Tuesday, February 28, 2017

A Scripture Picture Book– Alma 32

Children love a good story. The Book of Mormon has some of the best stories I know. It's full of suspense, marvelous manifestations, family challenges, secret plots, miracles, war, life lessons, and a walk with God. It will change your life.

Sometimes we feel like we need to simplify the original words for children, but much of the rich content is lost when we do this.

Children love to look at the pictures when we read together, so we created a simple picture book using the words from Alma 32 and some Google images.

If you want to use this book, here's how to put it together:
  • First copy page 2 on the back of page 1, page 3 on the back of page 4, page 5 on the back of page 6, page 7 on the back of page 8, and page 9 on the back of page 10. The pictures are formatted to fit on an 8.5"x 11" sheet of paper.
  • Make sure the papers are stacked in the correct order.
  • While stacked fold the 8.5”x 11” papers in half.
  • Open up your book and put a couple staples down the middle crease.
  • Your book is ready to read.
  • Note: The mastery scriptures are written inside the front cover.
Take time to stop and talk about what you've read to make sure your child understands the passage. Have them tell the story back to you in their own words. Talk about words they might not understand. It's okay to paraphrase parts of the story to help them understand the story line, but eventually you'll want to read the words as printed in the book.

Reading the Book of Mormon also helps develop the reading skills of young readers.










Sunday, February 26, 2017

Scripture Mastery – Alma 32:28

Read scripture in context:

Alma and Amulek have success among the Zoramites who are poor. He teaches them they don't need a synagogue to worship the Lord and teaches them how faith is developed.

Scripture to Memorize:

Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. Alma 32:28

The Meaning of Words:

true: Conformable to fact; being in accordance with the actual state of things; Genuine; pure; real; not counterfeit, adulterated or false;
resist: Literally, to stand against; to withstand; hence, to act in opposition; to strive against; to endeavor to counteract, defeat or frustrate.
swell: become or make greater in intensity, number, amount, or volume; be intensely affected or filled with a particular emotion.
motion: the action or process of moving or being moved.
enlarge: To dilate; to expand; as with joy or love. To expand; to make more comprehensive.  To increase in appearance; to magnify to the eye;  To set at liberty; to release from confinement or pressure.
enlighten: To make light; to shed light on; to supply with light; to illuminate; as, the sun enlightens the earth. To quicken in the faculty of vision; to enable to see more clearly. To give light to; to give clearer views; to illuminate; to instruct; to enable to see or comprehend truth; as, to enlighten the mind or understanding. To illuminate with divine knowledge, or a knowledge of the truth.

Questions to Discuss:

Why do prophets often use the things found in nature to describe the things of the spirit? Why must the Word be planted in my heart? Why must the soil or the heart be soft in order to receive the Word? Where else in the soul could the Word be planted? What is unbelief? How do I cast the Word out by my unbelief? How do I resist the Spirit of the Lord? Why do I resist the Spirit of the Lord? What does it feel like when the Word swells within my breast? How is the soul enlarged? Is this joy or love that is felt in my heart? How does the Word enlighten my understanding? Is this pure intelligence that comes from the Holy Ghost? When something is delicious, do I want more of it? Do I hunger and thirst after righteousness because it is delicious? How does Alma use the physical senses to help me understand the workings of the Spirit of God?

Marking the Scripture:
  1. Underline all the “begin/beginneth”. How is planting the seed of faith a new beginning?
  2. Highlight the references to seed in green.
  3. Highlight what not to do in pink.
  4. Highlight in blue the references to word and the effects of the Word.
  5. Highligh behold in yellow.
Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.

Scrapbook Copy of Scripture:


After the children memorize the verse, they can put this colored copy in their Book of Mormon Scrapbook
.
If you want to memorize it for life, you can use the chart at the end of the Memorize For Life post.

Other Helpful Hints are posted at the end of - Remember and Hear God's Voice

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Teenage Challenge Questions – 3 Nephi 11

Teenagers and young adults love to be challenged and think at a deeper level than the trivia questions require.

