Lesson 44: Ether 1-5

 November 9-15
Ether 1-5
"Rend that Veil of Unbelief"

Materials: questions picture below, brother of Jared video, coloring page 
Opening Song: Faith (Children's Songbook, 96)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Ether 3:5 Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power , which looks small unto the understanding of men. 

Attention Activity:

Show the picture below. What do all these words have in common? They are all the beginnings of questions. Asking questions help us learn. 

Lesson:

Story: Jessica was reading in class one day out of her library book, when she read a word she had not seen before. Jessica raised her hand and asked her teacher what the word meant. Her teacher told Jessica to look at the rest of the sentence to see if it would give any clues about what the word could mean. Jessica tried this, and it helped a little bit, but she still couldn't fully understand what it meant. Jessica raised her hand again and her teacher brought over a dictionary. She told Jessica to look up the word alphabetically in the book, and it would tell her exactly what the word meant. When Jessica found the word, she finally understood what it meant. A few weeks later the word appeared on a vocabulary quiz. Jessica remembered flipping through the dictionary and scanning the pages for her mystery word. She recalled the definition perfectly and got 100 percent on the quiz. 

Jessica's teacher could have just told her what the word meant but she didn't. She wanted Jessica to find out for herself the answer to her question. Asking questions shows humility, and we better ourselves when we try to find answers to our queries. We learn more by finding the answers ourselves than by just being given the answer. 

For the next few weeks we will be going further back in time during our study of the Book of Mormon. Further back than Nephi or even Moses. The beginning of the Book of Ether takes place just after Noah saves all the animals on the ark. Some of Noah's descendants became wicked and built a tower to reach heaven. God destroyed the tower and the righteous descendants were directed to leave and travel across the sea to the promised land. 

The leader of these righteous people is called in the scriptures, "the brother of Jared." We know from a revelation given to Joseph Smith that his given name was Mahonri Moriancomer. The Jaredite people were directed by the Lord to build barges to travel across the ocean. These boats had to be sealed tight so they would not sink in the mighty waves of the ocean. Show the picture below. 

Mahonri discovered two practical problems while building the boats. If the boats had to be perfectly sealed, they would not be able to breathe, have light, or steer. Mahonri went to the lord and asks these questions. 

Video: Watch this 5 minute animated video depicting Ether 2-3

Mahonri went to the Lord in sincere and humble prayer to get answers to his questions. He was given two answers directly from the Lord. But what was the Lord's answer when the brother of Jared asked about light for the boats? The Lord wanted Mahonri to think out a solution to his problem on his own. By doing so, Mahonri was able to put his faith in the Lord. Mahonri knew the Lord would be able to use his power to make the stones shine. And asking the Lord for his help in this way also showed the Mahonri was humble. 

"What does the brother of Jared's example teach us about how to find answers to our problems and questions? Maybe family members could share experiences when they sought and received answers from the Lord." (Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families)  What are some different sources we can go to look for answers to our questions about the gospel? 

The brother of Jared showed great faith in the Lord as he proactively asked for His help. He went to the Lord with a plan in mind. He put in effort and forethought. If we follow his example when we encounter challenges and questions of our own the Lord will bless us with the answers we need. 

Activity: Brother of Jared coloring page 

Closing Song: "Search, ponder, and pray" (Children's Songbook, 109)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Cookie Dough Brownies recipe here 

Lesson 43: Mormon 7-9

November 2-8
Mormon 7-9
"I Speak unto you as if were present"

Materials: pictures of treasure and Book of Mormon below, booklets printed, cut, and folded, scissors, coloring supplies.
Opening Song: "Search, Ponder, and Pray" (Children's Songbook, )
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Mormon 8:14 And I am the same who ^ahideth up this record unto the Lord; the plates thereof are of no worth, because of the commandment of the Lord. For he truly saith that no one shall have them ^btoget gain; but the record thereof is of ^cgreat worth; and whoso shall bring it to light, him will the Lord bless.

