Lessons 1 & 2: Intro to Doctrine & Covenants & Church History

Purpose:

To introduce class members to this year’s study of the Doctrine and Covenants and Church history and to help them understand their place in the dispensation of the fulness of times.

Lesson Reading:

• D&C Introduction
• D&C 1
• Our Heritage - Introduction
• Revelations in Context - William McLellin's Five Questions
• D&C 18:33–36
• D&C 84:60
• D&C 88:66
• Bible Dictionary - Dispensations

Church History Study Resources Intros:

• Our Heritage
• Gospel Doctrine Class Member Study Guide
• Church History Chronology
• Church History Maps
• Gospel Topics Essays - Introduction
• The Church Historian's Press - Home Page
  • About The Church Historian Press
  • The Joseph Smith Papers - About The Project
  • The Joseph Smith Papers - An Introduction
  • The First Fifty Years of Relief Society - About
• Church History Website - Home Page
  • Church History Website - Online Resources Directory
  • Revelations in Context - Series Introduction
  • Historic Sites Virtual Tours Intro
  • Pioneers in Every Land Intro
• Daughters in My Kingdom - The History & Work of Relief Society - Preface

Questions to Ponder:
1. The revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants address the needs of our day.

• Read the third paragraph in the Explanatory Introduction, found at the beginning of the Doctrine and Covenants (this paragraph begins with the phrase “The book of”). How is the Doctrine and Covenants different from other books of scripture? What passages in the Doctrine and Covenants have been especially helpful or meaningful to you?
• Read the sixth paragraph in the Explanatory Introduction (this paragraph begins with the phrase “These sacred revelations”). What does this paragraph teach about how the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants were received? Why is it helpful to understand that most of the revelations came as answers to prayers?
• Read the eighth paragraph in the Explanatory Introduction (this paragraph begins with the phrase “In the revelations”). What are some of the doctrines of the gospel that are explained in the Doctrine and Covenants?

2. The Lord authored the preface to the Doctrine and Covenants.

On 1 November 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith presided at a special conference of elders, held in Hiram, Ohio. Those in attendance decided to compile some of the revelations the Prophet had received and publish them in a book called the Book of Commandments. Following the first session of this conference, the Lord signified His approval for the publication by giving Joseph Smith a revelation that He called “my preface unto the book of my commandments” (D&C 1:6). This revelation is now section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants.

President Ezra Taft Benson said: “The Doctrine and Covenants is the only book in the world that has a preface written by the Lord Himself. In that preface He declares to the world that His voice is unto all men (see v. 2), that the coming of the Lord is nigh (see v. 12), and that the truths found in the Doctrine and Covenants will all be fulfilled (see vs. 37–38)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 101; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 79).

• In D&C 1, the Lord raises a “voice of warning,” which He continues throughout the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 1:4). What warnings does the Lord issue in this section? (See D&C 1:7–10, 12–16, 31–33.) How do these warnings apply to us?
• For whom are the messages of the Doctrine and Covenants intended? (See D&C 1:1–4, 11, 34–35.) How are these messages to go to all people? (See D&C 1:4.)
• In D&C 1, the Lord foretells the great destiny of His latter-day work (D&C 1:23, 30). How are the prophecies of the Church’s growth being fulfilled in our day?
• In D&C 1, the Lord explains some of the purposes for the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants. Read D&C 1:17–28. As recorded in these verses, what are some of the purposes of the revelations?
• Read D&C 1:37–38 and D&C 18:34–36. What does the Lord teach us about His words and His voice in these verses? How is searching the scriptures different from merely reading them? How have you benefited from searching the Lord’s words in the Doctrine and Covenants?

3. This course will discuss major events of the dispensation of the fulness of times.

Read Bible Dictionary Definition of "Dispensations."

“Prophets, priests and kings … have looked forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live; and fired with heavenly and joyful anticipations they have sung and written and prophesied of this our day; but they died without the sight; we are the favored people that God has made choice of to bring about the Latter-day glory; it is left for us to see, participate in and help to roll forward the Latter-day glory, ‘the dispensation of the fulness of times’” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 231).

• Why is our dispensation different from any of the previous ones? What are some of the blessings and responsibilities of living in this dispensation?

This dispensation can be divided into six historical periods as follows:

New York Period	1820–1830
Ohio-Missouri Period	1831–1838
Nauvoo Period	1839–1846
Pioneering the West	1846–1898
Expansion of the Church	1899–1950
The Worldwide Church	1951–present

Many of the important events in these six historical periods are summarized in “Church History Chronology” on pages 272–73 in this manual and pages 27–28 in the Class Member Study Guide.

• Which events in the history of the Church have particular significance to you?