Questions For Discussion

Why was there a great multitude gathered together round about the temple? Was the temple in Bountiful the only temple? Why were they marveling and wondering? Why were those in Helaman 5:49 told to marvel not neither should they doubt? Does marveling and doubting interfere with faith? What was the great and marvelous change which had taken place in the land of Bountiful?

1 And now it came to pass that there were a great multitude gathered together, of the people of Nephi, round about the temple which was in the land Bountiful; and they were marveling and wondering one with another, and were showing one to another the great and marvelous change which had taken place.

Why were they talking about Jesus Christ? What was the sign of Jesus Christ's death? Which prophets had prophesied of His death? How had the sign been given?

2 And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given concerning his death.

Why didn't they understand the voice? If the voice came out of heaven, why were they looking round about? Were they looking at each other? Were they still talking to each other? How is the voice described? What does it mean “it did pierce them that did hear to the center”? What kind of message or voice would pierce you to the center? Where is your center? Where is your soul? What part of them was burning?

3 And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.

How could they hear the voice and not understand it?

4 And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not.

What is the significance of the number three? When God says something three times, what does it mean? What did they need to do to hear the voice? What does it mean “open their ears to hear it”? Where were they looking when they understood the voice? What does it mean to look steadfastly? Why did they need to look towards heaven instead of round about? Why did they need to look where the sound was coming from?

5 And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.

What does it mean to both hear and understand? Had the voice been repeating this same message three times?

6 And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them:

What does it mean to be beloved? Beloved: Loved; greatly loved; dear to the heart. Is Beloved a title? Is Son a title? Are these titles we are to receive? Why was God well pleased in His Beloved Son? How did He glorify His Name through His Son? Who is this voice introducing the Son? Who has been speaking up to this time?

7 Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.

Why couldn't they see a Man descending out of heaven until they understood the voice? What was He wearing? Where was Jesus standing? Where did they look? What is the significance of Jesus standing in the middle with all eyes on Him? Why wouldn't they dare open their mouths? Why did they stop talking? Why didn't they know what this manifestation meant? Hadn't they been talking about the sign of Jesus Christ's death? Then why did they think it was an angel when the voice introduced Him as God's Beloved Son?

8 And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them.

What does it mean when he stretched forth his hand? What was this a sign of?

9 And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying:

What is Jesus asking them to look at? How does Jesus Christ fulfill the words of His prophets?

10 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.

What does it mean to be the light and the life of the world? What is the bitter cup? How did it glorify the Father when Jesus took upon him the sins of the world? What does it mean to suffer the will of the Father in all things from the beginning? Which beginning? Why did Jesus need to declare these things?

11 And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.

Why did the multitude fall to the earth when the realized who Jesus was?

12 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension into heaven.

Why do they need to thrust their hands into his side and feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet? How does this give them sure knowledge that he is the God of Israel? How does this give them sure knowledge that he the God of the whole earth? How does this give them sure knowledge that He has been slain for the sins of the world? Can you have knowledge of God without this manifestation?

13 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying:
14 Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

What does it mean to thrust? Thrust: To enter by pushing; to squeeze in. What is the significance of them going forth one by one? Is redemption ever a group event? How did seeing and feeling give them a sure knowledge? What does it mean to bear record? Bear: To show or exhibit; to relate; to carry, to convey; to withstand something difficult or painful, to support or hold up; sustain, cause to be born, bring forth, provide evidence for.  Record: To cause to be remembered; an authentic account of any facts and proceedings

15 And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.

What does it mean to witness for themselves? Why is it essential that each one has this witness of Jesus Christ? What does it mean to cry out with one accord? Accord: Agreement; harmony of minds; consent or concurrence of opinions or wills.

16 And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying:

Notice they started on the ground (verse 12), arose (verse 14), fell back down to the ground (verse 17). What does Hosanna mean? Hosanna: [Heb. save, I beseech you.] An exclamation of praise to God, or an invocation of blessings. Who is the Most High God (Alma 26:14)? Who do we worship?

17 Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him.

Who is Nephi? Why is Jesus calling him forth?

18 And it came to pass that he spake unto Nephi (for Nephi was among the multitude) and he commanded him that he should come forth.

Is kissing His feet a fitting response when coming before the Lord? Do we show this same reverence when we pray to Him?