Attention Activity:

Would you rather have a chest full of treasure or a copy of the Book of Mormon. President Nelson asked, "If you were offered diamonds or rubies or the Book of Mormon, which would you choose? Honestly, which is of greater worth to you?" ("The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without it?" General Confernce, Oct. 2017)

Lesson:

Mormon has died in battle after being hunted down by the Lamanites. His son, Moroni is now the soul surviving Nephite and keeper of the ancient records. It will be Moroni's duty to complete the Book of Mormon and deposit it safely until it is recovered over a thousand years later by Joseph Smith. 

"Things may have seemed hopeless, but Moroni found hope in his testimony of the Savior and his knowledge that 'the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on' [Mormon 8:22]. And Moroni knew that a key role in those eternal purposes would be played by the Book of Mormon—the record he was now diligently completing, the record that would one day 'shine forth out of darkness' and bring many people 'to the knowledge of Christ' [Mormon 8:16; 9:36]" (Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families, pg. 170).

Activity: Booklet of Mormon Directed coloring

Directions: Before FHE print out the sheet below--one per person. Fold in half vertically (hamburger style) and cut the folded side horizontally half way (to the intersection). Unfold it and the middle horizontal lines should be cut. Then fold the top half down horizontally and then and squeeze the two end of the book together to make pages. Here is a good tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbnaFy9o1gs

Give each family member a booklet and some coloring utensils. Go through each page of the book with your family. Read each page and its corresponding scriptures. Some additional talking points are listed below.

1. The Book of Mormon is a treasure of great worth. Mormon 8:14. What is your favorite scripture or scripture story? 

2. Mormon 8:12;17. Joseph Smith said, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth. …” (History of the Church, 4:461.) 

3. Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God. "Joseph Smith consistently testified that he translated the Book of Mormon by the “gift and power of God.” His scribes shared that testimony. The angel who brought news of an ancient record on metal plates buried in a hillside and the divine instruments prepared especially for Joseph Smith to translate were all part of what Joseph and his scribes viewed as the miracle of translation" (Book of Mormon Translation, churchofjesuschrist.org).

4. The Book of Mormon was written specifically with the people of the last days in mind. Many prophets have written about our day and Moroni addresses us specifically. 

5. Moroni was shown the condition of the world in our day. Moroni like other prophets before him, has seen the wicked state of the world in the latter-days. We are truly living in the time described by Moroni as we face more natural disasters, civil unrest, pandemics, and a world that discounts religion as a bigoted fantasy. Last week we discussed how keeping high standards can help us stay faithful. 

6. Moroni counsels the people of our day to believe in Christ. In today's world, its becoming more and more rare to believe in God. Atheists and agnostics plague the internet with talk about how "no evidence" for God exists. Moroni describes how the consequences for being unbelieving and abusing his laws are catastrophic and lead to damnation. 

7. Moroni counsels us to believe in modern revelations and miracles. Unlike most other churches, we believe in continuous revelation from heaven. President Nelson leads our church via this revelation. Also, each of us as members of the church have access to heaven through personal revelation. 

8. Moroni counsels us to have faith. Faith is a powerful force. Moroni asserts that the righteous who ask God in faith will receive what they need. Faith as the first principle of the gospel, is the first step to everlasting life. 

The Book of Mormon is a remarkable book. It testifies of Christ and his infinite atonement; it preaches repentance and faith; it prophesizes of the gathering of Israel and the second coming of Jesus Christ. 

How has this year's study of the Book of Mormon blessed your life? What insights have you had this year while studying the Book of Mormon through the Come Follow Me program? As we finish of the Book of Mormon in the next six weeks, let us remember what a blessing the Book of Mormon is and ponder the question that President Nelson asked, "How would your life be different without it?"