4. We can each help to move forward this great latter-day work.

President Ezra Taft Benson said, “There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short period of time as there is of us” (quoted by Marvin J. Ashton, in Conference Report, Oct. 1989, 48; or Ensign, Nov. 1989, 36).

President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “The most serious challenge we face, and the most wonderful challenge, is the challenge that comes of growth” (quoted in “President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, Apr. 1995, 6).

• What are some challenges that are presented by the Church’s tremendous growth? What are some examples of the Church’s efforts to meet these challenges?

President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “This is a season of a thousand opportunities. It is ours to grasp and move forward. What a wonderful time it is for each of us to do his or her small part in moving the work of the Lord on to its magnificent destiny” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 90–91; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 67).

• What can we each do individually and in our families to help move forward the Lord’s great latter-day work?

Lesson 48: Come unto Christ

Purpose:
To teach class members how to judge between good and evil and how to receive a testimony of the gospel and the Book of Mormon.

Reading:

Moroni 7-10

The Most Important Three Things in the World - Brett G. Scharffs

"Always Have His Spirit" - Elder Dallin H. Oaks


Overview:

1. Mormon explains how to judge between good and evil.

Discuss Moroni 7:1–19. Invite class members to read selected verses aloud. Point out that Moroni 7 contains the words of Mormon, as recorded by his son Moroni.

• Mormon referred to the members of the Church as "peaceable followers of Christ" (Moroni 7:3). On what basis did Mormon make this judgment about the Church members? (See Moroni 7:4–5.) How do we become "peaceable followers of Christ"?
   
• What did Mormon teach about the importance of our motives for doing good works? (See Moroni 7:6–9.) What does it mean to give a gift or pray "with real intent"? How can we purify our motives for doing good?
   
• What did Mormon teach about how we can discern good from evil? (See Moroni 7:12–19.)
   
• Mormon cautioned the people to "take heed … that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good … to be of the devil" (Moroni 7:14; see also 2 Nephi 15:20). What are some ways in which you see this happening today?
   
• What influence have we been given to help us judge good from evil? (See Moroni 7:16, 18–19.)
   
• In what ways has the light of Christ helped you discern good from evil? How can we become more receptive to the guidance of the light of Christ?
   

2. Mormon explains the importance of faith, hope, and charity.

• Mormon asked, "How is it possible that ye can lay hold upon every good thing?" (Moroni 7:20). How did he answer this question? (See Moroni 7:21–26)
   
• What is the relationship between faith and miracles? (See Moroni 7:28–30, 35–38.) Why is it necessary for faith to precede miracles? (See Moroni 7:37; see also Ether 12:12, 18 and the quotation below.) Why don't miracles alone provide a firm foundation for faith? President Brigham Young said, "Miracles, or these extraordinary manifestations of the power of God, are not for the unbeliever; they are to console the Saints, and to strengthen and confirm the faith of those who love, fear, and serve God" (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1941], 341).
  
• What is hope? What relationship exists between faith and hope? (See Moroni 7:40–42.) Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught: "As used in the revelations, hope is the desire of faithful people to gain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God hereafter. … Faith and hope are inseparable. Hope enables [us] to have faith in the first instance and then because of faith that hope increases until salvation is gained" (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 365–66).
  
• What quality must precede faith and hope? (See Moroni 7:43.) Why must a person be "meek, and lowly of heart" to have true faith and hope?
   
• Mormon taught that in addition to faith and hope, we must have charity. What is charity? (See Moroni 7:46–47.) What are the characteristics of charity? (See Moroni 7:45.) How have experiences in your life confirmed that "charity never faileth"?
   
• How can we increase our faith and hope? How can we become filled with the pure love of Christ? Why must we strive to possess faith, hope, and charity? (See Moroni 10:20–21.)

3. Mormon teaches that little children are saved through Christ's Atonement.

• Why do little children not need baptism? (See Moroni 8:8–9, 11, 19–20) Why is the baptism of little children "mockery before God"? (See Moroni 8:20, 22–23.)
   
• How can those of us who have sinned gain salvation through the Atonement of Christ? (See Moroni 8:10, 24–26.)
   

4. The Holy Ghost testifies of all truth. Spiritual gifts follow those who come unto Christ.

• As the final chapter in the Book of Mormon, Moroni 10 contains Moroni's closing words. To whom is this chapter addressed? (See Moroni 10:1.) Moroni closes with "a few words by way of exhortation" (Moroni 10:2).
   