19 And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord and did kiss his feet.

Would Nephi have preferred to bow before the Lord if not commanded to arise? No matter how unworthy he felt, must Nephi obey?

20 And the Lord commanded him that he should arise. And he arose and stood before him.

Does Jesus touch Nephi to give power to baptize? Why does Jesus tell him to baptize the people after Jesus ascends into heaven? Why doesn't he baptize them while Jesus is there?

21 And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven.

Does Jesus give power to baptize by speaking words? Why are there to be no disputations? What are disputations? Disputation: The act of disputing; a reasoning or argumentation in opposition to something, or on opposite sides; controversy in words; verbal contest, respecting the truth of some fact, opinion, proposition or argument.

22 And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them: On this wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations among you.

What is sin? What sins need to be repented of? How are sins repented of through words? What does it mean to be baptized in His name? What is His name?

23 Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words, and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them—Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them.

What is Jesus asking them to look at? What is the significance of calling them by name?

24 And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying:

Who gives authority to baptize? In whose name do they baptize? Does this name have three parts?

25 Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Why is baptism by immersion essential? What is the meaning of this baptism?

26 And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water.

What is His name? What is he asking them to look at? Is Jesus explaining His name? What does He mean the father and the Son and the Holy Ghost are one? How is He in the Father and the Father in Him? What does it mean to be one? Does His name include the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost?

27 And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one.

Can we be one in Him when we have disputations among us? Why are there disputations concerning the points of His doctrine? How do disputations work against the doctrine of Christ?

28 And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been.

Why do I argue about Christ's gospel and His doctrine? Does all contention come from the devil? Is arguing about the gospel of Jesus Christ an oxymoron? Does the devil care what we are stirred up to anger about, or just that we are stirred up to anger? Who is the father of contention? What does that mean?

29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.

How are men stirred up to anger one against one another? Why are such things to be done away? How are such things done away?

30 Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.

Why is Jesus declaring His doctrine?

31 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine.

Who gave Him this doctrine? How does Jesus bear record of the Father? How does the Father bear record of Him? How does the Holy Ghost bear record of the Father and Jesus? Why does the Father bear record of Jesus and Jesus bears record of the Father but they do not bear record of the Holy Ghost? Why must Jesus bear record of the Father's commandment? Of what are all men everywhere commanded to repent? Why is it necessary to believe in Jesus?

32 And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me.

Is believing in Jesus and being baptized the only requirements to be saved? Why will these saved ones inherit the kingdom of God? What does it mean to believe in Jesus? Is baptism a symbol of belief?

33 And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.

What does it mean to be damned? What signifies we believe in Jesus Christ? Why are we damned if we don't believe in Jesus Christ?

34 And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned.

Why can Jesus claim this doctrine which has been given from the Father as His own? If we believe in Jesus who will we also believe in? How will the Father bear record of Jesus? How will the Father visit those who believe in Jesus? What does this fire do to us and for us? Does the fire come from the Father or the Holy Ghost? Why is the presence of the Holy Ghost necessary when someone is visited with fire?

35 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost.

How is the Father bearing record of Jesus? Why must the Holy Ghost bear record unto him of the Father and Jesus? What does it mean “the Father, and I , and the Holy Ghost are one”?

36 And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one.

In this verse what must we repent of and do? What does it mean to become as a little child? Why do the learned and proud refuse to be childlike? Again what is the significance of baptism? What things will you receive if you become as a little child and are baptized?

37 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things.

Notice the order is reversed. . . be baptized and become as a little child? When the exact words are repeated with this one difference should it draw our attention to it? What is being communicated?

38 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

What is His rock? What does it mean to build upon His rock? What if I build on a foundation that is not true? Can I build anything on a sandy foundation that will stand up to the tests of time and eternity? What are the gates of hell?

39 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.

What if more or less than this is required for baptism? Is it a valid baptism? Why does it come of evil? If we don't understand and build upon the doctrine of Christ what will happen? Why is knowledge of correct doctrine essential? Why do the gates of hell stand open to receive the ignorant? What are the floods and winds?

40 And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.

What's the importance of declaring these words to others?

