized” [video], Gospel Library).

What do you learn from Alma 17:1–4 about how to keep your testimony of and commitment to Jesus Christ strong? What did the sons of Mosiah do, and how did the Lord bless them?

As you read about the experiences of the sons of Mosiah in Alma 17–22, note how their spiritual preparation affected their service among the Lamanites (for example, see Alma 18:10–18, 34–36; 20:2–5; 22:12–16). What do you feel inspired to do to follow their example?

The accounts of conversion we read about in the scriptures are often dramatic, but at their core we usually find individuals who had the courage to speak up and share their faith in Jesus Christ. Think about this as you read about Abish and the sons of Mosiah this week.

What do you think it means to be an instrument in God’s hands? It might help to think of instruments or tools that you might use in your daily life. In Alma 17:6–12, look for what the sons of Mosiah did so they could be instruments in God’s hands. How can you become a more effective instrument in helping others come unto Christ?

What impresses you about Abish in Alma 19:16–36? What do you learn from her about helping others build faith in Christ? For example, what do you feel would help people you love “believe in the power of God”? (Alma 19:17).

You might also compare Abish’s experience with the principles Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught in “Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 15–18). How did Abish exemplify Elder Uchtdorf’s “Five Simple Suggestions”? Try writing down some things you might say about Jesus Christ. For example, “For me, Jesus Christ …” or “The Savior helps me …”

See also Gospel Topics, “Ministering as the Savior Does,” Gospel Library; “Brightly Beams Our Father’s Mercy,” Hymns, no. 335; “Come and See,” “Come and Help,” “Come and Belong” (videos), Gospel Library.

Look for verses in Alma 17–19 that show how Ammon’s love for the Lamanites inspired his efforts to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. What other truths about sharing the gospel do you learn from his example?

See also “Ammon Serves and Teaches King Lamoni” (video), Gospel Library.

After recounting the conversion of Lamoni and his people, Mormon summarized the account with an observation about Jesus Christ. What does Alma 19:36 teach you about the Lord’s character? What else does the account in Alma 19:16–36 teach you about Him? When have you felt the Lord’s arm extended toward you?

Compare what Lamoni’s father was willing to give up to save his life (see Alma 20:23) with what he was later willing to give up to receive the joy of the gospel and to know God (see Alma 22:15, 18). Ponder what you are willing to sacrifice in order to know God more fully.

• How can the examples of Mosiah’s sons help your children build their testimonies of Jesus Christ? You could help your children find what the sons of Mosiah did to build their spiritual strength in Alma 17:2–3. Then they could draw pictures or find objects that represent these things. Help them plan what they will do to strengthen their testimonies of the Savior.

• To learn about being an instrument in God’s hands, as the sons of Mosiah were, you and your children could look at an instrument or tool and talk about what it’s used for. Then you could read Alma 17:11 and talk about what it means to be Heavenly Father’s instruments to help people learn about Jesus Christ.

• This week’s activity page has pictures representing truths Ammon taught King Lamoni. You could help your children find these truths in Alma 18:24–40. Your children could pretend to be missionaries and share what they know about these truths.

• After you read about Abish with your children (see Alma 19:16–20, 28–29), they could pretend to be like Abish by running in place, knocking on doors, and telling about what happened in Alma 19:1–17. How can we be like Abish and share what we know about Jesus Christ and His gospel? Your children could draw pictures of themselves sharing the gospel with someone or sing together a song about sharing the gospel, such as “Called to Serve” (Children’s Songbook, 174–75).

• At first, both King Lamoni and his father had hard hearts toward the gospel. Later, their hearts were softened, and they believed in Jesus Christ. How did this happen? Help your children discover answers to this question as you review with them Ammon’s experiences. They could act out “Chapter 23: Ammon: A Great Servant” and “Chapter 24: Ammon Meets King Lamoni’s Father” (Book of Mormon Stories, 64–68, 69–70). Or perhaps your children would like to draw pictures of different parts of the story and use the pictures to tell the stories. What did Ammon do to help Lamoni and his father open their hearts to the gospel of Jesus Christ? (see Alma 17:21–25; 20:8–27; 22:1–3).

• Perhaps you and your children could think of someone who needs to know about Jesus Christ. Help them think of ways they can be good examples and show love to that person, like Ammon did for Lamoni and his father.

The Lamanites seemed to be unlikely candidates for conversion, yet many of them experienced miraculous changes because of Jesus Christ. These converted Lamanites called themselves Anti-Nephi-Lehies.

Reading Alma 23–25; 27 might prompt you to ponder your own conversion. Look for how the Anti-Nephi-Lehies changed—how they were converted “unto the Lord” (Alma 23:6). The following verses can get you started:

• Alma 23:6–7

• Alma 23:17–18

• Alma 24:15–21

• Alma 25:13–16

• Alma 27:26–30

In what ways have Jesus Christ and His gospel changed you? When have you felt close to Him? How can you tell if you are becoming converted to Jesus Christ? What is the Spirit prompting you to do next?

See also David A. Bednar, “Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 106–9; Dale G. Renlund, “Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 22–25; Gospel Topics: “Becoming like Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library.

The change that the Anti-Nephi-Lehies experienced was more than just a change in behavior—it was a change of heart born of faith in Jesus Christ and sincere repentance. Perhaps you could find a truth about repentance in each verse in Alma 24:7–19. What do these verses teach about God’s mercy toward those who repent? What additional truths do you learn from Alma 26:17–22?

Ponder how God has shown His mercy in your life. How can you express your gratitude to Him?

The word joy appears 24 times in Alma 23–29, making these chapters a good place to learn how to receive joy in living—and sharing—the Savior’s gospel. Consider studying Alma 26:12–22, 35–37; and 29:1–17, looking for reasons why Ammon, the sons of Mosiah, and Alma rejoiced. What do you learn from these passages that can lead to more joy in your life?

Elder Marcus B. Nash taught: “Sharing the gospel kindles joy and hope in the souls of both giver and receiver. … Sharing the gospel is joy upon joy, hope upon hope” (“Hold Up Your Light,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 71). What experiences have you had sharing the gospel with others? What challenges do you face when seeking to share the gospel? How can Heavenly Father help you overcome these challenges?

For prophetic instruction on how to share the gospel—and find joy in doing it—consider studying President Dallin H. Oak’s message “Sharing the Restored Gospel,” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 57–60). What suggestions do you find in his message?

See also “The Bush Family Story,” “Sharing Your Beliefs,” “Sharing the Gospel” (videos), Gospel Library.

At harvest time, grain is often gathered into bundles called sheaves and placed in storehouses, sometimes called garners. In Alma 26:5–7 ponder what the sheaves, garners, and storm might represent in your life. How do you find shelter in Jesus Christ?

See also Russell M. Nelson, “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 93–96; David A. Bednar, “Honorably Hold a Name and a Standing,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 97–100; “Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” Hymns, no. 102.

• Perhaps your children would enjoy burying their “weapons” like the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. You could read a few verses from Alma 24:6–24 to teach the children about the promises the Anti-Nephi-Lehies made to follow the Savior. They could then think of something they will change to follow Him, write it on this week’s activity page, and pretend to dig a hole and bury their weapon.

• Your children could read Alma 24:15–19, looking for what the Anti-Nephi-Lehies did “as a testimony to God.” Then you could talk with them about how our covenants can be “a testimony to God” (verse 18). Let your children talk about how they will show God that they want to follow Him. Singing a song like “I Want to Live the Gospel” (Children’s Songbook, 148) could help inspire them.

• To help your children see how Jesus Christ can help us change when we repent, you could teach them about the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. To do this, you might label two bowls “before” and “after.” Then your children could read Alma 17:14–15 and 27:27–30, write down what the Lamanites were like before and after repenting, and put them in the correct bowl. According to Alma 24:7–10, what helped them change? How can we show our thanks to God for His mercy?

• Perhaps you and your children would enjoy drawing pictures of things in the gospel of Jesus Christ that bring you joy. Share your picture with your children, and encourage them to share their picture with someone to help that person feel joy too.

• Help your children find the words joy and rejoice in Alma 26 and 29. What brought Ammon and Alma joy or caused them to rejoice? This question could lead to a discussion about the joy that comes from living or sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

• Your children could read Alma 27:22–23, looking for what the Nephites did to help the Anti-Nephi-Lehies keep their promise to never fight again. How can we help our friends keep their promises? Your children could role-play situations. For example, what can we say to a friend who wants to lie or be mean?

In Alma 30, Korihor is called “Anti-Christ” (verse 6). An anti-Christ is anyone or anything that is openly or secretly in opposition to Jesus Christ and His gospel. Which verses in Alma 30:6–31 show that Korihor fits this description? Studying Korihor’s false teachings can help you recognize and reject similar teachings. The following activities may help in your study:

• What object lessons can you think of to better understand the difference between the Savior’s teachings and Satan’s false imitations? Some examples are a lure used for fishing, fake money, and false advertising. How can you tell if something is fake? How can you recognize truth?

• Consider making a list of the false doctrines Korihor taught in Alma 30:6–31. Which of his teachings might be enticing today? (see Alma 30:12–18, 23–28). What harm can result from accepting such ideas? What false messages is the adversary using to try to deceive you today?

• What did Alma do to counter Korihor’s teachings with truth? (see Alma 30:31–54). How can you use these same principles in your life?

Like Alma, modern prophets and apostles help us know the difference between truth and Satan’s lies. What counsel do you find in these messages: Gary E. Stevenson, “Deceive Me Not” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 93–96); Dallin H. Oaks, “Be Not Deceived” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2004, 43–46).

See also Gospel Topics, “Seeking Truth and Avoiding Deception,” Gospel Library; “Oh Say, What Is Truth?,” Hymns, no. 272.

Many people today believe that there is no God. What do you find in Alma 30:39–46 that helps you know that God is real? What prevents us from knowing Him? What other testimonies has God given you that He lives?

What do you learn from Alma 30:56–60 about how the devil treats his followers? What can you do to protect your home against his influence?