Closing Song: "Scripture Power" (Additional Songs for Children on Gospel Music App)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Cinnamon Roll Cake recipe here

 

Lesson 42: Mormon 1-6

 October 26-November 1
Mormon 1-6
"I would that I could persuade all... to repent."

Materials: "Mormon Mustang" video (see below), picture of Mormon profile (below), Copies of For Strength of Youth pamphlet for activity below, paper, coloring utensils
Opening Song: "I will be valiant" (Children's Songbook, 162)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Mormon 5: 24 "Therefore, repent ye, and humble yourselves before him, lest he shall come our in justice against you"

Attention Activity:

Watch the video "Mormon Mustang" found on churchofjesuschrist.org. Just like their are perameters set to safely fly an airplane like the Mormon Mustang, when we live with high standards, (rules we set for ourselves) we will be able to be spiritually safe. 

Lesson:

Show your family the pretend Facebook profile for the prophet Mormon below. Mormon describes himself as being learned (educated), quick to observe, sober (sensible and serious), and large in stature. Elder Holland shared in a BYU devotional that being quick to observe "is vitally important for you and for me in the world in which we do now and will yet live...when we are quick to observe, we promptly look or notice and obey. Both of these fundamental elements—looking and obeying—are essential to being quick to observe. And the prophet Mormon is an impressive example of this gift in action" ("Quick to Observe" Elder David A. Bednar, BYU devotional address, May 10 2005.)

When Mormon was the prophet, were the Nephites being righteous or wicked? Read Mormon 5:2. The Nephites had fallen into incredible wickedness. Unlike times before, they were not turning to Christ when they endured hardships like war. They would not repent or remember God's kindness when he helped them win battles against their enemies. Although they revered Mormon as a military leader, they would not listen to his counsel on matters of repentance. They were a fallen people, ready for destruction. 

Mormon and his family were the only righteous people mentioned during this time in the Book of Mormon. Mormon and his son Moroni tried to live the gospel regardless of the wickedness and sin happening around them. They held high standards for themselves and never wavered from their testimonies or their standards. 

Activity: For the Strength of Youth coloring

Show a For Strength Of Youth pamphlet. This pamphlet was designed to help the youth of the church define their personal standards (or rules to live by) recommended by our prophet. Although it's written for teens, it is a good guide for all members of the church. 

Give each member of your family a section of the For Strength of Youth to read along with a piece of paper and coloring utensils. (You will want to print them out ahead of time or have enough books handy for every family member) After they read, have them draw out the standards described in their section. Have everyone share their section with the family.

Mormon was a good example of the gospel adage "to stand in holy places and be not moved." He did not stray from his principles, kept his covenants, and consistantly prayed for others to unto Christ and repent. Like Mormon, we can keep our standards  high and be light to those around us. We can live righteously in a world that seems to be getting more evil every day. 

Bear your testimony.

Closing Song: "If the Savior Stood Beside Me" (Additional Songs for Children on Gospel Music App)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Mini Candy Corn Cheesecakes recipe here

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 

Lesson 40: 3 Nephi 20-26

 October 12-18
3 Nephi 20-26
"Ye are the children of the covenant"

Materials: family photo albums, personal journal, paper, art supplies, pens, small notebooks for anyone in your family without a journal
Opening Song: "Families Can be Together Forever" (Children's Songbook, 188) 
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: 3 Nephi 24:16

Attention Activity: Have your family look through some old photo albums. Look at pictures you've taken this year. 

Lesson:
As Jesus was teaching the Nephites, he wanted to stress the importance of the scriptures. He quoted the prophets Isaiah and Malachi. He also told the people that they should be keeping records of all that has happened to them. Read 23:6-13. The Nephites had not yet recorded the prophesies of Samuel the Lamanite. Christ makes it clear the he wants his disciples to keep good records. 

What are some wayswe can keep records? (Journaling, writing down family stories, taking and captioning pictures, keeping scripture journals, reading general conference talks, reading church magazines, updating records and pictures on Family Search)

If the Savior were to come meet with our family right now and examine our family records, how would we do? Could we be more diligent in keeping a journal and doing these other things?