• Moroni exhorted us to "deny not the power of God" (Moroni 10:7). In what ways might we sometimes deny God's power?
  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught:
  "The Savior said, 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid' (John 14:27).
  "I submit to you, that may be one of the Savior's commandments that is, even in the hearts of otherwise faithful Latter-day Saints, almost universally disobeyed; and yet I wonder whether our resistance to this invitation could be any more grievous to the Lord's merciful heart. I can tell you this as a parent: as concerned as I would be if somewhere in their lives one of my children were seriously troubled or unhappy or disobedient, nevertheless I would be infinitely more devastated if I felt that at such a time that child could not trust me to help or thought his or her interest was unimportant to me or unsafe in my care. In that same spirit, I am convinced that none of us can appreciate how deeply it wounds the loving heart of the Savior of the world when he finds that his people do not feel confident in his care or secure in his hands or trust in his commandments" ("Come unto Me," Ensign, Apr. 1998, 19).
  
  
• What did Moroni teach about spiritual gifts? (See Moroni 10:8–19.) Why do we each receive different gifts from God? (See D&C 46:11–12.)
   
• What have you learned and felt as you have pondered the messages of the Book of Mormon?
   
• How does Moroni's exhortation to "come unto Christ" reflect the entire message of the Book of Mormon? (Moroni 10:30, 32). In what specific ways has this year's study of the Book of Mormon helped you come unto Christ?

Lesson 47: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

Reading:
Moroni 1-6


Additional reading: 

Why the Church - By Elder D. Todd Christofferson

In the Strength of the Lord - Henry B. Eyring


Overview:

a. Moroni 1. Having survived the destruction of the Nephites, Moroni continues his writings. He must remain in hiding because he "will not deny the Christ."

b. Moroni 2–5. Moroni teaches about essential gospel ordinances.

c. Moroni 6. Moroni explains the requirements for Church membership and the need for record keeping and fellowshipping.



Questions to Ponder:

1. Having survived the destruction of the Nephites, Moroni continues his writings.

• What were Moroni's circumstances when he wrote this chapter? (See Moroni 1:1.
• Why would the Lamanites have killed him? (See Moroni 1:2–3.) 
• What does this show us about Moroni's faith? 
  • How can we develop such a firm testimony of Jesus Christ?
• Why did Moroni continue to write? (See Moroni 1:4.)

2. Moroni teaches about essential gospel ordinances.
The Book of Mormon teaches us about the importance of the ordinances of the gospel. However, until the book of Moroni, relatively little is recorded about how ordinances were performed. Moroni increases our understanding of how ordinances were performed in the ancient Church.

• How did the Savior instruct the disciples to bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost? (See Moroni 2:2.)
• What were priests and teachers ordained to do? (See Moroni 3:3.)
  • How are these responsibilities similar to the duties of priesthood holders today? (See D&C 20:46–59.) 
  • How can we help Aaronic Priesthood bearers understand and fulfill their assigned duties?
• What covenants do we make through the sacrament? (See Moroni 4:3; 5:2.)
• What are we promised in return? 
• How do you feel when you have partaken of the sacrament reverently and worthily?
• Why are chapters 2–5 important for our day? 
• How does it strengthen you to see the same ordinances present in different dispensations of the Lord's Church?

3. Moroni explains the requirements for Church membership and the need for record keeping and fellowshipping.

• What did Moroni teach about the requirements for baptism? (See Moroni 6:1–3.)
• Moroni taught that after people were baptized and had received the gift of the Holy Ghost, "they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken" (Moroni 6:4). 
  • Why were their names recorded? (See Moroni 6:4.) 
  • Who has the responsibility to see that both long-time and new members are "remembered and nourished by the good word of God"? 
    • President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: "Any convert whose faith grows cold is a tragedy. Any member who falls into inactivity is a matter for serious concern. The Lord left the ninety and nine to find the lost sheep. His concern for the dropout was so serious that He made it the theme of one of His great lessons. We must constantly keep Church officers and the membership aware of the tremendous obligation to fellowship in a very real and warm and wonderful way those who come into the Church as converts, and to reach out with love to those who for one reason or another step into the shadows of inactivity" (in Church News, 8 Apr. 1989, 6).
    • President Hinckley also said: "With the ever increasing number of converts, we must make an increasingly substantial effort to assist them as they find their way. Every one of them needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with 'the good word of God' (Moroni 6:4)" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1997, 66; or Ensign, May 1997, 47).
• What can we do to follow President Hinckley's counsel? How have you been blessed by others who have remembered and nourished you?
• Moroni recorded that the Church "did meet together oft" (Moroni 6:5). 
  • Why? (See Moroni 6:5–6.) 
  • How are we strengthened when we fast and pray together? 
  • How do Church meetings give us an opportunity to speak to each other "concerning the welfare of [our] souls"? 
  • Why is it important that we meet together to partake of the sacrament?
• What did Moroni teach about how Church meetings were conducted? (See Moroni 6:9.) 
• What can each of us do to invite the Spirit into our meetings?