See also Alma 36:3.

The problem of the Zoramites separating from the Nephites may have seemed to some like it needed a political or military solution (see Alma 31:1–4). But Alma had learned to trust “the virtue of the word of God” (Alma 31:5). What do you learn from Alma 31:5 about the power of God’s word? (see also Hebrews 4:12; 1 Nephi 15:23–24; 2 Nephi 31:20; Jacob 2:8; Helaman 3:29–30).

As you study Alma 31, what other gospel truths can you find that apply to your life experiences? For example:

• How have you seen the word of God lead people to do good things? (see verse 5).

• Compare Alma’s attitudes, feelings, and actions regarding others (see verses 34–35) with those of the Zoramites (see verses 17–28). How can you be more like Alma?

• What do you find in Alma 31:30–38 that can help people who sorrow for the sins of others?

Notice the group of people Alma took with him to teach the gospel to the Zoramites (see Alma 31:6). What do you learn about the lives of these people in Mosiah 27:8–37; 28:4; Alma 10:1–6; 11:21–25; 15:3–12. What message might there be for you in their experiences?

• Consider displaying some items (such as money or food) and toy imitations of these items. This could lead to a discussion about how to know the difference between things that are real and things that are false. Then you could help your children identify from Alma 30:12–18 the lies or false teachings that Korihor taught about God. In Alma 30:32–35, how did Alma respond to those lies? What do we learn from his example?

• Alma talked about how things in the sky and on the earth testify that God lives. If possible, take a walk outside with your children or stand at a window as you read Alma 30:44. Ask them to point out things they see that help them know that God is real and that He loves them. They could also draw pictures of things they discover (see this week’s activity page).

• While you and your children sing “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29), pass around a ball or other object. Periodically stop the music and ask the child holding the object to share one thing Heavenly Father created that he or she is grateful for.

• How can you help your children understand that the word of God is more powerful than “anything else”? (Alma 31:5). Consider asking them to think of something or someone powerful, or show pictures of a few powerful things. What makes them powerful? Read Alma 31:5 together, and ask your children what they think this verse means. Share an experience when the word of God had a powerful influence on you.

• Briefly summarize the story of Alma and the Zoramites, using verses from Alma 31:8–35 (see also “Chapter 28: The Zoramites and the Rameumptom,” Book of Mormon Stories, 78–80). Help your children identify things the Zoramites said in their prayer (see Alma 31:15–18) as they help you build a Rameumptom tower with blocks or rocks. Explain that this is not how we should pray. As you and your children talk about how we should pray, let them remove the blocks or rocks one at a time. Maybe they could keep one of the rocks by their bed as a reminder to pray every morning and night. They might enjoy decorating their rock.

As you read Alma 32:17–43, note words and phrases that help you understand how to exercise faith in Jesus Christ. What do you learn about what faith is and what it is not?

Another way to study Alma 32 is to draw pictures representing different phases of a seed’s growth. Then label each picture with words from Alma 32:28–43 that help you understand how to plant and nourish the word of God in your heart.

See also Russell M. Nelson, “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” Liahona, May 2021, 101–4.

To the Zoramites who weren’t yet sure about Alma’s testimony of Christ, Alma suggested “an experiment” (see Alma 32:27). Experiments require desire, curiosity, action, and at least a little faith—and they can lead to wonderful discoveries! Think about experiments you’ve seen or participated in. According to Alma 32:26–36, what kind of experiment can lead to faith in Jesus Christ?

How have you have “experimented” upon the word of God and come to know that “the word is good”? (Alma 32:28).

Alma and Amulek’s counsel about worship and prayer was meant to correct specific misunderstandings the Zoramites had. Consider listing them (see Alma 31:13–23). Next to that list, you could make a list of truths about prayer in Alma 33:2–11 and 34:17–29. How will the things that you learn from these verses affect the way you pray and worship?

You can also find insights from a hymn about prayer, such as “Sweet Hour of Prayer” (Hymns, no. 142).

Notice how many times Amulek used the words infinite and eternal to describe the Savior’s atoning sacrifice in Alma 34:9–14. Why is it important to know that the Savior’s Atonement is infinite and eternal? Look for words and phrases in these verses that also describe the Savior’s Atonement: Hebrews 10:10; 2 Nephi 9:21; Mosiah 3:13.

Even when we know Jesus’s power to save is infinite and eternal, we might sometimes doubt that it applies to us—or to someone who has sinned against us. Elder David A. Bednar once spoke of people who “seem to have faith in the Savior, but they do not believe His promised blessings are available to them” (“If Ye Had Known Me,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 104). What might keep us from fully receiving the Savior’s power? Ponder how you can know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is infinite and eternal.

To ponder how much you need the Savior’s Atonement, it might help to think of something you need every day. Ask yourself, “What would my life be like without this?” Then, as you study Alma 34:9–16, ponder what your life would be like without Jesus Christ. You could find other insights in 2 Nephi 9:7–9. How would you summarize Alma 34:9–10 in one sentence?

See also Michael John U. Teh, “Our Personal Savior,” Liahona, May 2021, 99–101; Gospel Topics, “Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library; “Reclaimed” (video), Gospel Library.

Imagine that you want to participate in a marathon or a musical performance. What would happen if you waited until the day of the event to prepare? How does this example relate to Amulek’s warnings in Alma 34:32–35? What is the danger of delaying our efforts to repent and change?

Verse 31 also has a message for people who might worry that they’ve already delayed too long and it’s too late to repent. What would you say that message is?

• Alma and Amulek had success teaching the Zoramites who were humble. What does it mean to be humble? Help your children find a definition of humble in the Guide to the Scriptures. What other clues about the meaning of these words can we find in Alma 32:13–16? Invite your children to complete a sentence like “I am being humble when I .”

• Seeds, trees, and fruit are familiar objects that can help children understand abstract principles like faith and testimony. Let your children hold a seed while you read Alma 32:28. Then you could ask them to help you think of ways that growing a testimony of Jesus Christ is like planting and nourishing a seed (see “Chapter 29: Alma Teaches about Faith and the Word of God,” Book of Mormon Stories, 81). Maybe you could plant your seed and talk about what is needed to help a seed—or a testimony—grow.

• A picture of a tree accompanies this outline; you might use it to illustrate Alma’s words in Alma 32:28–43. Or you could go for a walk to find plants at different stages of growth and read verses from Alma 32 that compare a growing plant to our testimony. Or maybe your children could draw a tree on the board and add a leaf or a fruit every time they think of something they can do to help their testimony of Jesus Christ grow.

• You could let your children try to push a seed (representing the word of God) into a stone (representing a prideful heart) and into soft soil (representing a humble heart). Read together Alma 32:27–28. Talk about what it means to “give place” (verse 27) for the word of God in our hearts.

• Help your children find phrases that describe places we can pray (in Alma 33:4–11) and things we can pray about (in Alma 34:17–27). Perhaps they could draw pictures of themselves praying in these places. Share with each other experiences when Heavenly Father heard your prayers. You could also sing a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13).

Few of us will have experiences as dramatic as Alma’s conversion. But everyone must be “born of God,” though it usually happens gradually (Alma 36:23; 38:6). As you read Alma 36, think about what it means to be born of God. For instance, in the process of being born of God, how do you feel about sin? about Jesus Christ? How does being born of God affect what you do in response to your own mistakes? What other changes occur in your beliefs and actions? Ponder how you are experiencing these changes.

See also Mosiah 5:7; 27:25–26; Alma 5:14; 22:15; Helaman 3:35; “Alma the Younger Is Converted unto the Lord” (video), Gospel Library.

Sometimes people are afraid to repent because they see repentance as a painful punishment for sin. What do you think Alma would say about that? To find out, you could contrast what Alma’s life was like before he repented (see Alma 36:6–17) with his description of himself after he repented (see verses 18–27). According to Alma 36:17–18, how did Alma receive this forgiveness?

See also Matthew S. Holland, “The Exquisite Gift of the Son,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 45–47.

Consider the miracle and blessing it is to have the scriptures today! As you read Alma 37, look for the blessings that come from having the scriptures (see, for example, verses 7–10, 18–19, 44–45).

In Alma 37:38–47, Alma compared “the word of Christ” to the Liahona. As you ponder this comparison, reflect on the ways that you have experienced the miracle and power of Christ’s teachings “day by day” (Alma 37:40).

See also D. Todd Christofferson, “The Blessing of Scripture,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 32–35; “As I Search the Holy Scriptures,” Hymns, no. 277; “Alma Testifies to His Son Helaman” (video), Gospel Library.

Sometimes we may feel like our problems are so big and complicated that the solutions must be big and complicated too. But that isn’t always the Lord’s way. As you read Alma 37:1–14, consider what impresses you about how He does His work. Then you can ponder and record ways you’ve seen this principle in your life.

If you were going to teach this principle to someone, what examples from nature or everyday life would you use to illustrate it? You can find some in President Dallin H. Oaks’s message “Small and Simple Things,” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 89–92).

What are some small and simple things that bring you closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

Often, our “small and simple” choices make large differences in our lives. Consider picking a topic from For the Strength of Youth: A Guide to Making Choices and asking yourself questions like these: How do my choices about this affect me and the people around me? What small and simple changes can I make that will lead to greater peace and happiness?

See also Michael A. Dunn, “One Percent Better,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 106–8; Gospel Topics “Agency,” Gospel Library.

In Alma 37:35–37, look for Alma’s invitations to his son Helaman. Which of these invitations do you feel prompted to act on? For example, you might ponder what it means to “counsel with the Lord” (verse 37). How have you tried to do this? How has He directed you for good?

Alma’s words to his son Shiblon provide a good example of how to strengthen and encourage people we love in living the gospel. Studying Alma 38 might give you some ideas for helping family members and friends find strength in Jesus Christ. Write down what you find.

• To help your children understand that repentance brings joy, you could give them a piece of paper with a happy face on one side and a sad face on the other. Ask them to listen while you read or summarize Alma 36:13, 17–20 and hold up one of the faces to show how Alma was feeling. Older children could write down words or phrases describing how he felt. What made Alma sad, and what brought him joy? Then you could tell them about the joy you feel when you repent.