Show the pictures below and read the quotes. We have been asked by modern prophets to keep a journal. What kinds of things should we journal about? Journals should not include mundane details like what we had for lunch, etc. Good journal keeping means that we records important life events, our thoughts and feelings, family stories, personal revelations, spiritual experiences, and our testimonies. (If there are members of your family who do not have a personal journal, you can give them a small notebook to use)

Activity: 2020 Family Record. 

2020 has been an interesting year. Many important events have happened. Staring with the beginning of the year, ask your family to think back to everything that has happened this year so far. You may even want to look through recent photos on your phone to help you remember. 

Give each family member a piece of paper. Have them write down their memories of 2020 so far. Encourage your family to write down not just what happened but how they felt about it. Including interesting details or stories is always good in journaling too. Encourage younger family members to draw pictures. When everyone has finished,  print some pictures to go along with your memories and bind them into a small book. You can even leave a few pages blank to record important events in the upcoming months.

Read 25:5-6 How do we turn our hearts to the fathers?

Just as we are asked to keep journals and records of what happen to us, our ancestors also kept records. How can we learn more about our ancestors? (reading written accounts, looking up family documents, and looking at your family tree on Family Search.) How can we help our family members who have passed away? We can continue to do family history work by indexing, updating family search, and finding names to take to the temple.

Closing Song: "The Hearts of the Children" (Children's Songbook, 92)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Pumpkin pie twists recipe here 

Lesson 39: 3 Nephi 17-19

 September 28 - October 11
3 Nephi 17-19 
"Behold, My Joy is Full" 

Materials: a rock, bread, water, a grape vine, printouts (below)
Opening Song: "Reverently, Quietly" (Children's Songbook, 26)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: 3 Nephi 18: 5:12

Attention Activity: Show the following items to your family: a rock, water, a grape vine, bread. What do all of these things have in common? These common objects are also names for the Savior used in the scriptures (the rock, the living water, the true vine, the bread of life). These everyday objects can remind us of the Savior and the role He has in our lives. Every week we get to remember the Savior in a special ordinance--the sacrament.

Lesson:

When Christ came to visit the Nephites, He showed them how to administer and partake of the sacrament just like He did at the last supper. He wanted everyone to know that this special ordinance was to be done often to remember His atonement. 

Read 3 Nephi 18:5-6 Jesus explained that the person who breaks, blesses, and administers the bread must be ordained--that is they must have the priesthood. This is important because the sacrament is a priesthood ordinance that reminds us of the atonement and renews the covenants we made with Heavenly Father when we were baptized. 

(Hold up the bread.) During the sacrament we take the bread first. What does the bread represent? Read 3 Nephi 18:7. The bread reminds us of the body of Christ. It is broken bread should remind us of all of the physical pains that the Savior went through for us to ensure the atonement. What were some of the things that happened to Jesus when He was crucified?

(Hold up the water.) What should the water remind us of? Read 3 Nephi 18:11. The water helps us to remember the blood that Christ shed for us in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. It should help us remember the Savior suffered to save of from out sins and weaknesses. You may need to remind your family that we drink water instead of wine because in D&C 27 the Lord revealed that water should be substituted to coincide with the Word of Wisdom. (Here's the church if they have more questions.)

In 3 Nephi it speaks of how the people were "filled" after they had partaken of the sacrament. This means they were spiritually filled. What do you think it means to be spiritually filled? When we partake of the sacrament, we can get a sense of completeness. We can feel more holy. 

The sacrament is a time when we try to be very reverent. We should try our best not to be distracted and focus on Jesus Christ. It is also a good time to reflect. We can ask ourselves questions like "How do I feel about the Savior's sacrifice for me?", "What can I do this week to become more Christlike?" "Am I acting like a disciple of Christ?" "What can I do to improve?" "Who can I serve this week?" You can also try to remember your baptism and the covenants you made. 