41 Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Picture Scripture Chase – 3 Nephi 11

If each week you introduce one new Picture Scripture Chase and practice the ones you've already introduced, in less than five years, your children will have mastered the basic stories of the Book of Mormon and know where those stories can be found in scripture.

 If it takes you a little longer because you're Memorizing a Passage from each chapter, answering all the Book of Mormon Trivia and/or Teenage Challenge Questions, doing the activities, and pursuing the Scripture Chains, you might only introduce two new pictures a month. At this pace, it will take less than 10 years to thoroughly study the Book of Mormon with your children; and in their adult years, they will have a solid foundation upon which to build.

This is the fourth picture scripture chase we've added to our Book of Mormon Scrapbook. Read a verse off the back of one of the three scripture chase pictures. Have your children show you the picture that goes along with the verse you read. You can start your scripture study each day with a couple minutes of scripture picture chase. Even young children are very successful in finding the correct chapter.

Print the words from 3 Nephi 11 on the back of this picture. Change the margins and font size so all the words fit on the back side of the picture. Have your children color the picture before putting it in their Book of Mormon scrapbook.



Sunday, February 19, 2017

Scripture Mastery – 3 Nephi 11:13-17

Read Scripture in Context:

After his resurrection, Jesus shows himself to the Nephites.

Scripture to Memorize:

And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying: Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world. And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come. And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying: Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him. 3 Nephi 11:13-17

The Meaning of Words:

thrust: To enter by pushing; to squeeze in.

know: To perceive with certainty; to understand clearly; to have a clear and certain perception of truth, fact, or any thing that actually exists. To know a thing pre includes all doubt or uncertainty of its existence. To be informed of; to be taught. It is not unusual for us to say we know things from information, when we rely on the veracity of the informer.

surety: Evidence; ratification; confirmation.

witnessed: Seen in person; testified; subscribed by persons present

accord: Agreement; harmony of minds; consent or concurrence of opinions or wills.

hosanna: [Heb. save, I beseech you.] An exclamation of praise to God, or an invocation of blessings.

Questions to Discuss:

“And it came to pass that the king put forth his hand to raise them, as was the custom with the Lamanites, as a token of peace, which custom they had taken from the Nephites.” (Alma 47:23) Where did this custom come from? What are signs and tokens? Why does the Lord command them to come and feel and see? What did they do when they thrust their hands into Jesus' side? Why did Jesus have them thrust their hands into his side and feel the prints of the nails in his hands and feet? Why is it important to have this knowledge? How would this prove he was the God of Israel? How would this prove he was the God of the whole earth? How would this prove he had been slain for the sins of the world? Why didn't they go forth as a group? Why did this need to be done one by one? How did seeing with their eyes and feeling with their hands give them a sure knowledge that it was he of whom it was written by the prophets that should come? Who can be a witness of Jesus Christ? What does it mean to bear record (definitions listed in last week's scripture mastery)? When they cry out Hosanna, what are they asking Jesus Christ to do? What does it mean to cry out with one accord? Who is the Most High God? What does “Blessed be the name of the Most High God” mean? Who do they worship?

Marking the Scripture:
  1. Highlight each “And it came to pass that”
  2. After the first “And it came to pass that” the Lord gives instructions. After the second “And it came to pass that” the multitude obeys. Highlight the Lord's command in connection with the fulfillment of the command.
  3. Their witness of Jesus Christ started on the ground and ended on the ground. Underline where they are asked to arise and were they fall down and worship Him.

And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying: Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world. And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come. And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying: Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him. 3 Nephi 11:13-17

Scrapbook Copy of Scripture:

After the children memorize the verse, they can put this colored copy in their Book of Mormon Scrapbook.


Here is a smaller section to memorize that comes from this same passage. My younger children do better memorizing a smaller passage.


If you want to memorize it for life, you can use the chart at the end of the Memorize For Life post.

Other Helpful Hints are posted at the end of - Remember and Hear God's Voice

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Book of Mormon Trivia – 3 Nephi 11

You can play Book of Mormon Trivia to help younger children become familiar with the stories in the Book of Mormon. Have the children read the verse aloud from the scriptures. Then have them answer the questions. They get game privileges for reading the verse and for answering questions. 