• Your children might enjoy finding small items that make big things happen. Items like a battery, car key, or even a toy that comforts them might be examples. You could then read Alma 37:6–7 together and think of some small or simple things that God wants us to do. What big things can happen when we obey these small or simple commandments?

• Your children could also try something like this: start filling a cup with water, one drop at a time. How does this relate to Alma 37:6–7? Then you could talk about how the Lord’s “small and simple things,” such as reading the scriptures daily, are like drops of water in a cup.

• Help your children think of ways that they bring about great things at home, school, or church. The song “‘Give,’ Said the Little Stream” (Children’s Songbook, 236) also illustrates this principle.

• How might you help your children develop love for God’s word, as Alma did for Helaman? Consider showing them a picture of the Liahona (such as Gospel Art Book, no. 68) or inviting them to draw one while they share what they know about it (see Alma 37:38–47; 1 Nephi 16:10, 28–29). How are the scriptures like the Liahona?

  

Alma’s counsel to his son Corianton in Alma 39 provides a great opportunity to learn about the devastating effects of sexual sin, including pornography. Perhaps more important, it can also help you understand the Savior’s offer of forgiveness and healing to people who repent. These questions and activities may help:

• What mistakes led Corianton to break the law of chastity? (see Alma 39:2–4, 8–9). What were the consequences of his actions? (see verses 5–13). What evidence do we have that Corianton repented? (see Alma 42:31; 49:30; 48:18). What do you learn about the Savior from this experience?

• Read pages 19–20 of For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices. Then write your own explanation of what pornography is, why it is dangerous, and what you will do when you encounter it. (See also Matthew 5:27–28 and Doctrine and Covenants 63:16.)

• How would you explain to a friend why you choose to avoid pornography and live the law of chastity? What insights could you share from “Your Body Is Sacred” in For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices (pages 22–29)?

• Consider watching the video “To Look Upon” (Gospel Library). Pause the video each time that David could have made a different choice. How are David’s choices similar to choices you might face?

See also Bradley R. Wilcox, “Worthiness Is Not Flawlessness,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 61–67; “Pornography” in the “Life Help” collection of the Gospel Library.

Corianton had some questions about what happens after death. His concerns led Alma to teach the principles found in Alma 40–41. As you study, make a list of the truths you find about things like the spirit world, resurrection, and judgment. Consider reading these chapters from the perspective of someone who, like Corianton, needs to repent—after all, that’s true for all of us.

Sometimes we might think that prophets know the answer to every gospel question. But notice the unanswered questions Alma had in chapter 40. What did he do to find answers? What did he do when he didn’t have answers? How can Alma’s example help you?

Corianton believed that punishment for sins was not fair (see Alma 42:1). In Alma 42, how did Alma address his concern? You might organize passages in this chapter in two groups: “God is just” and “God is merciful.” How does the Savior’s Atonement make both justice and mercy possible? Look for additional insights in the video “The Mediator” (Gospel Library).

See also “How Great the Wisdom and the Love,” Hymns, 195.

• Alma’s counsel to Corianton can help your children understand the importance of being a good example. Consider reading together Alma 39:1. How was Corianton’s brother Shiblon a good example? Your children could find additional answers to this question in Alma 38:2–4.

• You could also play a game in which you and your children take turns following or imitating each other. Use this game to illustrate how our actions could help others make good choices. Sing together “I Am like a Star” (Children’s Songbook, 163), and help your children think of ways they can be a good example.

• With a flashlight or a picture of the sun, you could compare light to the power of a good example. You and your children could also look at pictures of Jesus doing good things and talk about the example He set for us. The videos “Shine Your Light So Others May See” and “Lessons I Learned as a Boy” can help your children discuss how their example can lead people to Christ.

• Without going into detail about the nature of his sins, explain that Corianton made a wrong choice. What could we say to help him? Consider reading Alma 39:9 to your children, and help them understand what repent and forsake mean. Testify that repentance is possible through Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

• Here’s an object lesson to illustrate the joy of repentance: Give a child something heavy to hold while you tell a story about someone who did something wrong and felt bad. Tell your children that the object is like the bad feelings we may have when we make a mistake. Take the heavy object from the child as you testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can take away the heavy, bad feelings and help us be better as we repent.

• It’s natural to wonder what happens to us after we die. What can you do to help your children find inspired answers? You could write death, spirit world (paradise and spirit prison), resurrection, and judgment on separate pieces of paper. Help your children understand what these words mean. As you read together Alma 40:6–7, 11–14, 21–23, your children could place the words in the order in which they occur in these verses.

• Older children may benefit from finding answers to questions by searching Alma 40:6–7, 11–14, 21–23. Consider asking your children questions that can be answered in these verses, such as “What will my body be like when I am resurrected?” Invite them to search for answers in the appropriate verses.

  

• Do your children know someone who has died? Maybe you could talk briefly about that person. Bear your testimony that someday they—and everyone else—will be resurrected because of Jesus Christ. If needed, use this week’s activity page to explain what it means to be resurrected.

As you read Alma 43–52, notice what the Nephites did that made them successful (or unsuccessful). Then ponder how you can use what you learn to help you win your spiritual battles. Record your thoughts below:

• Alma 43:19: The Nephites were prepared with armor. (I can strive to prepare myself with spiritual armor.)

• Alma 43:23–24: They sought the prophet’s guidance.

• Alma 44:1–4:

• Alma 45:1:

• Alma 46:11–20:

• Alma 48:7–9:

• Alma 49:3, 12–14:

Also, see what you can learn from the efforts of the Nephites’ enemies. Ponder how Satan might attack you in similar ways:

• Alma 43:8: Zerahemnah sought to make his people angry so he would have power over them. (Satan may tempt me to act in anger.)

• Alma 43:29:

• Alma 46:10:

• Alma 47:10–19:

See also Russell M. Nelson, “Embrace the Future with Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 73–76; “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” Hymns, no. 68.

Do you want to lessen the power of the adversary in your life? One way is to follow the counsel in Alma 48:17 to become “like unto Moroni.” Consider making a list of words that describe Moroni as you read Alma 46:11–28; 48:7–17. What do you learn from Moroni about “stand[ing] fast in the faith of Christ”? (Alma 46:27).

You might also study how Moroni inspired others in “the cause of the Christians” (see Alma 46:11–22). How would you describe that cause? What can you do to participate in it? How can you inspire others to participate too?

One thing Moroni did to inspire others was create the title of liberty, which emphasized principles to inspire the Nephites (see verse 12). What principles are our Church leaders emphasizing in our day? You might look for them in For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices (booklet, 2022), “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” the Young Women and Aaronic Priesthood Quorum themes, or recent general conference messages. You could summarize what they are teaching into some simple statements to create your own title of liberty—something to remind you to be true to the Savior and His gospel.

See also Gospel Topic, “Faith in Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library.

Satan knows that you aren’t likely to commit big sins or believe obvious lies. Therefore, he uses subtle lies and small temptations—as many as he thinks you will accept—to lead you away from the safety of righteous living.

Look for this pattern in Alma 47, and ponder how Satan may be trying to deceive you. Consider these insights from Elder Robert D. Hales:

“The traitorous Amalickiah urged Lehonti to ‘come down’ and meet him in the valley. But when Lehonti left the high ground, he was poisoned ‘by degrees’ until he died, and his army fell into Amalickiah’s hands (see Alma 47). By arguments and accusations, some people bait us to leave the high ground. The high ground is where the light is. … It is the safe ground” (“Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 74).

What do you learn from the video “Temptation Fades as We Seek Christ in Every Thought” (Gospel Library) that can help you resist temptation?

See also Nehemiah 6:3; 2 Nephi 26:22; 28:21–22.

Despite the Nephites’ armor and fortifications, the Lamanites soon captured many of their cities (see Alma 51:26–27). How did that happen? Look for answers as you read these chapters (see particularly Alma 51:1–12). Ponder what warnings this account may have for you and your family.

• Consider using “Chapter 31: Captain Moroni Defeats Zerahemnah” (Book of Mormon Stories, 85–88) to tell your children about the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites. As you read about the Nephites’ armor in Alma 43:19, you could compare armor that protects our bodies with things that God has given us to protect our spirits. Maybe you and your children could draw a picture of a child and add a piece of armor to the picture for everything your children can name that protects us spiritually.

• These verses describe the fortifications the Nephites built: Alma 48:7–9; 49:1–9; 50:1–6. After reading these verses together, your children might enjoy building a fort out of objects like chairs and blankets. The video “Elder Stevenson on Fortifying Families” (Gospel Library) can help you discuss how to spiritually fortify your home.

• Your children could look at the pictures in this outline to tell the story of the title of liberty (see Alma 46:11–16; “Chapter 32: Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty,” Book of Mormon Stories, 89–90). What did Moroni want the people to remember (see verse 12)? What does Heavenly Father want us to remember? Perhaps your children could design their own “titles of liberty” with phrases or pictures that will help them remember these things.

• To teach your children about being “firm in the faith of Christ” like Moroni (see Alma 48:13), you could help them find and touch something firm. What does it mean for faith to be “firm”? Read together Alma 48:11–12 to find out what made Moroni firm in his faith in Christ. You could also sing together a song like “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162). What can we do to be “firm in the faith of Christ”?

Read together selected verses from Alma 47:4–19. What would have happened if Amalickiah had told Lehonti what he planned to do from the beginning? What do these verses teach us about how Satan tries to deceive us?

If it weren’t for their faith, Helaman’s young soldiers would have had good reason to feel afraid. But because of their faith, they had even more reason to be courageous. As you read about them in Alma 53–58, look for things that help you face your fears with faith in Christ. Consider focusing on the following verses: Alma 53:10–22; 56:43–49, 55–56; 57:20–27; and 58:39–40. This table could help you record what you find.