Lesson 46: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

Purpose:

To help class members understand the warnings and counsel given by Mormon and Moroni to people living in the latter days.

Reading:
Ether 7–15

Additional reading: 
The Guide to the Scriptures - Faith

Overview:
a. Ether 7–11 records the succession of righteous and wicked kings, the rise of secret combinations among the people, and the teachings of prophets who were called to preach repentance to the Jaredites. 
Ether 12 begins the account of the teachings of Ether, who was one of those prophets.  
Ether 12:1–22. Moroni explains the importance of faith and gives examples of the power of faith.
b. Ether 12:23–41. The Lord teaches Moroni that He gives us weakness that we may be humble. Moroni commends us to “seek this Jesus, of whom the prophets and apostles have written.”
c. Ether 13:1–12. Moroni records Ether’s prophecies concerning the promised land.
d. Ether 13:13–15:34. Moroni records Ether’s account of the destruction of the Jaredite civilization.

Questions to Ponder:
a. As we discussed in last weeks lesson, after arriving in the promised land, the Jaredites began to “multiply … and wax strong in the land” (Ether 6:18). When Jared and his brother died, a king was appointed to lead the people (Ether 6:21–30). Ether 7–11 records the succession of righteous and wicked kings, the rise of secret combinations among the people, and the teachings of prophets who were called to preach repentance to the Jaredites. Ether 12 begins the account of the teachings of Ether, who was one of those prophets.
Review the prophesies of Ether found in Ether 12:1–22.

• Ether exhorted the people to believe in God, saying that “by faith all things are fulfilled” (Ether 12:3.) 
  • How did Ether describe those who believe in God? (See Ether 12:4.) 
  • How can faith and hope be an anchor for us? 
  • What are some examples of how faith leads to good works that glorify God?
• Ether prophesied “great and marvelous things” to the people, but they did not believe him. (See Ether 12:5.)
  • Why?
  • How have you or other people have been blessed for following prophetic counsel even when they could not “see” or understand the reasons for the counsel.
• Moroni recorded that the people would not believe the prophecies of Ether because they could not see them. Moroni then defined faith and gave examples of it. 
  • How did he define faith? (See Ether 12:6; see also Hebrews 11:1; Alma 32:21.) 
  • What do you think it means that we “receive no witness until after the trial of [our] faith”? (Ether 12:6; see also Ether 12:29–31; D&C 58:2–4.) 
  • In what ways have trials strengthened and confirmed your faith?
• Moroni listed several events that occurred as a result of faith. 
  • What events did he list? (See Ether 12:7–22). 
  • What other examples from the scriptures have shown you the power of faith?
• The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, 
  • “We receive by faith all temporal blessings that we do receive, [and] we in like manner receive by faith all spiritual blessings that we do receive” (Lectures on Faith [1985], 3). 
  • What are some blessings you have received because of your faith?

b. The Lord teaches Moroni that He gives us weakness that we may be humble.  (Ether 12:23–41.)

• What was Moroni’s concern about how the Gentiles would receive his record? (See Ether 12:23–25.) 
  • What was the Lord’s response? (See Ether 12:26.) 
  • Why is it important to read Moroni’s words—and all scriptures—with meekness?
• Read Ether 12:27, what does the Lord’s promise to those who humble themselves and have faith in Him? 
  • How have you seen this promise being fulfilled in the scriptures, your life, or the life of others?
• Moroni wrote of the importance of faith, hope, and charity (Ether 12:28–34). 
  • How do these qualities bring us unto Christ?
• Moroni exhorted us to “seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written” (Ether 12:41). 
  • In what ways can we “seek Jesus” today? 
  • What does the Lord promise those who do this? (See Ether 12:41.) 
  • Why do we need the grace of God and His Son?

3. Moroni records Ether’s prophecies concerning the promised land Ether 13:1–12.

• What did Ether prophesy about the New Jerusalem and the Old Jerusalem?

a. The Old Jerusalem (“from whence Lehi [came]”), will be “built up again, a holy city unto the Lord” (Ether 13:5). This will be done by the descendants of Judah before the Second Coming.
b. Before the Second Coming, “a new Jerusalem should be built up upon this land [the Americas]” (Ether 13:6). The New Jerusalem will be a holy city built by a remnant of the house of Joseph (Ether 13:8).
c. The City of Enoch will come down out of heaven and become part of the New Jerusalem (Ether 13:3, 10; see also Revelation 21:2, 10). This will occur after the Second Coming.