3 Nephi Chapter 11 Questions

Where was the multitude gathered together? What people were gathered? What were they showing each other?

1 And now it came to pass that there were a great multitude gathered together, of the people of Nephi, round about the temple which was in the land Bountiful; and they were marveling and wondering one with another, and were showing one to another the great and marvelous change which had taken place.

What were they talking about? What was the sign of Jesus Christ's death?

2 And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given concerning his death.

While they were talking, what did they hear? Where did it come from? Why did they cast their eyes round about? How did they describe the voice? How did this voice affect them?

3 And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.

Did they understand the voice the second time He spoke to them?

4 And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not.

What did they have to do with their ears to be able to hear the voice? Where were they looking when they understood the voice?

5 And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.

How many times did the voice speak to them before they understood it?

6 And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them:

What did the voice say to them?

7 Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.

What did they see coming out of heaven? What was he wearing? Where did he stand? Why did they stop talking to each other? Who did they think it was?

8 And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them.

What did he do with his hand?

9 And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying:

Who came out of heaven? Who said that Jesus would come?

10 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.

How does Jesus describe himself? What is the bitter cup? How has Jesus glorified the Father? Who does Jesus always follow?

11 And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.

What did the people do when Jesus had spoken these words? What did they remember?

12 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension into heaven.

What did Jesus ask them to do? Why did they need to thrust their hands into His side, and feel the prints of the nails in His hands and feet? What three things did they need to know?

13 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying:
14 Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

What did the multitude do? How many people went up to Jesus? How did they go? Of what did they have sure knowledge? What does it mean to bear record of Him?

15 And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.

After they had all gone forth, what did they cry out? What did they do?

16 And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying:
17 Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him.

Out of the group, who did Jesus call to come forward?

18 And it came to pass that he spake unto Nephi (for Nephi was among the multitude) and he commanded him that he should come forth.

What did Nephi do when he came before the Lord?

19 And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord and did kiss his feet.

What did Jesus command Nephi to do?

20 And the Lord commanded him that he should arise. And he arose and stood before him.

What did Jesus give Nephi? When was Nephi to baptize the people?

21 And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven.

Who else did Jesus give power to baptize? Why did Jesus give very specific instructions?

22 And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them: On this wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations among you.

What two qualifications are needed to be baptized? What do they who have power and authority to baptize do when they baptize people? In whose name do they baptized?

23 Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words, and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them—Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them.

What are they suppose to say? By whose authority do they baptize?

24 And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying:
25 Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

After the words are spoken, what is done?

26 And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water.

What did Jesus say about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost?

27 And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one.

About what two things have the people been disputing?

28 And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been.

If you have the spirit of contention, who are you following?

29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.

What does Jesus think about stirring up the hearts of men to anger?

30 Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.

What is Jesus going to declare unto them?

31 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine.

Whose doctrine is this? Who gave Jesus this doctrine? What does the Father command all men to do?

32 And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me.

If you believe in Jesus and are baptized, what will happen?

33 And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.

If you don't believe in Jesus and are not baptized, what will happen?

34 And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned.

If you believe in Jesus, who will you also believe in? If you believe in Jesus and the Father, what will the Father do?

35 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost.

Who will the Father bear record of? Who will the Holy Ghost bear record of?

36 And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one.

What three things must we do to receive these things? What's the order?

37 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things.

What three things must we do to inherit the kingdom of God? What's the order?

38 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

If you build on Christ's doctrine, how are you protected?

39 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.

If you declare more or less than this, what kind of foundation do you have? What will happen to those who have a sandy foundation?

40 And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.

What are we suppose to do with the words Jesus has spoken?

41 Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth.

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

A Scripture Picture Book– 3 Nephi 11

Children love a good story. The Book of Mormon has some of the best stories I know. It's full of suspense, marvelous manifestations, family challenges, secret plots, miracles, war, life lessons, and a walk with God.

Sometimes we feel like we need to simplify the original words for children, but much of the rich content is lost when we do this.

Children love to look at the pictures when we read together, so we created a simple picture book using the words from 3 Nephi 11 and some Google images.