To win our spiritual battles, we also need the power of Jesus Christ. How can you access His power? Look for answers in President Russell M. Nelson’s message “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 39–42). You might compare his counsel with things that Helaman’s soldiers did.

After studying these things, think about your own spiritual battles. Write down what you feel inspired to do to exercise your faith in Jesus Christ.

See also Neil L. Andersen, “Wounded,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 83–86; “True to the Faith,” Hymns, no. 254; “Drawing upon the Power of God in Our Lives” (video), Gospel Library; Gospel Topics, “Faith in Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library.

Helaman and Pahoran had reasons to be offended. Helaman was not receiving support for his armies, and Pahoran was falsely accused by Moroni of withholding that support (see Alma 58:4–9, 31–32; 60). What impresses you about their reactions in Alma 58:1–12, 31–37 and Alma 61? Why do you feel they responded this way?

Elder David A. Bednar pointed to Pahoran as example of meekness and taught that “the most majestic and meaningful examples of meekness are found in the life of the Savior Himself” (“Meek and Lowly of Heart,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 32). Ponder how the Savior showed meekness. See, for instance, Matthew 27:11–26; Luke 22:41–42; John 13:4–17. How can you follow His example?

Moroni wrote that God would hold Pahoran responsible if he knowingly neglected the needs of the Nephite armies. What do you learn from Alma 60:7–14 about caring for people in need? What can you do to be more aware of and meet the needs of others?

Put a raw egg and a potato in boiling water to help you think about how you can choose to be either “softened” or “hardened” by your trials. While your egg and potato are cooking, study Alma 62:39–51, and notice how the people reacted to Helaman’s ministry after their long war with the Lamanites. You could then compare this to how they had reacted to his preaching 13 years earlier (see Alma 45:20–24). How were the Nephites affected differently by the same afflictions? When the egg and potato are fully cooked, crack the egg and cut the potato. How did the boiling water affect them differently? What are you learning about how we can choose to react to affliction? How can you turn to God during your afflictions?

• You can use many resources to share the story of Helaman’s soldiers, including the pictures in this outline and “Chapter 34: Helaman and the 2,000 Young Warriors” (Book of Mormon Stories, 93–94). This week’s activity pagecan help your children think of ways they can be like the army of Helaman. Consider sharing some of the qualities of the young soldiers from Alma 53:20–21 to get them started. You could also sing together “We’ll Bring the World His Truth” (Children’s Songbook, 172–73).

• Helaman’s young soldiers looked to their mothers’ faith when they were faced with a great challenge. Perhaps you could read Alma 56:46–48 with your children and invite them to listen for what the mothers of these young men taught them about faith. You might ask them what they’ve learned from their parents—or other faithful adults—about the Savior. Why is it important to obey “with exactness”? (Alma 57:21).

• How can you—like the mothers of the stripling soldiers—make sure your children know of your faith in God? One way is to share how your faith affects your life. For example, how has He “delivered” you when you “did not doubt”?

• Your children might be able to talk about a time when someone made and kept a promise with them. How did they feel when the promise was kept? You could read Alma 53:10–18 and invite your children to look for how Helaman, the people of Ammon, and the sons of the people of Ammon made and kept their promises, or covenants. You might share how Heavenly Father blesses you as you keep your covenants.

Consider inviting your children to think about a time when they were accused of doing something they didn’t do. Tell them about how this happened to Pahoran (see Alma 60–61; see also “Chapter 35: Captain Moroni and Pahoran,” Book of Mormon Stories, 95–97). To learn about how Pahoran reacted, take turns reading verses from Alma 61:3–14. What did Pahoran do when Moroni accused him? (see Alma 61:2–3, 8–9). What do we learn about forgiveness from the Savior’s example? (see Luke 23:34).

As you read Helaman 1–6, you may notice a pattern in the behavior of the Nephites. When they are righteous, God blesses them, and they prosper. After a time, they become prideful and wicked, making choices that lead to destruction and suffering. Then they are humbled and inspired to repent, and God blesses them once again. The pattern repeats itself so often that some call it the “pride cycle.”

Look for examples of this cycle as you read Helaman 1–6. Here are some questions to help you understand this pattern:

• What evidence of pride do you see among the Nephites? (see, for example, Helaman 3:33–34; 4:11–13). Do you see similar evidence of pride in yourself?

• What are the consequences of pride and wickedness? (see Helaman 4:23–26). What are the consequences of humility and repentance? (see Helaman 3:27–30, 35; 4:14–16).

• What things did Helaman want his sons to remember? (see Helaman 5:4–12). In what ways can remembering these truths help you avoid becoming prideful?

See also “Chapter 18: Beware of Pride,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson (2014), 229–40; “I Need Thee Every Hour,” Hymns, no. 98.

In Helaman 3, Mormon described a time of rejoicing when the Church was so blessed that even the leaders were surprised. Based on what you read in verses 24–32, what do you think led to that joyful state? Not all members continued in the joy, though. Note the differences between the people described in verses 33–35. What do you learn from their example?

Reading Helaman 5:6–7 may inspire you to consider the names you have been given, including family names. What do these names mean to you? How can you honor them? Even more important, consider what it means to bear the Savior’s name (see Moroni 4:3). How do you honor that sacred name?

What does it mean to you to “build your foundation” on “the rock of our Redeemer”? (Helaman 5:12). How have you found safety from life’s storms in Jesus Christ? As you read Helaman 5:12–52, identify how Nephi and Lehi were blessed for building their faith on the rock of their Redeemer.

Some people find it helpful to visualize what they’re studying. To depict Helaman 5:12, you could build a small structure on different kinds of foundations. You could then create a “mighty storm” by spraying water on it and using a fan to create wind. What insights does this give you about building your foundation on Jesus Christ? What else do you learn from the video “A Secure Anchor”? (Gospel Library).

Verse 50 mentions “the greatness of the evidences” that the Lamanites received. Reading Helaman 5:12–52 might bring to your mind the evidences that God has given you. For example, maybe “a whisper” from the Spirit has strengthened your faith in the Savior (Helaman 5:30; see also Doctrine and Covenants 88:66). Or perhaps you’ve been in darkness and cried out to God for greater faith (see Helaman 5:40–47). What other experiences have helped you build your foundation on Jesus Christ?

See also Russell M. Nelson, “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 93–96; Sean Douglas, “Facing Our Spiritual Hurricanes by Believing in Christ,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 109–11; Gospel Topics, “Faith in Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library.

• Consider inviting your children to draw their own version of the “pride cycle,” based on the diagram above. Then, as you read together Helaman 3:24, 33–34 and 4:11–15, they could point to the parts of the cycle these verses describe. How can we choose to be humble—and remain that way?

• Consider using a picture of a temple to start a conversation about why buildings need strong foundations. Or you could look at the foundation of your home or Church building. To emphasize the strength of a rock-solid foundation, your children could try to move a rock by blowing on it. As you read together Helaman 5:12, ask your children why Jesus Christ is “a sure foundation” for our lives. How can we build our lives on Him? (see Helaman 3:27–29, 35 and Articles of Faith 1:4).

• Invite your children to build a tower using blocks or other materials on different kinds of foundations (such as cotton balls or a flat stone). How is the solid foundation like Jesus Christ? They could add a block to the structure for each idea they share about what they can do to follow Him.

• The voice described in Helaman 5:29–30, 45–47 teaches us one way that the Holy Ghost speaks to us. To help your children understand this truth, consider reading “Chapter 37: Nephi and Lehi in Prison” (Book of Mormon Stories, 99–102). When you talk about the voice the people heard, speak in a soft voice. Repeat the story a few times, and invite the children to whisper with you. Help them think of other ways that the Holy Ghost can speak to us. To reinforce this principle, you could sing together “The Still Small Voice” (Children’s Songbook, 106–7).

• To emphasize what Helaman 5:20–41 teaches about darkness and light, try reading or summarizing these verses in the dark, using just a flashlight for light. Your children could listen for what the people needed to do so the darkness would be removed. Then turn the lights on, and read verses 42–48 together. What do these verses teach us about repentance?

Helaman 7–11 is a particularly good place to learn about what prophets do. As you read these chapters, pay attention to Nephi’s actions, thoughts, and interactions with the Lord. How does Nephi’s ministry help you understand the role of prophets? Here are a few examples. What else do you find?

• Helaman 7:17–22: Prophets cry repentance and warn of the consequences of sin.

• Helaman 7:29; 9:21–36:

• Helaman 8:13–23:

• Helaman 10:7:

• Helaman 10:4–7, 11–12:

Based on what you’ve read, how would you describe what a prophet is and what he does? Consider writing a brief definition. Then see what you would add to your definition after reading the entry for “Prophet” in the Guide to the Scriptures (Gospel Library) or “Follow the Living Prophet” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 147–55).

Did you notice how bold Nephi was in Helaman 7:11–29? Why do you feel prophets sometimes need to speak with boldness like Nephi did? Consider looking for answers in the section titled “Don’t Be Surprised” in Elder Neil L. Andersen’s message “The Prophet of God” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 26).

With all of these truths in mind, ponder how the Lord has blessed you through the ministry of His prophets. What has He taught you recently through our living prophet? What are you doing to listen to and follow the Lord’s direction?

See also Gospel Topics, “Prophets,” Gospel Library.

If signs or miracles were enough to change a person’s heart, all the Nephites would have been converted by the remarkable signs Nephi gave in Helaman 9. But that didn’t happen. Notice the various ways people reacted to the miracle in Helaman 9–10. For example, you might compare the responses of the five men and the chief judges in Helaman 9:1–20 (see also Helaman 9:39–41; 10:12–15). What do you learn from these experiences about how to build your faith in Jesus Christ?

See also 3 Nephi 1:22; 2:1–2.

As you study Helaman 10:1–12, notice what Nephi did to gain the Lord’s trust. How did he demonstrate that he sought the Lord’s will rather than his own? What does Nephi’s experience inspire you to do?

When you feel downtrodden, anxious, or confused, you might learn an important lesson from Nephi’s example in Helaman 10:2–4. What did he do when he felt “cast down”? (verse 3).