• How did Moroni describe those who would be worthy to live in these holy cities?(See Ether 13:10–11.) 
• What does it mean to be “washed in the blood of the Lamb”? (To be cleansed from sin through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.)

4. War rages throughout the land. The Jaredite civilization is destroyed. Ether 13:13–15:34. 

• The people cast Ether out, and he made the remainder of his record while hiding in the cavity of a rock (Ether 13:13–14). The people soon became engulfed in wars and secret combinations.
• During the second year that Ether dwelled in the cavity of a rock, the word of the Lord came to him. 
  • What did the Lord instruct him to do? (See Ether 13:20–21.) 
  • How did Coriantumr respond to Ether’s prophecies? (See Ether 13:22.)
• Ether 13:23–15:28 describes continual bloodshed as different groups sought to obtain power. Millions of Jaredites were killed in the battles. Although Coriantumr lost many battles and was wounded several times, he did not die. Near the end of the record, Coriantumr and Shiz gathered all the people together for a final battle. After several days of fighting, only Coriantumr and Shiz remained alive.
  • How did the battle finally end? (See Ether 15:29–32.) 
  • How was this a fulfillment of Ether’s prophecy? (See Ether 13:20–21.)
  • What can we learn from the Jaredite record about the importance of repenting before we become deeply involved in sin? (See Ether 15:1–5, 18–19; see also Helaman 13:32–33, 38.) 
  • How does sinning limit our agency?
• What are some similarities between the history of the Nephites and the history of the Jaredites? 
• What can we learn from the accounts of these civilizations?

Lesson 45: Never Has Man Believed in Me As Thou Hast

Purpose:

To help class members understand from the example of the brother of Jared how faith can enable us to enter the presence of the Lord eternally.

Reading:

• Ether 1-6

Additional reading: 

• The Brother of Jared: An Expert at Learning - Elder Henry B. Eyring
• "Always Have His Spirit" - Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Questions to Ponder:

1. The Lord grants the requests of the brother of Jared.

• When the people were scattered and their language was confounded, Jared asked his brother to go to the Lord. What kind of person was the brother of Jared? (See Ether 1:34.)
   
• In response to requests from Jared, the brother of Jared "did cry unto the Lord" (Ether 1:34–39). What is the difference between "crying unto the Lord" and merely saying prayers? What can we do to make our prayers more effective? (See Alma 34:17–28.)
   
• Each time the brother of Jared prayed, the Lord "had compassion" on him and his people (Ether 1:35, 37, 40). How have you felt the Lord's compassion in response to your prayers?
   
• What preparations did the Lord instruct the people to make? (See Ether 1:41–42.) What was the reason the Lord promised to guide the Jaredites to a promised land? (See Ether 1:43) What can we learn from this example about the power of prayer?

2. The Jaredites begin their journey to the promised land.

• The Lord promised to lead the Jaredites to "the land of promise, which was choice above all other lands" (Ether 2:7). For whom had the Lord preserved that choice land? (See Ether 2:7.) What warning did the Lord give the brother of Jared regarding the promised land? (See Ether 2:8.)
   
• What did Moroni say about the decrees of God pertaining to the land of promise? (See Ether 2:9–12)
   
• When they arrived at the seashore, the Jaredites pitched their tents and stayed there for four years (Ether 2:13). At the end of the four years, the Lord spoke with the brother of Jared. Why did the Lord chasten him? (See Ether 2:14.) Why might we sometimes neglect to call upon the Lord?
   
• The brother of Jared repented and began building barges to cross the sea (Ether 2:15–17). What problems did the brother of Jared encounter after the barges were built? (See Ether 2:19.) What did the Lord instruct the brother of Jared to do to have air to breathe in the barges? (See Ether 2:20.)
   
• What was the Lord's response when the brother of Jared asked how to light the barges? (See Ether 2:23–25.) What can we learn from the Lord's response? (See the quotation below.) Why is it important to do all we can in addition to asking the Lord for help?Elder Russell M. Nelson said that he has often heard President Gordon B. Hinckley say, "I don't know how to get anything done except getting on my knees and pleading for help and then getting on my feet and going to work" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 18; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 16).
• How do you think the challenge to light the barges helped the brother of Jared grow? How can challenges in our lives help us?

3. The brother of Jared sees Jesus Christ.

• How did the brother of Jared propose to solve the problem of lighting the barges? (See Ether 3:1–5.) How did this show his humility and faith?
   
• When the brother of Jared had finished speaking, the Lord touched the stones one by one with His finger (Ether 3:6). Why was the brother of Jared so frightened when he saw the finger of the Lord? (See Ether 3:6–8) What did the Lord say about the faith of the brother of Jared? (See Ether 3:9.)
   