Have a family member read the following quote from President Eyring: “As you examine your life during the ordinance of the sacrament, I hope your thoughts center not only on things you have done wrong but also on things you have done right—moments when you have felt that Heavenly Father and the Savior were pleased with you. You may even take a moment during the sacrament to ask God to help you see these things. … When I have done this, the Spirit has reassured me that while I’m still far from perfect, I’m better today than I was yesterday. And this gives me confidence that, because of the Savior, I can be even better tomorrow” (“Always Remember Him,” Ensign, Feb. 2018, 5).

Print out the picture below. Encourage family members to put this in the scriptures or someplace they will be able to find it. Choose a question that you want to ask yourself this coming Sunday as you partake of the sacrament. Bear your testimony of the sacrament. 

Closing Song: "The Sacrament" (Children's Songbook, 72)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Cinnamon Apple Fritter Bread Recipe here

Lesson 38: 3 Nephi 12-16

 September 21-27
3 Nephi 12-16
"I Am the Law and the Light" 

Materials: Beattitude cards (below) printed and cut on yardstick, Law of Christ Matching printout. 
Opening Song: "Keep the Commandments" (Hymnal, 303)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: 3 Nephi 12:48

Attention Activity:
Before FHE, print and cut out the cards onto card stock. Using the cards below, play the Beattitudes Matching game. Match the Beattitude to its blessing. Use 3 Nephi 12 or Matthew 5 for reference. 

Lesson:

During the Saviors mortal ministry in Israel, Jesus set up His church. He called twelve apostles and taught the people the gospel. What are some things Jesus taught while on the earth? Just like in Judea, when Jesus appears to the Nephites, He calls twelve apostles (disciples) and teaches the people the gospel. 

Do you remember leaning about the Sermon on the Mount? Well, in 3 Nephi 12, Jesus gives a similar sermon to the Nephites. He teaches them the beattitudes (point to the cards). He also teaches the Law of Christ. The Law of Christ is a kind of more advanced version of the 10 commandments and the Law of Moses. 

Activity: Law of Christ Matching

Print out the Matching sheet below. Have your family match the old mosaic laws to the new law of Christ taken from 3 Nephi 12. 

Read 3 Nephi 12: 47. Christ explains that the old laws, The Law of Moses, are done. The practice of sacrifice, which the Nephites had been doing is now fulfilled in Christ. Now people are to follow Christ's teachings. 

Read 3 Nephi 12: 48. Woah! Raise your hand if you are perfect. Uh oh! No one is raising their hand. Christ said that we need to be perfect like Heavenly Father and He is. So what now? Do we give up? In October Conference 2017, Elder Holland gave a marvelous talk on perfection called, "Be Ye Therefore Perfect--Eventually." (Have your family take turns reading the quotes from the talk below. You may also read or listen to the talk in it's entirety here.)

_________________________________________________

"I also know that, as children of God, we should not demean or vilify ourselves, as if beating up on ourselves is somehow going to make us the person God wants us to become. No! With a willingness to repent and a desire for increased righteousness always in our hearts, I would hope we could pursue personal improvement in a way that doesn’t include getting ulcers or anorexia, feeling depressed or demolishing our self-esteem."

"As President Russell M. Nelson has taught, here in mortality perfection is still “pending.”

"From the beginning the gospel has been “for the perfecting of the saints, … till we … come … unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”

Our only hope for true perfection is in receiving it as a gift from heaven_—we can’t “earn” it.

"It is not too much for Them to ask us to be a little more godlike in little things, that we speak and act, love and forgive, repent and improve..."

"So while in mortality let’s strive for steady improvement without obsessing over what behavioral scientists call “toxic perfectionism.”

"Brothers and sisters, every one of us aspires to a more Christlike life than we often succeed in living. If we admit that honestly and are trying to improve, we are not hypocrites; we are human."