President Henry B. Eyring explained, “When we ponder, we invite revelation by the Spirit” (“Serve with the Spirit,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 60). How might you create a habit of pondering?

How do you remember important information—like a family member’s birthday or information for a test? How is this similar to the effort that is required to “remember the Lord”? (Helaman 12:5). How is it different?

Helaman 12 describes several things that cause people to forget the Lord. Perhaps you could list them and ponder whether they could be distracting you from Him. What helps you remember Jesus Christ? What are you inspired to do based on what you learned?

See also Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79; “Reverently and Meekly Now,” Hymns, no. 185.

• To start a conversation about remembering the Lord, you could tell your children about a time when you forgot something. Let them share similar experiences of their own. Then you could read together Helaman 7:20–21 and ask your children what they think it means to forget God. Maybe your children could draw pictures of things that could cause us to forget the Lord and use their drawings to cover a picture of Jesus. Then they could think of things they can do to remember Him. As they share their thoughts, they could take away the drawings one by one until the picture of the Savior is revealed.

• Help your children search Helaman 8:13–23 to find names of prophets who taught about Jesus Christ. Maybe they can pass around a picture of Jesus each time they find one. What has our living prophet taught about the Savior?

• You could also sing together a song about prophets, such as “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11). Maybe you and your children could pick a key phrase from the song and write one word from the phrase on each of several paper footprints. Then you could lay the footprints on the floor leading to a picture of the Savior, and your children could follow the footprints toward the picture. How has following the prophet led us to Jesus Christ?

• To help your children understand what it means to ponder, you could read together “Ponder” in Guide to the Scriptures (Gospel Library). What are some other words that are similar to ponder? Perhaps you could read Helaman 10:1–3 together and replace the word ponder with those other words. Talk with your children about ways to make pondering part of their scripture study.

• Nephi obeyed Heavenly Father even when it meant doing something difficult. For an example of this, you and your children could read Helaman 10:2, 11–12. Maybe your children could act out what Nephi did—walk toward one side of the room (as if they are going home), stop, turn around, and walk toward the other side of the room (as if they are returning to teach the people). What are some things Heavenly Father wants us to do?

In the scriptures, prophets are sometimes compared to watchmen on a wall or tower who warn of danger (see Isaiah 62:6; Ezekiel 33:1–7). As you study Samuel’s words in Helaman 13, consider how he is like a watchman for you. What did he say that seems relevant to our day? (see especially verses 8, 21–22, 26–29, 31, and 38). For example, what did Samuel teach about repentance? about humility and wealth? about seeking happiness “in doing iniquity”?

You might also search recent conference messages for similar warnings the Lord has given through modern prophets. What do you feel inspired to do about these warnings?

Samuel’s warnings of the judgments of God consistently included a merciful invitation to repent. Look for these invitations throughout Helaman 13–15 (see especially Helaman 13:6–11; 14:15–19; 15:7–8). What do you learn from these verses about repentance? Some people see repentance as a harsh punishment—something to avoid. In your opinion, how did Samuel want the Nephites to see repentance?

To deepen your study, you could read President Russell M. Nelson’s message “We Can Do Better and Be Better” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 67). How does he define repentance? What blessings of sincere repentance do you find in his message? You might also look for specific things the prophet invited us to change. What is the Holy Ghost telling you that you need to change? Consider writing down the personal revelation you receive.

How is repentance different than just changing your behavior? Why is it important to accept God’s invitation to repent? As you ponder this, consider singing or listening to a hymn that expresses this invitation, such as “How Gentle God’s Commands” (Hymns, no. 125).

See also “Jesus Christ Will Help You,” For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices, 6–9; “Repentance: A Joyful Choice,” “Principles of Peace: Repentance” (videos), Gospel Library; Gospel Topics “Repentance,” Gospel Library.

In Helaman 14, Samuel explained that the Lord provided signs of the Savior’s birth and death so that the people “might know of … his coming” and “believe on his name” (Helaman 14:12). As you study Helaman 14, note the signs of the Savior’s birth in verses 1–8 and the signs of His death in verses 20–28. Why do you think these signs would be effective ways to signify the birth and death of Jesus Christ?

Other more personal and less dramatic signs can help you “believe on [the Savior’s] name.” What has He done to strengthen your belief in Him?

What caution is given about signs in Helaman 16:13–23? How can you avoid the attitude of the people described in these verses?

See also Alma 30:43–52; Ronald A. Rasband, “By Divine Design,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 55–57.

Samuel’s words contain many stern chastisements, but Helaman 15:3 gives us perspective on chastening from the Lord. How can chastisement from the Lord be a sign of His love? What evidence do you see of the Lord’s love and mercy in Samuel’s prophecies and warnings?

Consider studying Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s message “As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 97–100), looking for three purposes of divine chastening. When have you seen God work in these ways in your life?

In Helaman 16, what do you learn from people who accepted Samuel’s teachings? What do you learn from people who rejected him? Think about how following the living prophets has helped you draw closer to Jesus Christ.

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

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

• Singing together “Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 36) may be a good way to teach your children what Samuel taught about Jesus Christ. Sharing “Chapter 40: Samuel the Lamanite Tells about Jesus Christ” (Book of Mormon Stories, 111–13) is another. What did Samuel teach about the Savior? Perhaps you could also share what modern prophets teach about Him. How do their words build our faith in Him?

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

3 Nephi 1–7 describes people who were converted to the Lord and others who were not. What made the difference between these groups? A chart like the following might help you organize your thoughts:

Your Heavenly Father knows that your life will include moments that are difficult, even frightening. But He also wants you to experience joy. Read 3 Nephi 1:1–23 to learn about the reasons the faithful Nephites had to be afraid. What reason did the Lord give them to “be of good cheer”?

The Savior has used the phrase “be of good cheer” on several occasions—for example, in Matthew 14:24–27; John 16:33; Doctrine and Covenants 61:36; 78:17–19. What impresses you about these invitations? You might read surrounding verses to understand the circumstances in which the Savior said these words. In each case, what reasons did He give to help people face their fears? How has he done this for you?

Consider studying President Russell M. Nelson’s address “Joy and Spiritual Survival” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 81–84). What does President Nelson teach you about finding joy in any situation? Notice how many times President Nelson uses the word focus. Maybe you could compare focusing a camera or other lens to focusing on Jesus Christ. How will you focus on Him more?

See also “Grief,” “Hope,” “Mental Health,” or other topics in the “Life Help” section of the Gospel Library.

Read 3 Nephi 1:4–7 and think about how you might have felt if you were one of the believers. What did they do to keep their faith strong? (see 3 Nephi 1:4–21 and 5:1–3). How were Samuel’s words fulfilled? (see 3 Nephi 1:19–21). How has the Lord fulfilled His words in your life?

Mormon declared, “Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ” (3 Nephi 5:13). What does this phrase mean to you? Consider searching 3 Nephi 1:4–15; 5:12–26; 6:10–15; and 7:15–26, looking for qualities, beliefs, and actions of disciples of Christ.

See also “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus,” Children’s Songbook, 78.

The Nephites’ experience with bands of robbers may contain lessons that can help you with the spiritual dangers you face. Look for these lessons in 3 Nephi 2:11–12 and 3:1–26. For example, you could search Giddianhi’s words in 3 Nephi 3:2–10 and compare them to ways Satan might try to deceive you. What do you learn from the example of Lachoneus?

• This week’s activity page can help your children learn about the miracles the Nephites witnessed when Jesus was born. You can also use “Chapter 41: The Signs of Christ’s Birth” (Book of Mormon Stories, 114–16) to teach them this story—or to help them tell it to you.

• As you and your children read 3 Nephi 1:4–10, invite them to talk about how it might have felt to be one of the believers living at that time. Then, as they read the rest of the account in verses 11–15, they could suggest ways to complete this sentence: “The lesson of this story for me is …”

• Maybe your children can help you think of other times when God fulfilled His promises given through His prophet. They might like to find pictures of these stories in the Gospel Art Book (see, for example, nos. 7–8 and 81). Let them share what they know about these stories, including how God’s promises were fulfilled. Read together 3 Nephi 1:20, and share your own witness of these truths.

  

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

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

• After reading together 3 Nephi 5:13, invite your children to repeat the phrase “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.” To learn what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, read together some of these examples: the converted Lamanites (see 3 Nephi 6:14), Mormon (see 3 Nephi 5:12–26), and Nephi (see 3 Nephi 7:15–26). You could also find ideas in a song like “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79).

• On a piece of paper, help your children trace their hand and cut the tracing out. Write “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ” on one side, and invite them to draw something they can do to be a disciple on the other side.

You might notice that themes related to darkness and light are repeated throughout 3 Nephi 8–11. What do you learn from these chapters about spiritual darkness and light? (see, for example, 3 Nephi 8:19–23; 9:18; 10:9–13). What brings darkness into your life? What brings light? Why do you think the Savior introduced Himself as “the light and the life of the world”? (3 Nephi 9:18; 11:11).

The events described in 3 Nephi 9–11 are among the most sacred in the Book of Mormon. Read them slowly, and ponder carefully. Here are some questions to help you. Consider recording the impressions that come to you.

• How would I have felt if I were among these people?

• What impresses me about the Savior in these chapters?

• How do I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior?

• How has He been a light in my life?

See also Sharon Eubank, “Christ: The Light That Shines in Darkness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 73–76.

Elder Neil L. Andersen remarked, “I testify that the Savior is able and eager to forgive our sins” (“Repent … That I May Heal You,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 40). Search 3 Nephi 9–10 for evidence of Christ’s eagerness to forgive. What do you find in 3 Nephi 9:13–22; 10:1–6 that helps you feel His love and mercy? When have you felt Him “gather” and “nourish” you? (see 3 Nephi 10:4).

Before the Savior’s coming, animal sacrifices were a symbol of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice (see Moses 5:5–8). What new commandment did the Savior give in 3 Nephi 9:20–22? How does it point us toward Him and His sacrifice?