• What question did the Lord ask before showing Himself to the brother of Jared? (See Ether 3:11.) How did the brother of Jared's response demonstrate the depth of his faith? (See Ether 3:12) What can we do to follow his example?
   
• How did the Lord describe Himself to the brother of Jared? (See Ether 3:13–14) What was necessary for the brother of Jared to be in the Lord's presence? What is necessary for us to be in the Lord's presence eternally?
   
• What did the Lord show the brother of Jared? (See Ether 3:15–18, 25–26) What did the Lord instruct the brother of Jared to do after he had seen these things? (See Ether 3:21–24, 27–28; 4:1)

4. Moroni seals up the writings of the brother of Jared.

• How did Moroni describe the vision of the brother of Jared? (See Ether 4:4.) What did the Lord command Moroni to do with the brother of Jared's record and the interpreters? (See Ether 4:3, 5.) When will we be able to receive these records? (See Ether 4:6–7)
   
• What did the Lord teach about those who deny His words at the last day? (See Ether 4:8, 10, 12.) What blessings will come to those who believe the Lord's words? (See Ether 4:11.) In what ways does the Holy Ghost help you know that the Lord's words are true?
   
• The Lord exhorted the Gentiles and the house of Israel to come unto Him and receive great blessings and knowledge (Ether 4:13–14). What did He say we must do to come unto Him? (See Ether 4:15, 18.) What blessings did He promise to those who do these things? (See Ether 4:15–19.)

5. The Jaredites travel to the promised land.

• The Lord caused the stones in the barges "to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children" (Ether 6:3). What "lights" has the Lord provided for us as we journey through life?
   
• What did the Jaredites do after they had prepared all they could for their journey? (See Ether 6:4) How can we show this same kind of trust in the Lord?
   
• As the winds blew and the Jaredites were driven forth, what did the Jaredites do throughout the day and night? (See Ether 6:8–9.) What are some ways we can give praise to the Lord?
   
• What did the Jaredites do when they had arrived in the promised land? (See Ether 6:12.) In what ways might this be similar to our return to our Father in Heaven?

Lesson 44: “I Speak unto You As If Ye Were Present”

Purpose:

To help class members understand the warnings and counsel given by Mormon and Moroni to people living in the latter days.

Reading:

Mormon 7,8 & 9

Additional reading: 

Bible Dictionary, “Miracles”

Title page of the Book of Mormon

Beware of Pride - April 1989 General Conference - Ezra Taft Benson

Come, Join with Us -  October 2013 General Conference - Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Overview:

a. Mormon 7. Mormon exhorts the latter-day descendants of Lehi to repent, believe in Christ, and be baptized.

b. Mormon 8. Moroni prophesies that the Book of Mormon will come forth in a day of great wickedness.

c. Mormon 9. Moroni calls on people in the latter days to believe in Christ. He proclaims that the Lord is a God of miracles.

Questions to Ponder:

a. Mormon exhorts the latter-day descendants of Lehi to repent, believe in Christ, and be baptized.

• Why is it important for the descendants of Lehi to know that they are “of the house of Israel”? 
• What blessings has the Lord promised to righteous members of the house of Israel? (See Abraham 2:8–11.)
• What instructions did Mormon give the latter-day descendants of Lehi? 
• a. Repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Mormon 7:3, 5, 8, 10).
• b. Lay down weapons of war unless God commands differently (Mormon 7:4).
• c. Come to the knowledge of their ancestors (Mormon 7:5). 
• Why is it important for the latter-day descendants of Lehi to gain a knowledge of their ancestors? (See Mormon 7:9 and the title page of the Book of Mormon.) 
• How can we all benefit from a knowledge of God’s works among our ancestors?
• d. Believe in Jesus Christ and His Atonement (Mormon 7:5–7, 10).
• e. Study the gospel in the Bible and the Book of Mormon (Mormon 7:8–9). 
• How does the Book of Mormon help people believe the Bible? (See Mormon 7:9; see also 1 Nephi 13:38–40; 2 Nephi 3:11–12.)
• In this dispensation the Lord has said that “the Lamanites shall blossom as the rose” (D&C 49:24). 
• How is this prophecy being fulfilled today?

b. Moroni prophesies that the Book of Mormon will come forth in a day of great wickedness.