Our little five year old has taken the greatest interest in reading the Ether 3 Scripture Picture Book. She is so excited for a new scripture picture book. Over the last month, she has learned to read Ether 3 all by herself and has read it many times.

If you want to use this book, here's how to put it together:
  • First copy page 2 on the back of page 1, page 3 on the back of page 4, page 5 on the back of page 6, page 7 on the back of page 8, and page 9 on the back of page 10. The pictures are formatted to fit on an 8.5"x 11" sheet of paper.
  • Make sure the papers are stacked in the correct order.
  • While stacked fold the 8.5”x 11” papers in half.
  • Open up your book and put a couple staples down the middle crease.
  • Your book is ready to read.
  • Note: The Doctrine of Christ is written inside the front cover

Take time to stop and talk about what you've read to make sure your child understands the passage. Have them tell the story back to you in their own words. Talk about words they might not understand. It's okay to paraphrase parts of the story to help them understand the story line, but eventually you'll want to read the words as printed in the book.

Reading the Book of Mormon also helps develop the reading skills of young readers.











Sunday, February 12, 2017

Scripture Mastery – 3 Nephi 11:31-41

Read scripture in context:

After his resurrection, Jesus shows himself to the Nephites. They come forth one by one and touch and see Him. Jesus gives authority to baptize and teaches how this is to be done. There is to be no contention concerning the points of His doctrine. Jesus Christ declares his doctrine.

Scripture to Memorize:

Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine. And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me. And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God. And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost. And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them. Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth. 3 Nephi 11:31-41

The Meaning of Words:

doctrine: whatever is laid down as true by an instructor or master.
bear:  To show or exhibit; to relate; to carry, to convey; to withstand something difficult or painful, to support or hold up; sustain, cause to be born, bring forth, provide evidence for. 
record:  To cause to be remembered; an authentic account of any facts and proceedings
damned: sentenced to everlasting punishment in a future state; condemned
declare: To make known; to tell explicitly; to manifest or communicate plainly to others by words. To publish; to proclaim.
establish: To enact or decree by authority and for permanence; to ordain; to appoint; 

Questions to Discuss:

Why does Jesus say this is His doctrine, when it is the doctrine the Father hath given unto Him? What are the three things Jesus asks us to repent and do? Why does he bear record of the Father and the Father bears record of Him, but they don't bear record of the Holy Ghost? What is the Father's commandment to all men? What is required to be saved? Who will inherit the kingdom of God? What does it mean to be damned? How important is baptism? If we believe in Jesus, who will we also believe in? How will the Father bear record of Jesus? How will the Father visit those who believe in Jesus? What does it mean “the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one”? How does the Holy Ghost bear record of Jesus and the Father? How do we become as a little child? What are the gates of hell? What is the difference between building upon a sandy foundation and building upon a rock? When are the gates of hell open to receive those who do not believe in Christ, have not been baptized, and are not as a little child? What are we asked to do with this doctrine? How have we added to and taken away from the doctrine of Christ? How have we made the doctrine of Christ complicated?

Marking the Scripture:

You can use a different color to mark each item.
  1. This is a long passage and can be divided into three section. Each section begins with verily, verily.
  2. Highlight the six phrases that have the word “doctrine” in it.
  3. Highlight the eight phrases that have the word “bear/beareth record” in it.
  4. Highlight the three phrases that have the word “repent” in it. Notice in the second and third phrases the order of become as a little child and be baptized have been switched. What does this mean?
  5. It starts with Behold and ends with Therefore. What does Jesus want us to see? What does he want us to do with His doctrine?
  6. Highlight all “believe, believeth, believeth not”. How important is this?
  7. Highlight the words having to do with construction & weather, “buildeth, my rock, gates of hell, sandy foundation, floods, winds”. What do these symbols mean?

Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine. And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me. And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God. And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost. And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them. Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth. 3 Nephi 11:31-41

Scrapbook Copy of Scripture:


After the children memorize the verse, they can put this colored copy in their Book of Mormon Scrapbook
.

Here is a smaller section to memorize that comes from this same passage. My younger children do better memorizing a smaller passage.


If you want to memorize it for life, you can use the chart at the end of the Memorize For Life post.  

Other Helpful Hints are posted at the end of - Remember and Hear God's Voice