What does it mean to you to offer a sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit? Why do you feel the Savior wants this sacrifice from you?

How do you know when God is speaking to you? Perhaps the experience of the people in 3 Nephi 11:1–8 can help you understand some principles of hearing and understanding God’s voice. You might note the characteristics of God’s voice that the people heard and what they did to better understand it.

It might also help to explore other scriptures that describe God’s voice or the influence of His Spirit. Here are a few. Perhaps, after reading these, you could write some guidelines for recognizing revelation: 1 Kings 19:11–12; Galatians 5:22–23; Alma 32:27–28, 35; Helaman 10:2–4; Ether 4:11–12; Doctrine and Covenants 9:7–9; 11:11–14.

You could also benefit from hearing from today’s prophets, apostles, and other Church leaders who have experience hearing and following God’s voice. Several of them share their experiences in the “Hear Him!” video collection in the Gospel Library. Consider watching one or more.

How will you apply what you learned to hear and recognize the voice of God more clearly?

See also Russell M. Nelson, “Hear Him,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 88–92; “This Is My Beloved Son,” Children’s Songbook, 76; Gospel Topics, “Personal Revelation,” Gospel Library.

About 2,500 people were gathered at the temple in Bountiful when Jesus Christ appeared (see 3 Nephi 17:25). Despite this large number, the Savior invited them each “one by one” to feel the nail prints in His hands and feet (3 Nephi 11:14–15). As you read, imagine what it might have been like to be there. In what ways is the Savior inviting you to “arise and come forth unto” Him? (3 Nephi 11:14).

• To help your children relate to the experiences described in 3 Nephi 8–9, you could retell or listen to a recording of portions of these chapters in a darkened room. Discuss what it might have been like to be in darkness for three days. Then you could talk about why Jesus Christ called Himself the Light of the World (see 3 Nephi 9:18). What did Jesus invite the people, and us, to do so He can be our light? (see 3 Nephi 9:20–22).

• The imagery of a hen gathering her chicks can be a powerful teaching tool to help children understand the Savior’s character and mission. You could read 3 Nephi 10:4–6 while your family looks at a picture of a hen and chicks. Why would a hen need to gather her chicks? Why does the Savior want to gather us close to Him? How do we come to Him for safety?

• How will you help your children feel the Spirit as you read 3 Nephi 11:1–15 together? Perhaps you could ask them to tell you when they find something in these verses that helps them feel God’s love. You could do the same with the pictures in this outline or the video “Jesus Christ Appears at the Temple” (Gospel Library). Tell your children about how you feel when you read and ponder these events. Let them share their feelings too.

• Perhaps you could read some of these verses in a soft, “small voice” (3 Nephi 11:3). Or you could play a recording of a song like “This Is My Beloved Son” (Children’s Songbook, 76) softly so that it is difficult to hear. What did the people have to do to understand the voice from heaven? (see verses 5–7). What do we learn from their experience?

• As you read 3 Nephi 11:21–26, you could invite your children to stand up every time they hear the word baptize. What did Jesus teach about baptism? If your children have seen a baptism before, ask them to describe what they saw. Why does Jesus want us to be baptized?

Here’s one way to study and apply what the Savior taught in 3 Nephi 12–14: Pick a group of verses, and see if you can summarize them in one sentence that begins with “True disciples of Jesus Christ …” For example, a summary of 3 Nephi 13:1–8 might be “True disciples of Jesus Christ don’t seek public praise for doing good.” Try it with these passages:

• 12:3–16:

• 12:38–44:

• 13:19–24:

• 14:1–5:

• 14:21–27:

• Other passages that inspire you

After reading these verses, what do you feel inspired to do to follow Jesus Christ?

The commandment in 3 Nephi 12:48 can seem overwhelming—even impossible. What do you learn from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s message “Be Ye Therefore Perfect—Eventually” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 40–42) that helps you understand the Savior’s words in this verse? According to Moroni 10:32–33, what makes it possible to be perfect like the Savior?

See also Dallin H. Oaks, “The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 32–34; Gospel Topics, “Becoming like Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library; “Lord, I Would Follow Thee,” Hymns, no. 220; “Jesus Christ Teaches How to Live the Higher Law” (video), Gospel Library.

Very few of God’s children have seen the Savior and heard His voice, as the people at Bountiful did. Most of us are more like the people described in 3 Nephi 12:2; 15:23; and 16:4–6. What promises are made to such people in these verses? How have these promises been fulfilled in your life?

See also John 20:26–29; 2 Nephi 26:12–13; Alma 32:16–18.

One theme you might notice in these chapters is the Savior’s invitation to live a higher law—to be righteous not only in our actions but also in our hearts. Look for this theme when the Savior speaks of contention (3 Nephi 12:21–26), immorality (3 Nephi 12:27–30), prayer (3 Nephi 13:5–8), and fasting (3 Nephi 13:16–18). What other examples can you find? What can you do to purify the desires of your heart?

As you read the Savior’s invitation in 3 Nephi 14:7–11 to ask, seek, and knock, ponder what “good things” He might want you to ask for. The following additional scriptures may help you understand how to ask, seek, and knock. They may also help explain why some prayers are not answered the way you expect: Isaiah 55:8–9; Helaman 10:4–5; Moroni 7:26–27, 33, 37; and Doctrine and Covenants 9:7–9; 88:64. How might these passages affect the way you ask, seek, and knock?

See also Milton Camargo, “Ask, Seek, and Knock,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 106–8.

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

• To encourage your children not to hide their light (see 3 Nephi 12:15), let them take turns hiding or covering a lamp or other light. They could uncover the light each time they name something they can do to be a good example to others.

• Reading these verses could prompt a discussion about the things we treasure. Maybe you could lead your children on a treasure hunt to find things that remind them of treasures with eternal value.

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

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

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

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

About 2,500 people were present when the Savior appeared, yet He found a way to minister to them one by one. What do you notice about the way He ministered in 3 Nephi 17; 18:24–25, 28–32? What needs did He minister to? What attributes made His ministering effective? You might also think about how He ministers to you. How can you follow His example? (See also 3 Nephi 18:24–25 and 28–32.)

See also “Jesus Christ Has Compassion and Heals the People” (video), Gospel Library.

Imagine what it would be like to hear the Savior pray for you. How would such an experience affect how you pray? Ponder this as you study 3 Nephi 17:13–22; 18:15–25; and 19:6–9, 15–36. What do you learn from Jesus Christ’s example and teachings about prayer? Consider looking for insights about how, when, where, for whom, and why to pray. What other insights do you gain from these verses?

See also Doctrine and Covenants 10:5.

When we do something often, it can become routine or casual. We sometimes end up doing it without even thinking. How can you keep this from happening with the weekly ordinance of the sacrament? As you read 3 Nephi 18:1–12, ponder how you can be spiritually “filled” each time you take the sacrament (see also 3 Nephi 20:1–9). According to verses 5–7, 11, what are some things you should “always” do? You might also ponder why Jesus gave us the ordinance of the sacrament—and whether the sacrament is accomplishing His purposes in your life. Why is the sacrament sacred to you?

In his message “Always Remember Him” (Ensign or Liahona, Feb. 2018, 4–6), President Henry B. Eyring gave “three suggestions about what you could remember each week when you partake of the sacred emblems of the sacrament.” What stands out to you about his suggestions? What can you do to improve your worship during the sacrament and throughout the week?

What else can you do to worship more meaningfully? You could ask yourself questions like these: “How is the Savior’s sacrifice influencing my daily life?” “What am I doing well as His disciple, and what can I improve?”

See also Matthew 26:26–28; Jeffrey R. Holland, “Behold the Lamb of God,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 44–46; “As Now We Take the Sacrament,” Hymns, no. 169; “Jesus Christ Introduces the Sacrament” (video), Gospel Library; Gospel Topics, “Sacrament,” Gospel Library.

Suppose you had a friend who knew nothing about Jesus Christ except that you are one of His followers. What would your friend conclude about Him, based on your actions? What does it mean to you to “hold up your light that it may shine unto the world”? (3 Nephi 18:24). What other invitations did the Savior give in 3 Nephi 18:22–25 that help you hold up that light?

See also Bonnie H. Cordon, “That They May See,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 78–80.

Think about your recent prayers. What do your prayers teach you about your deepest desires? After spending a day in the presence of the Savior, the multitude “did pray for that which they most desired”—the gift of the Holy Ghost (3 Nephi 19:9). Why is the gift of the Holy Ghost so desirable? As you read these passages, ponder your own desire for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. How can you earnestly seek for that companionship?

• You could use a picture like those in this outline or the video “Jesus Christ Prays and Angels Minister to the Children” (Gospel Library) to help your children visualize the account in 3 Nephi 17. Consider reading phrases or verses from 3 Nephi 17 that emphasize the Savior’s love for the people (such as verses 7 and 20–25). Your children could then draw a picture of themselves with Jesus. As they do, help them think of ways that Jesus has shown His love for them.

• Perhaps you could invite your children to tell you what happens during the sacrament. Then you could read 3 Nephi 18:1–12 and ask your children to raise a hand when they hear something that is similar to what we do today. What does Jesus Christ want us to remember or think about during the sacrament? (see 3 Nephi 18:7, 11).

• Singing together a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13), is a good way to help your children think about why we pray. You and your children could then read 3 Nephi 18:18–21 and talk about what Jesus taught about prayer. Inviting your children to tell you how they feel when they pray could help them share their testimony of prayer.

• It may be fun for children to go on a hunt for some of the treasured blessings of prayer. You could write the following scripture references on pieces of paper and hide them: 3 Nephi 18:15; 3 Nephi 18:20; 3 Nephi 18:21; 3 Nephi 19:9; and 3 Nephi 19:23. Your children could then find the papers and read the verses, looking for things Jesus Christ or His disciples taught about prayer.