• What emotions do you sense from Moroni as you read Mormon 8:1–5? 
• What can we learn from Moroni’s diligence despite being so alone?
• Moroni prophesied of Joseph Smith, saying, “Blessed be he that shall bring this thing [the Book of Mormon] to light” (Mormon 8:16; see also verses 14–15). 
• What role did Moroni play in Joseph Smith’s bringing the Book of Mormon “out of darkness unto light”? (See Mormon 8:14; Joseph Smith—History 1:30–35, 46, 59.) 
• What can we do so the Book of Mormon will continue to be “brought out of darkness unto light”?
• President Ezra Taft Benson said: “I commend you faithful Saints who are striving to flood the earth and your lives with the Book of Mormon. Not only must we move forward in a monumental manner more copies of the Book of Mormon, but we must move boldly forward into our own lives and throughout the earth more of its marvelous messages” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 3; or Ensign, May 1989, 4).
• How can Moroni’s words in Mormon 8:22 strengthen us as we labor in the Lord’s cause?
• What did Moroni prophesy about conditions in the world when the Book of Mormon would come forth? (Mormon 8:26–33).
• How are the conditions described in these verses evident today?
• Why was Moroni able to prophesy so clearly concerning the last days? (See Mormon 8:34–35.)
• Moroni said that he would speak to those of us in the last days “as if [we] were present” (Mormon 8:35). 
• Then he said, “I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts” (Mormon 8:36). 
• What did Moroni say about pride in the last days? (See Mormon 8:36–41.)
• How does pride affect people’s attitudes toward the needy? (See Mormon 8:37, 39.)
• Why might some people be “ashamed to take upon [themselves] the name of Christ”? 
• Why might it help us to remember that “endless happiness” has more value than “the praise of the world”? (Mormon 8:38).
• What should be our response to Moroni’s prophecies about pride?
• President Ezra Taft Benson said:
• “The antidote for pride is humility—meekness, submissiveness (see Alma 7:23). It is the broken heart and contrite spirit (see 3 Nephi 9:20; 12:19; D&C 20:37; 59:8; Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 57:15; 66:2). … “God will have a humble people. Either we can choose to be humble or we can be compelled to be humble. …
• “Let us choose to be humble” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 6; or Ensign, May 1989, 6).

c. Moroni exhorts people in the last days to believe in Christ.

• Mormon 9 begins with Moroni’s words to people in the latter days who do not believe in Christ (Mormon 9:1). 
• Why would such people be “more miserable to dwell with … God [than] to dwell with the damned souls in hell”? (See Mormon 9:3–5.) 
• What does Mormon 9:6 teach about what we must do so we can dwell in God’s presence? (See also D&C 121:45.)
• What did Moroni say to people who do not believe in the gifts of the Spirit? (See Mormon 9:8–10.)
• To those who believe that God no longer performs miracles, Moroni said, “I will show unto you a God of miracles” (Mormon 9:11). 
• What did he teach to show that the Lord is a God of miracles? (See Mormon 9:11–17).
• a. The creation of the heavens, the earth, and mankind (Mormon 9:11–12, 17).
• b. The Fall (Mormon 9:12).
• c. Redemption through Jesus Christ (Mormon 9:12–13).
• d. The resurrection of all people (Mormon 9:13).
• e. The return of all people to the Lord’s presence to be judged (Mormon 9:13–14).
• Moroni referred to the “many mighty miracles” performed by Jesus and His Apostles (Mormon 9:18). 
• What are some miracles performed by Jesus and His Apostles that have inspired you?
• What causes miracles to cease for some people? (See Mormon 9:20.) 
• What signs will continue to follow those who believe in Christ? (See Mormon 9:21–25.)
• If someone were to tell you that the Lord is not a God of miracles, how would you respond? 
• What experiences could you appropriately share to bear witness that the Lord is a God of miracles?
• Moroni exhorted us to “doubt not, but be believing” (Mormon 9:27). 
• In this dispensation, the Prophet Joseph Smith declared, “Where doubt is, there faith has no power” (Lectures on Faith [1985], 46). 
• What can we do to overcome our doubts?
• Joseph Smith taught: “Those who know their weakness and liability to sin would be in constant doubt of salvation if it were not for the idea which they have of the excellency of God, that he is slow to anger and long-suffering, and of a forgiving disposition, and does forgive iniquity, transgression, and sin. An idea of these facts does away doubt, and makes faith exceedingly strong” (Lectures on Faith, 42).

Lesson 43: How Could Ye Have Departed from the Ways of the Lord?

Purpose:

To help class members see the importance of living according to gospel principles despite the increasing wickedness in the world.

Reading:

• Mormon 1-6

Additional reading: 

• A Mighty Change of Heart - Pres. Ezra Taft Benson
• With All the Feeling of a Tender Parent: A Message of Hope to Families - Elder Robert D. Hales
• “Behold, the Enemy Is Combined” (D&C 38:12) - Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Overview:

1. Mormon is given responsibility for the sacred records.

• How old was Mormon when he was given responsibility for the sacred records? (See Mormon 1:2–3;) What did Ammaron instruct Mormon to do with the plates? (See Mormon 1:3–4.) What characteristics did young Mormon possess that prepared him for his role in preserving and abridging the sacred records?
• When Mormon was 15 years old, he “was visited of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus” (Mormon 1:15). How can we come to know of the goodness of Jesus?
• Why did the Lord forbid Mormon to preach to the Nephites? (See Mormon 1:16–17.) What other losses did the Nephites experience because of the hardness of their hearts? (See Mormon 1:13–18 & 3 Nephi 28:1–9.) What losses might we experience if we harden our hearts against the Lord and His servants?