"If we persevere, then somewhere in eternity our refinement will be finished and complete—which is the New Testament meaning of perfection."

______________________________________________________

 

Obviously perfection is a tall order. It's impossible for us as mortal beings to be perfect. We make mistakes. But we can always try a little harder and do a little better. We can't do everything perfect all the time, but we can start with doing one small thing perfect right now. For example there's no such thing as a perfect child, but there is such a thing as a perfectly clean room. 

Read Moroni 10:32-33. Through Christ's atonement we are made perfect as we repent. After all when we repent Heavenly Father remembers our sins "no more." We obtain ultimate perfection as we receive celestial glory and everyday we can try to come a little closer to that goal by following the Savior's teachings.

Closing Song: "Love One Another" (Children's Songbook, 136).
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: S'mores cookies recipe here

Lesson 37: 3 Nephi 8-11

 September 14-20
3 Nephi 8-11
"Arise and Come Forth Unto Me"

Materials: picture of the Christus Statue, "Testaments" video (optional)
Opening Song: "This is My Beloved Son" (Children's Hymnbook, 76)
Opening Prayer: 
Scripture: 3 Nephi 11: 7-8 Behold my ^aBeloved Son, ^bin whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him. And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they ^asaw a Man ^bdescending 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.

Attention Activity:

Show a picture of the Christus statue like the one below. Have you ever seen this statue before in person? If so, what was it like? What can you see in the Savior's hands and feet? This statue reminds us of sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It also depicts how the Savior's arms are always open for us, inviting us to come unto Him. 

Lesson:

When Jesus came to the Nephites, he invited everyone in attendance to "Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may ^athrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may ^bfeel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the ^cGod of Israel, and the God of the whole ^dearth, and have been slain for the sins of the world." (3 Nephi 11:14). Jesus wanted the people to know with a surety that He was the Redeemer. 

Read 3 Nephi 11:15 and show the pictures that come in the manual: "One by One" by Walter Rane (pg. 147) and "One Shepherd" by Howard Lyn (pg. 149) Later, we read their were about 2,500 people in attendance that day. How long do you think it would  have taken for each and every person to meet the Savior and feel his wounds? If each person would have taken only 5 seconds, this would have taken just under 4 hours. Despite the length of time, this was important to the Savior. In fact, it's the first thing he does after descending from the heavens. 

The Savior wanted everyone there to have a personal testimony of him. He wants each of us to have personal spiritual experiences that build faith in Christ. Have you ever had a spiritual experience where you felt your testimony of the Savior grow? 

What are some things we can do to "Come unto Christ" to strengthen our testimonies of him? One of the amazing things about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is that it has some amazing programs and organizations put in place to help its members gain stronger testimonies. (Depending on the age of your family members, discuss some programs and experiences that can help everyone "Come unto Christ" i.e. primary activity days, youth activities, the Children and Youth goal setting program, seminary, church camps, FSY conferences, institute, Relief Society and Elder's Quorum activities, ministering, the Come Follow Me program, etc.) How have these programs strengthened your testimony? 

Just as the Savior ministered to the Nephites one by one, He has asked each of us to minister to those around us. He wants to act in His stead to help others and comfort those who need comfort. We can do this by doing acts of kindness for those in our family, helping in our community, and serving any who we have been assigned to as ministering brothers and sisters.

Jesus Christ know you by name. You are special to Him. If He were here now, we would also have the opportunity to see His scarred hands, feet, and side. We would fall to our knees, knowing that He saved us from our sins and enabled us to repent and live with Heavenly Father again. Jesus wants us to get to know Him. To learn about His life, His ministry, and His gospel. He wants us to bear testimony of Him. Bear your testimony of Jesus Christ. 