In 3 Nephi 20–22, the Savior prophesied about the future of His covenant people (see especially 3 Nephi 20:30–32, 39–41; 21:9–11, 22–29). As you read these verses, remember what President Russell M. Nelson has said: “We are among the covenant people of the Lord. Ours is the privilege to participate personally in the fulfillment of these promises. What an exciting time to live!” (“The Gathering of Scattered Israel,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 79). Which prophecies are especially exciting to you? What can you do to help fulfill them?

In 3 Nephi 22 and 24, the Savior quotes words from Isaiah and Malachi that are full of vivid images and comparisons—coals in the fire, purified silver, marriage, the windows of heaven (see especially 3 Nephi 22:7–8, 10–17; 24:10–12, 17–18). What do these comparisons teach you about God’s relationship with His people—and His relationship with you? How have the promises in these chapters been fulfilled in your life or your family’s life?

See also “The Refiner’s Fire” (video), Gospel Library.

What impresses you about the Savior’s interaction with Nephi in 3 Nephi 23:6–13? If the Savior were to examine the records you have kept, what questions might He ask you? What important events or spiritual experiences should you record? Why is it important to do so? (see 3 Nephi 26:2).

As you read 3 Nephi 20:10–12; 23; 26:1–12, ponder how the Savior feels about the scriptures. What is the difference between searching the scriptures and simply reading them? (see 3 Nephi 23:1).

God’s people have always been commanded to pay tithing (see Genesis 14:17–20; Malachi 3:8–11). As you study 3 Nephi 24:7–12, think about why God asks His people to pay tithing. These questions can guide your study:

• What is the law of tithing? (See Doctrine and Covenants 119. “Interest” in this revelation means income. All members who have income should pay tithing.) How is tithing different from other kinds of donations?

• What is tithing used for? You can find a partial list in Gospel Topics, “Tithing” (Gospel Library). In what ways have you been blessed because members of the Church pay tithing?

• What blessings come to people who live the law of tithing? (See 3 Nephi 24:7–12). You can find some described in Elder David A. Bednar’s message “The Windows of Heaven” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 17–20). Look, in particular, for blessings that are not necessarily monetary. How have you seen these blessings in your life?

You may also want to watch the video “Jesus Teaches about the Widow’s Mite” (Gospel Library), or read Mark 12:41–44. What does this story teach you?

In our day, our hearts are “turned to [our] fathers” through temple and family history work. How has this happened for you? As you read 3 Nephi 25:5–6 and Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16, ponder why this is such an important part of God’s plan.

See also “Families Can Be Together Forever,” Children’s Songbook, 188.

• The Savior’s instructions in 3 Nephi 23 show how important the scriptures are to Him. To help your children discover this, you could read 3 Nephi 23:1, 5 aloud and ask them to listen for a word that is repeated three times. How is searching different from just reading?

• Perhaps you and your children could write down a favorite scripture verse and hide it. Then you could take turns finding each other’s hidden scriptures, read them together, and talk about why these verses are meaningful.

• Help your children search 3 Nephi 24:8–12 to find ways to complete this sentence: If I pay tithing, the Lord will … . You could also share an experience in which you were blessed because you paid tithing. If it would be helpful, consider writing a few amounts of money and helping your children calculate how much tithing (10 percent) to give for each amount.

• This week’s activity page can help your children talk about some of the ways the Lord uses tithing to bless the members of His Church. Maybe they could draw pictures (or find pictures in Church magazines) of ways tithing blesses them.

• How will you inspire your children to search for and learn about their ancestors? How can you encourage your children to perform ordinances for their ancestors when they are older? Consider helping them search 3 Nephi 25:5–6 to find something that was to happen in the latter days. Younger children could put their hand on their heart every time they hear the word “heart” as you read these verses. You could also read about how this prophecy was fulfilled in Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16 (see also Gospel Art Book, no. 95). Tell your children about how your heart has turned to your ancestors. For example, you could share any experiences you’ve had learning about your ancestors and doing temple ordinances for them.

  

• Help your children fill out a family tree with names of their parents and grandparents. What stories could you share about one of your ancestors? Show pictures if possible. You could also sing together “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188) and talk with your children about why families are important in Heavenly Father’s plan.

As the Savior’s disciples began establishing His Church throughout the land, a question came up that, to some people, might seem like a minor point—what should be the name of the Church? (see 3 Nephi 27:1–3). What do you learn about the importance of this name from the Savior’s answer in 3 Nephi 27:4–12?

The Savior revealed the name of His Church today in Doctrine and Covenants 115:4. Ponder each word in that name. How do these words help us know who we are, what we believe, and how we should act?

See also Russell M. Nelson, “The Correct Name of the Church,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 87–89; “Jesus Christ Declares the Name of His Church and His Doctrine” (video), Gospel Library.

After explaining that His Church must be “built upon [His] gospel” (3 Nephi 27:10), the Savior described what His gospel is. How would you summarize what He said in 3 Nephi 27:13–22? Based on this definition, what does it mean for the Church—and for you—to be built on His gospel?

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

Hymns often express heartfelt desires—“More Holiness Give Me” is a good example (Hymns, no. 131). Consider finding a hymn that reflects your desires.

Think about signs that let you know something will happen. For example, how do you know that rain is coming or the seasons are changing? According to 3 Nephi 29:1–3, how do you know God’s work of gathering His people “is already beginning to be fulfilled”? (see also 3 Nephi 21:1–7). You might also note, in 3 Nephi 29:4–9, the things that people would deny in our day. How does the Book of Mormon strengthen your faith in these things?

What would it have been like to live in the years following the Savior’s visit? As you study 4 Nephi 1:1–18, consider listing the blessings the people received. You might also mark or note the choices they made that helped lead to this blessed life. What did Jesus teach them that could have inspired their righteous choices? Here are some examples, but you may find others: 3 Nephi 11:28–30; 12:8–9, 21–24, 40–44; 13:19–21, 28–33; 14:12; 18:22–25.

Ponder what you can do to help your family, ward, or community live in greater unity and happiness. What can you do to help overcome divisions and truly become “one” with other children of God? What teachings of Jesus Christ help you accomplish this goal?

Sadly, the Zion society described in 4 Nephi eventually fell into wickedness. As you read 4 Nephi 1:19–49, look for the attitudes and behaviors that ended their happiness and unity. What can you do to help eliminate these attitudes or behaviors?

See also Moses 7:18; D. Todd Christofferson, “Sustainable Societies,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 32–35; Reyna I. Aburto, “With One Accord,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 78–80; Gospel Topics, “Belonging in the Church of Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library.

• To introduce the importance of the name of Jesus’s Church, talk with your children about their own names. Why are our names important? Then you could read 3 Nephi 27:3 together, looking for the question that Jesus’s disciples had. Help your children find the answer in 3 Nephi 27:5–8. Why is the name of the Church important?

• You could also help your children think of different groups they belong to, such as a family or a Primary class. Ask them what they like about belonging to each group. Then you could sing “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77) together and talk about why you are thankful to belong to the Savior’s Church.

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

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

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

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

By the time he was only about 10 years old, Mormon was remarkably different from the people around him. As you read Mormon 1–6, look for ways that Mormon’s faith in Jesus Christ made him unique and gave him opportunities to serve and bless others. The following verses might get you started:

Mormon 1:2–3, 13–17.

What differences do you notice between Mormon and his people? What qualities did he have that helped him stay spiritually strong in such a difficult time?

Mormon 2:18–19.

What words did Mormon use to describe the world he lived in? How did he maintain hope despite his surroundings?

Mormon 3:12.

How did Mormon feel about the people around him? What can you do to develop the kind of love he had?

What other verses in Mormon 1–6 highlight Mormon’s faith in Jesus Christ? What opportunities was he given because he chose to stay faithful?

Consider studying President Thomas S. Monson’s message “Be an Example and a Light” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 86–88), looking for reasons why it is important for followers of Jesus Christ to stand out or be different. How would you complete sentences like these? “ was an example to me when he [or she] . This helped me want to .”

Mormon could have felt that his example wasn’t making a difference with his people. If you had a chance to talk to Mormon, what would you tell him about how his example has made a difference for you?

See also David A. Bednar, “Quick to Observe,” Ensign, Dec. 2006, 30–36, or Liahona, Dec. 2006, 14–20; “Something Different about Us: Example” (video), Gospel Library; Gospel Topics, “Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library.

When Mormon saw his people’s sorrow, he hoped they would repent. But “their sorrowing was not unto repentance” (Mormon 2:13)—it was not godly sorrow but worldly sorrow. To understand the difference, consider recording what you learn from Mormon 2:10–15 in a chart like this one:

How do you know if your sorrow is godly or worldly? If you are experiencing worldly sorrow, how can you change it into godly sorrow?

See also 2 Corinthians 7:8–11; Michelle D. Craig, “Divine Discontent,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 52–55.

Mormon observed that the Nephites did not acknowledge the ways that the Lord had blessed them. As you read Mormon 3:3, 9, you might ponder how you are acknowledging God’s influence in your life. What blessings come when you acknowledge His influence? What are the consequences of not acknowledging Him? (see Mormon 2:26; Doctrine and Covenants 59:21).

See also Henry B. Eyring, “O Remember, Remember,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 66–69.

If you ever feel discouraged about your own sins, Mormon’s description of the Savior standing “with open arms to receive you” could provide reassurance. As you read Mormon 5:8–24 and 6:16–22, what do you learn about Heavenly Father’s and Jesus’s feelings toward you, even when you sin? How have you felt Jesus Christ reaching out to you with open arms? What do you feel inspired to do as a result?

See also “Come unto Jesus,” Hymns, no. 117.

• Because Mormon was quite young when he developed his faith in Christ, he can be an inspiration to your children. Perhaps you could read Mormon 1:1–3 and your children could listen for how old Mormon was when Ammaron gave him a special mission. You could also help them find in these verses the qualities that Ammaron saw in Mormon. How do these qualities help us follow Jesus Christ?