2. Mormon becomes the leader of the Nephite armies. The Nephites suffer in battle because of their wickedness.

• What conditions existed in Nephite society during Mormon’s lifetime? (See Mormon 1:19; 2:1, 8, 10, 18.) How did these conditions fulfill the words of earlier prophets? (See Mormon 1:19; Mosiah 12:4–8; Helaman 13:5–10.) Even though we, like Mormon, live in a time of much wickedness, what can we do to maintain our faith and personal righteousness? (see Alma 17:2–3; Helaman 3:35; D&C 121:45–46.)
• Why did Mormon rejoice when he saw the people mourning? (See Mormon 2:10–12.) Why was his rejoicing in vain? (See Mormon 2:13–14.) What is the difference between “sorrowing … unto repentance” and “the sorrowing of the damned?” (See 2 Corinthians 7:9–10.)
• What does it mean to “come unto Jesus with broken hearts and contrite spirits”? (Mormon 2:14; see also 3 Nephi 9:20; D&C 59:8).
• What gave Mormon hope and peace even when he viewed the wickedness of his people? (See Mormon 2:19.) How can we maintain hope and peace amid the wickedness of the world today?
• Mormon said that when his people defeated the Lamanites in battle, “they did not realize that it was the Lord that had spared them” (Mormon 3:3). Why is it important that we recognize that the blessings we receive are from the Lord?
• After more than 30 years of leading the Nephite armies, Mormon refused to lead them because of their wickedness and their desire to seek revenge (Mormon 3:9–13). The Lord had commanded them not to seek revenge, and He declared, “Vengeance is mine” (Mormon 3:14–15). What are the consequences when people seek vengeance? How can we overcome feelings of vengeance if they arise in our hearts?
• What can we learn from Mormon about responding to people who are hard-hearted? (See Mormon 3:12.) How can we develop greater love for such people? Why is it important to continue to pray for the hard-hearted?

3. Mormon explains the purposes for the records he has abridged and written.

• For whom was Mormon’s record intended? (See Mormon 3:17–19; 5:9–10, 14)
• For what purposes was the record kept and preserved? (See Mormon 3:20–22; 5:14–15) How have Mormon’s writings helped fulfill these purposes in your life?
  1. “That ye may know that ye must all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ … to be judged of your works” (Mormon 3:20).
  2. “That ye may believe the gospel of Jesus Christ” (Mormon 3:21; see also Mormon 5:15).
  3. To provide a witness “that Jesus [is] the very Christ and the very God” (Mormon 3:21; see also Mormon 5:14).
  4. To “persuade all ye ends of the earth to repent” (Mormon 3:22).

4. In a final great battle, all but 24 of the Nephites are killed.

• In commenting on the Nephites’ losses against the Lamanites, Mormon explained that “it is by the wicked that the wicked are punished” (Mormon 4:5). What do you think this means? How do you see this happening in the world today?
• How did Mormon feel when he agreed to lead the armies again? (See Mormon 5:2.) What did Mormon understand about who could bring the Nephites victory in battle? How did this differ from the Nephites’ belief about how they could be victorious? (See Mormon 5:1.)
• Why did Mormon take the plates from the Hill Shim? (See Mormon 4:23; see also Mormon 1:3–4.) Why did he hide them in the Hill Cumorah? (See Mormon 6:6.) Why was it important to protect the plates?
• What was the result of the final battle at Cumorah? (See Mormon 6:7–15.)
• After the battle of Cumorah, the Lamanites hunted down the remaining 24 Nephites and killed all but Moroni (Mormon 8:2–3). The Nephite nation was thus completely destroyed. Why did such “great calamity” come upon the Nephites? (See Mormon 1:13, 16; 2:26–27; 3:2–3; 4:12; 5:2, 16–19; Moroni 9:3–5, 18–20.)
• We also live among much wickedness. How can individual righteousness make a difference in an unrighteous society?Elder Neal A. Maxwell warned: “Only reform and self-restraint, institutional and individual, can finally rescue society! Only a sufficient number of sin-resistant souls can change the marketplace. As Church members we should be part of that sin-resistant counterculture” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1993, 96; or Ensign, May 1993, 77).