Optional Activity: "Testaments" video 

Closing Song: "He Sent His Son" (Children's Hymnbook, 34)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread recipe here

Lesson 36: 3 Nephi 1-7

September 7-13

3 Nephi 1-7

"Lift up your head and be of good cheer"

Materials: "Following the Leader" video clip (below), print out disciple quote strips, Badge printouts (below), coloring supplies, 

Opening Song: "I'm trying to be like Jesus" (Children's Songbook, 78)

Opening Prayer:

Scripture: 3 Nephi 5:13

Attention Activity: 

Watch the video clip below.

Who were the lost boys following? Who are we supposed to follow? Another word for a follower is a disciple. 

Lesson:

What do you think it means to be a disciple of Christ? Sometimes in the scriptures the word "disciple" refers to the apostles, but today we are going to talk about disciples as "followers of Jesus Christ." We obviously cannot follow Jesus like the lost boys followed John around Neverland. So, how can we follow Jesus? 

Activity: Disciple Strips

Before the lesson cut out the quotes below. Pass out the strips containing quotations from the scriptures and President James E. Faust's talk, "Discipleship" from October 2006 General Conference. Have family members read their strips in order to spell out the word "Disciple." After they read each quote, use the talking points to discuss each letter.

______________________________________________________________

D- “The word for disciple and the word for discipline both come from the same Latin root_—discipulus, which means pupil. It emphasizes practice or exercise.” 

I- D&C 41:5  He that ^areceiveth my ^blaw and ^cdoeth it, the same is my disciple; and he that saith he receiveth it and ^ddoeth it not, the same is not my disciple, and shall be ^ecast out from among you;

S- “The disciples of Christ receive a call to not only forsake the pursuit of worldly things but to carry the cross daily. To carry the cross means to follow His commandments and to build up His Church on the earth. It also means self-mastery.”

C- “Our true claim as disciples comes when we can say with certainty that His ways have become our ways.”

I- D&C 52: 40 And remember in all things the ^apoor and the ^bneedy, the ^csick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple.

P- D&C 45: 32 But my disciples shall ^astand in holy places, and shall not be moved;

 

L- D&C 103:27-28 27 Let no man be afraid to lay down his life for my sake; for whoso layeth down his life for my sake shall find it again.

28 And whoso is not willing to lay down his life for my sake is not my disciple.

“For most of us, however, what is required is not to die for the Church but to live for it. For many, living a Christlike life every day may be even more difficult than laying down one’s life.”

E- “Discipleship brings purpose to our lives so that rather than wandering aimlessly, we walk steadily on that strait and narrow way that leads us back to our Heavenly Father.”

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Discussion Points: 

D- Disciples are students of Jesus, who learn from and practice his teachings.

I- Disciples are obedient to the laws and commandments of God. The not only don't do the things they aren't supposed to, but also they do the things they should. 

S- Disciples try to build God's Kingdom; they share the gospel with others. 

C- Disciples seek to do the Lord's will and follow direction from the Holy Ghost. 

I- Disciples serve others. They help those less fortunate and serve their families and communities.

P- Disciples stand in holy places and are not moved. This means that they stick to their standards wherever they are. They try to make their homes a sacred, holy place. And they try to attend church and the temple often.

L- Disciples should be willing to die for their testimony. Or as President Faust said, live for their testimony. This means living the what you believe. 

E- Disciples have purpose; they set goals. They understand the plan of salvation and seek celestial glory.  

Read 3 Nephi 5: 12-13. Mormon interrupts his narration to declare that he is a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Have you ever noticed any one in our family acting as a disciple of Christ? What did they do? Who else are good examples of discipleship?

Activity: Badge Coloring. 

Print out the page and cut out one per family member. Each person can color their own badge. Encourage your family to put it somewhere they will see it often (like their bathroom mirror, locker, etc.) The badge will remind them what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. 

Share your testimony of Jesus Christ and what you believe it means to be a true disciple. 

Closing Song: "The Church of Jesus Christ" (Children's Songbook, 77)

Closing Prayer:

Refreshment: Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries