Lesson 41: 3 Nephi 27- 4 Nephi

 October 19-25
3 Nephi 27- 4 Nephi
"There could not be a happier people" 

Materials: a blanket, printout cards, scissors, tape
Opening Song: "The Church of Jesus Christ" (Children's Songbook, 77)
Opening Prayer: 
Scripture: 4 Nephi 1:17

Attention Activity: 

Lay out a large blanket or sheet on the ground and have your family stand on it. Challenge your family to flip over the blanket so that they are standing on the other side of the blanket without stepping off.

Lesson:

After the Savior's visit to the Nephites, the land was blessed with peace. Everyone was righteous and did good things. Unlike times before, this period of peace lasted a long time--nearly 200 years. What do you think it would have been like to live in such a peaceful time?

So what was their secret? How did the Nephites and Lamanites live in peace, harmony, and unity for so long? 

Activity: 4 Nephi cards

Before the lesson print and cut out the cards below. Tape them around the room. Each family member can take a turn choosing a card and reading the scripture. Discuss how the actions in each verse would help to build a happy peaceful society. Some sample discussion questions are below.

• How would personal repentance lead to peace in a community?
• How do contention and arguments take away the spirit?
• Having everything in common means that everyone would equally contribute to society. How would our society be different if we could live this principle?
• Why would more miracles be possible in a righteous society?
• What are some outward blessings of living the gospel described in this verse?
• Why are strong marriages and families an important part of a peaceful people?
• What is the difference between the law of Moses and the law of the gospel?
• How can we have the love of God in our hearts?
• The world tries to find happiness via wickedness. How did the Nephite people prove that living righteously brings happiness?
• What can we do to be more unified as a family? As a community? As a church? 

For 200 hundred years, the Nephites proved that living the gospel of Jesus Christ brings joy and prosperity. Righteousness is freedom. Trying your best to live the teachings of Jesus Christ will bring you a full and happy life.

Closing Song: "I believe in Christ" (Hymnal, 134)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Butterscotch Brownies recipe here