  

• Because Mormon followed Jesus Christ, he was given opportunities to serve and bless others. You could invite your children to read one or more of the following passages and help them share what they learn about Mormon: Mormon 1:1–3; 2:1, 23–24; and 3:1–3, 12, 20–22 (see also “Chapter 49: Mormon and His Teachings,” Book of Mormon Stories, 138–42). How did he follow Jesus Christ? How did his faith in Jesus Christ help or bless others? How can our faith help people we know?

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

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

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

After abridging the record of his people, Mormon gave his concluding message in Mormon 7. Why do you think he chose this message? What does it mean to you to “lay hold upon the gospel of Christ”? (Mormon 7:8).

See also “I Believe in Christ,” Hymns, no. 134.

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

What do you find in Mormon 7:8–10; 8:12–22; and 9:31–37 that helps you understand why the Book of Mormon is valuable in our day? Why is it valuable to you? You may find more insights in 1 Nephi 13:38–41; 2 Nephi 3:11–12; and Doctrine and Covenants 33:16; 42:12–13.

At times you may feel alone in your efforts to keep the commandments. What can you learn from the example of Moroni that could help? (see Mormon 8:1–11). If you could ask Moroni how he remained faithful, what do you think he would say?

See also “All May Know the Truth: Moroni’s Promise” (video), Gospel Library.

Jesus Christ showed Moroni what would be happening when the Book of Mormon came forth (see Mormon 8:34–35), which led him to give bold warnings for our day. As you read Mormon 8:26–41 and 9:1–30, ponder how his words might apply to you. For example, in these verses Moroni asks 24 questions. What evidence do you see in these questions that Moroni saw our day? How can the Book of Mormon help with the challenges that Moroni foresaw?

Moroni concluded his father’s writings with a powerful message for people in our day who do not believe in miracles (see Mormon 8:26; 9:1, 10–11). Why do you feel a belief in miracles is needed today? Search Mormon 9:9–11, 15–27 and Moroni 7:27–29 and ponder questions such as:

• What do I learn about the Savior from these verses?

• What do I learn about miracles, past and present?

• What are the benefits of believing that Jesus Christ is a God of miracles? What are the consequences of not believing this?

• What miracles—large and small—has the Savior worked in my life? What do these miracles teach me about Him?

President Russell M. Nelson taught: “Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 96). What do you feel some of these miracles might be? What can you do to help the Savior fulfill them?

What do you learn about faith and miracles from the experiences of Saints in Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Tahiti when President and Sister Nelson visited them? (see Russell M. Nelson, “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” Liahona, May 2021, 101–4).

See also Ronald A. Rasband, “Behold! I Am a God of Miracles,” Liahona, May 2021, 109–12; Gospel Topics, “Miracles,” Gospel Library.

• To emphasize the relationship between the Bible and the Book of Mormon, as Moroni did, you could play a game like this one with your children: Ask them to say “Old Testament, New Testament” when you hold up a copy of the Bible and “Another Testament” when you hold up a copy of the Book of Mormon. You could also choose several events that both the Bible and the Book of Mormon testify of—such as Jesus’s birth, death, and Resurrection—and invite your children to find pictures of these events (for example, in the Gospel Art Book).

• To help your children learn the eighth article of faith, you could write each word on separate pieces of paper. Invite your children to work together to put the words in the correct order and repeat it several times.

• Moroni’s example could inspire your children to obey God’s commandments even when they feel alone. After you read Mormon 8:1–7 with them, they could share how they would have felt if they had been Moroni. In verses 1, 3, and 4, what was Moroni commanded to do, and how did he obey? How can we be more like Moroni?

• Maybe you and your children could talk about situations where they must choose between right and wrong when no one is watching. How does having faith in Jesus Christ help us in these situations? A song like “Stand for the Right” (Children’s Songbook, 159) could add to this discussion.

• You might want to explain to your children that a miracle is something God does to show His power and bless our lives. Then you could read phrases from Mormon 9:11–13, 17 that describe some of God’s miracles, and your children could think of other miracles (pictures from the Gospel Art Book, such as nos. 26, 40, 41, and 83, can help). Talk about miracles that God has done in your life.

• Show your children a recipe, and talk about what would happen if you left out an essential ingredient. Read together Mormon 8:24 and 9:20–21 to find the “ingredients” that can lead to miracles from God.

Ether 1:33–43 tells of three prayers of the brother of Jared. What do you learn from the Lord’s response to each prayer? Think about a time when you have experienced the Lord’s compassion as you cried unto Him in prayer. You may want to record this experience and share it with someone who may need to hear your testimony.

See also “Secret Prayer,” Hymns, no. 144.

President Russell M. Nelson said: “I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation. … Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 96).

As you study Ether 2; 3:1–6; 4:7–15, what do you learn about “the spiritual work” President Nelson spoke of? You could mark in one color the questions or concerns the brother of Jared had and what he did about them, and in another color you could mark how the Lord helped him and made His will known.

Here are some questions to ponder as you study:

• What impresses you about the way the Lord answered the brother of Jared’s questions in Ether 2:18–25?

• How might you use Ether 3:1–5 to help someone who is learning how to pray?

• What might prevent you from receiving revelation from the Lord? (see Ether 4:8–10). How can you receive revelation from Him more often? (see Ether 4:7, 11–15).

• What do you think it means to “rend [the] veil of unbelief” in your life” (Ether 4:15).

What else do you learn from the brother of Jared about personal revelation?

Elder Dale G. Renlund taught about “A Framework for Personal Revelation” (Liahona, Nov. 2022, 16–19). Consider drawing a picture frame and writing the four elements of the framework on each side. How can this framework help you “increase your capacity to receive revelation”?

See also Gospel Topics, “Personal Revelation,” Gospel Library.

Even a prophet as great as the brother of Jared needed to be chastened by the Lord. What do you learn from Ether 2:14–15 about the Lord’s chastening? Think about how the Lord’s chastening and the brother of Jared’s response may have helped prepare him for his experiences in Ether 3:1–20.

Sometimes, crossing the “great deep” is the only way to fulfill God’s will for us. Do you see similarities to your life in Ether 2:16–25? How has the Lord prepared you for your challenges? What is He asking you to do now to prepare for what He needs you to do in the future?

See also L. Todd Budge, “Consistent and Resilient Trust,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 47–49.

As you read Moroni’s prophecy in Ether 5, ponder the Lord’s purpose in preparing many witnesses of the Book of Mormon. What witnesses have inspired you to believe that the Book of Mormon is the word of God? How has the Book of Mormon shown you “the power of God and also his word”? (Ether 5:4).

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

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

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

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

You may find spiritual insights if you compare the Jaredites’ voyage across the ocean to your journey through life. For example, what has the Lord provided that lights your way like the stones in the Jaredites’ barges? What might the barges represent, or the winds that “blow towards the promised land”? (Ether 6:8). What do you learn from the actions of the Jaredites before, during, and after the voyage? How is the Lord leading you toward your promised land?

Although pride and wickedness seem to dominate Jaredite history, there are also examples of humility in these chapters—especially in Ether 6:5–18, 30; 9:28–35; and 10:1–2. Pondering the following questions could help you learn from these examples: Why did these Jaredites humble themselves in these situations? How did they show their humility? How did God bless them as a result? Consider what you can do to willingly “walk humbly before the Lord” (Ether 6:17) rather than being compelled to be humble (see Mosiah 4:11–12; Alma 32:14–18).

See also Dale G. Renlund, “Do Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with God,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 109–12.

Chapters 7–11 of Ether cover at least 28 generations. Although little detail can be given in such little space, a pattern quickly emerges about the consequences of righteous and wicked leadership. What do you learn about leadership from the examples—negative and positive—of the kings listed below?

• Orihah—Ether 6:30; 7:1

• Shule—Ether 7:23–27

• Jared—Ether 8:1–7, 11–15

• Emer and Coriantum—Ether 9:21–23

• Heth—Ether 9:26–30

• Shez—Ether 10:1–2

• Riplakish—Ether 10:5–8

• Morianton—Ether 10:9–11

• Lib—Ether 10:19–28

• Ethem—Ether 11:11–13

• Jesus Christ—Matthew 18:1–4; 20:20–28; 23:11

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave helpful counsel about leadership in his message “The Greatest among You” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 78–81). Consider studying this message—especially the stories that he tells—looking for principles or patterns of Christlike leadership. When have you seen these principles or patterns demonstrated in people who lead?

As you ponder what you’ve learned, think about opportunities you have to lead or influence others in your home, community, Church calling, and so on. How can you develop qualities of Christlike leadership, even if you don’t have a specific leadership assignment?

See also Gospel Topics, “Serving in Church Callings,” Gospel Library; “Principles of Leadership in the Church,” General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4.2 (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

When people conspire to keep their wicked acts secret, they are involved in a secret combination. In addition to the secret combination described in Ether 8:7–18, other examples can be found in Helaman 1:9–12; 2:2–11; 6:16–30; Moses 5:29–33. Consider contrasting these verses with 2 Nephi 26:22–24, in which Nephi described how the Lord does His work. Why do you think Moroni was commanded to write what he did about secret combinations?

What have you learned from the book of Ether that can help you obtain the blessings described in Ether 8:26?

• Everyone has hard days—even little children. Perhaps you could help your children find words and phrases in Ether 6:1–12 that show how the Jaredites trusted God during some really tough and scary days. Consider sharing with each other some experiences when God helped you during difficult times in your life.

• After arriving safely in the promised land, the Jaredites were so thankful that they “shed tears of joy” (Ether 6:12). You might inspire your children to feel thankful for God’s blessings by helping them find phrases from Ether 6:9, 12 that show how the Jaredites expressed their thanks to God. They may enjoy singing, like the Jaredites did, a song that expresses gratitude, like “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 195). Ask your children to tell you about some things they are thankful for.

• Perhaps your children could read Ether 6:30; 7:27; and 10:2 and find what these righteous kings remembered. How did it affect the way they led their people? You and your children could discuss ways to remind yourselves of what God has done for you. For example, maybe they could write about it or draw pictures. You might suggest that they make a regular habit of writing down blessings they notice from God (see “O Remember, Remember” [video], Gospel Library).